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The SEAL and the Survivor

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When A Serial Killer Is Hunting You
Love Just Might Help You Survive

Women in Montana are disappearing without a trace, but the authorities aren’t looking for them. That is… until eight bodies are accidently discovered.

Vivian Nighthorse has seen the worst of humanity up close, she’s the sole survivor of the serial killer known as the Butcher of Billings. For five long years she’s been alone, running, hiding, looking over her shoulder…terrified the killer will find her and finish what he started.

She’d hidden herself well––or so she thought.

Navy SEAL Grant “Midas” St. John can’t stop thinking about the mysterious woman from the grocery store. But despite his best effort, he hasn’t been able to find her. Just as he’s losing hope of ever seeing her again, fate steps in and he learns his mystery woman has been closer than he could have imagined.

Determined to help Vivian lead a normal life, Midas uses his considerable computer skills to secretly track a trail of clues, desperately trying to locate a killer no one else has been able to find.

But nothing and no one will prevent the killer from hunting and reclaiming Vivian––the one victim who got away.

Will Vivian survive a killer a second time? Or will her luck finally run out?

The SEAL and the Survivor is an interconnected stand-alone love story with no cliffhangers. It is book 3 in the series but can easily be read and enjoyed alone.

*Adult Content-Over 18 Only

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2023

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16 people want to read

About the author

Jesse Slade

6 books121 followers

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Miss Andrews.
470 reviews16 followers
June 9, 2023
This story is a wild rollercoaster ride filled with laughter, pain, brotherhood, family, acceptance, friendship, love, passion and a fear that is paralysing in its intensity. I feel exhausted from the maelstrom of emotions pulled from
me but, dear lord I would read it again in a second!!

It’s like getting together with old friends going back into the lives of Reaper and his team. These guys pull you in and give you a huge welcome hug, giving you a ringside seat to the next instalment of their lives.

Midas (Grant) is a true warrior. An alpha male with a strong protector streak and a moral compass that points true north. It’s so beautiful to watch this badass Navy SEAL be gentle and caring.

I loved his immediate response to Vivian, but what I loved the most about his character was his ability to see beyond the outer dressing and see what was hidden beneath. This isn’t something a lot of people, in my experience, are capable of or interested in doing. So, to watch this magnificent specimen of a man look beneath the layers of a person with practised ease was heartwarming.

Vivian is one of the strongest female characters I think I’ve read. Her backbone is made of pure steel.
Knowing the pain and fear she has lived through just about broke my heart. No one should be subjected to such atrocities.

I am in total awe of her. She survived and still managed to convince her beautiful soul not to abandon her. She’s as stunning on the inside as she is on the outside. Her inner beauty shone like the brightest star in the night sky as she fought to live some form
of life.

Watching the way she was courageous enough to open up to Midas, to grab onto the life she never knew she could have with a man like him, her true soulmate.

This is a beautiful story which broke my heart one moment and made it whole the next. It’s a story that walked straight into my heart and shows no sign of leaving.

The chemistry between Midas and Vivian is all consuming, a living breathing entity. Beauty in its true form with enough sparks to make me concerned that my kindle might have overheated.

Jesse Slade is such talented author with an obvious and true love for her art. She has injected humour into a story that shows us the worst life has to offer seamlessly. The words flow from the pages, the depth grabbing you and taking you on the most beautiful and memorable ride of your life.

I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough.

There are truly not enough stars in the night sky to do this book justice.
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,610 reviews27 followers
May 28, 2023
This is my first book from this author and I have to say I am impressed! I didn’t have any expectations for this book when I started I just liked the short synopsis I read. It didn’t disappoint. Vivian is kidnapped by a serial killer. Her strength of character, her grit and her pure determination is so amazing. This book is a HEA, standalone even though it’s book three but it has some very graphic and disturbing scenes. If you are faint at heart or have trigger warning beware. But the writing is strong and cohesive. It is full of emotions and some serious anxiety inducing moments. Gah! I hate when I love a book because it makes writing a review harder with out giving away the plot. The events while some are horrendous are all believable and the story just flows. I couldn’t put this down and read it late into the wee hours! I will be reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Bexbookrex .
549 reviews44 followers
May 17, 2023
OMG! I love this book so much! The SEAL and the Survivor by Jesse Slade is full of excitement and romance and thrills and camaraderie and steam! It starts us right off in the thick of an abduction! Things settle and our MCs meet amongst friends and found family. There's love and alIIIll the sexiness! Then we get tossed right back in to the thrilling deep end. Have no fear, it wraps up in a lovely HEA. I super de duper double recommend it!!
Profile Image for Ashlee.
765 reviews
May 24, 2023
This book starts with a bang and doesn’t let up the entire time! I loved getting to know Vivian and her warrior spirit which paired so perfectly with Midas’ strength and protectiveness. This series just keeps getting better and better!!
Profile Image for Ashley Wiser.
111 reviews12 followers
June 11, 2023
What a great continuation of this series! I thoroughly loved seeing Vivian's journey to recovery and how she opened herself back up to love. Midas was a great guy who took his time, allowing Vivian to heal at her own pace. Great job, and keep up the fantastic work!! Can't wait for the next!
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,058 reviews54 followers
September 1, 2025
Wow! Wow! Wow! I’m not sure I have the right words for this book. It was beyond amazing. It was gripping, intense, emotional, and so much more. My stomach was in knots while reading about Vivian’s deadly brush with a serial killer and my heart broke for her. The torment, the agony, the terror, and the despair…it was all so gut-wrenching. The immediate aftermath and her treatment by those in authority and the caregivers were terribly sad and sickening and made me angry at the thought of that actually happening to someone. The constant fear and terror Vivian had to live with for five long years, always having to look over her shoulder and never be able to make friends or put down roots, was just heartbreaking. This book definitely pulled at the heartstrings and emotions from beginning to end.

I absolutely loved Vivian’s character. Her strength, determination, and will to survive. This woman had grit in spades and then some. Just a fabulous character. After everything she survived, I loved watching her break away from her fear and live. I really enjoyed watching the evolution of her character as well as her developing relationship with Grant (Midas). He was such a sweetheart and so careful, friendly, and loving with her. I couldn’t help but smile with their interactions and I loved seeing him bring her out of her shell. The chemistry between these two was electric and steamy. They made such a great couple and the unusual romantic gestures Grant made were so sweet and swoony. They were just perfect for Vivian and made my heart melt for him with his thoughtfulness. Really aww worthy!

I loved seeing the rest of the team, the ladies, and their families, and the way they welcomed Vivian as one of their own and all the help and support they provided. There were some really great moments in this book. One of my ultimate favorites was with Alex, Vivian, and Grant in the horse barn. The antics and conversations and Grant’s reactions had me hysterically laughing and gasping for air. Soooooo, so funny. That scene alone helped make this book memorable for me. I definitely won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. Hahaha!!!

All in all, the characters were amazing, the storyline was tragic, horrifying, romantic, suspenseful, and funny with action, steam, great banter, drama, and a made family. The serial killer was evil personified, and the SEAL team was a brotherhood of great guys full of protection, love, loyalty, friendship, and more. I know that description sounds strange but with Jesse’s storytelling and writing style, it worked. All the different aspects of this book made it a really great read.
Profile Image for Christina Rybka.
1,129 reviews17 followers
May 23, 2023
After escaping a serial killer and then the police end up giving your address away, Vivian goes on the run for five years and lands in Virginia Beach. She is always looking over her shoulder. She meets Alex and Hali and Alex offers her a job on her ranch. She meets Grant and he is the first man in a long time who she is attracted to and he is totally attracted to her. Danger is lurking and on its way to her. Can Grant protect Vivian for her worst nightmare? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book. I love Grant and Vivian Excellent supporting characters. I couldn’t put this book down read in a day. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is the third book in a standalone series and I can’t wait for the next book
Profile Image for Fiction Vixen Book Review .
130 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2023
3/5 🌶
5/5 ⭐️

Alpha Male Protector, Dual POV, Sexy Cowgirl, Slow Burn, Serial Unaliver with a Grudge

I've always loved Military Romance books. Being a military spouse, I'm very picky about which ones I read, but I can honestly say I'm so glad I took a chance on new-to-me author, Jesse Slade! While this book includes a sexy seal, it doesn't have any triggers for me from a military spouse standpoint. So that's a win for me!

The way the book starts is from the view of the FMC while she is facing down the unaliver. I was on the edge of my seat from page one!

There was a scene involving a horse that had me laughing so hard I cried! I would say more, but I don't want to ruin it!

The story is unique, detailed, knowledgeable, and truly is a scary but beautiful romance. I fell in love with the other characters and will be going back to read their books as well. I'm hoping the next book in the series involves a certain Sugar Darlin'!

Overall, this was different from what I usually read, but still has dark elements along with the sweet romance. Everything I was looking for!


#newbookalert #lovereading #bookcommunity #reading #bookish #romancenovels #booknerds #bookishlove #mustread #ebooks #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookworm #bookish #bookaddict #booknerd #bibliophile #bookshelf #booklove #bookreview #bookblogger #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #bookblog #igreads #booklovers #fictionvixenbookreview
Profile Image for Idalia Helaena.
1,633 reviews91 followers
July 6, 2023
“The SEAL and the Survivor” is Grant and Vivi’s love story, and although it is the third book in Jesse Slade’s No Easy Day series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I thought this book had a uniquely intriguing premise; the first chapters were extremely dark and graphic, but their inclusion was necessary in order to give the reader context on Vivi’s backstory. I wanted to talk about the main characters, Grant and Vivi. Grant is a charismatic SEAL with a kind heart and a fiercely protective streak. I loved how patient he was with Vivi, how he didn’t pressure her to open up about her past. Vivi is a quiet, skittish Native American beauty on the run from a serial killer. This book was wonderful, it had a lot of great action packed scenes and was somehow humorous and suspenseful at the same time. A 5 star read for sure!!!
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,429 reviews41 followers
May 26, 2023
This book was so damn good!!! Jesse Slade has delivered a book that was gripping, emotional, intense, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Vivian has been on the run for five years after she managed to escape a serial killer, not to mention the incompetent cops that gave her address out. She finally finds herself staying put in Virginia Beach, but she's always looking over her shoulder. She ends up taking a job on a ranch, and she also meets Grant. They both like one another and Grants the first guy that Vivian has actually been attracted to in a while. But just when it seems like maybe everything will be ok, danger is close and it's coming fast. Will Grant be able to protect Vivian from what lurks ahead?? This book was so good, hard to put down, and I sure didn't want it to end. This is your sign to go grab a copy today.
2,408 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2023
The Seal and the Survivor by Jesse Slade was the freaking amazing story of Grant and Vivian. She’s on the run…hiding…from a horrible past. She meets Grant and the sparks are instantaneous!! But, her past continues to haunt her….and she’s in danger….

This is one of the best stories I’ve read all year!!!! Engrossing, creepy, fear-inducing, danger-filled…had me on pins and needles…I could not stop reading!!! The tension was palpable and the characters were incredible! Vivian was strong, resilient, fierce…but, tender, devoted, and full of life!! Grant was loving, accepting, and so protective!!!

I appreciated the level of research by this author…everything was so real, spot on, and accurate!!! Excellent story!!!
Profile Image for Shalene Marie.
Author 16 books113 followers
July 24, 2024
This is my 3rd and favorite book so far by the wonderful author, Jesse Slade. Even though it runs a little darker than her
previous books, it in no way disappoints.
What the heroine has to endure in this story is unimaginable. But she survives and escapes the villain only to meet the hero of this story, Midas.
Midas is a tech savvy stud who cannot help but be intrigued by this damsel in distress.
The chemistry between this couple
crackles even as we can’t help but worry that the villain will return to finish what he started years ago.
Amazingly well written story that I cannot recommend
highly enough!
2,776 reviews22 followers
May 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This author and series are new to me ans jumping right in, this read well as a standalone. Definitely will add the previous books to my TBR. This starts off with a terrifying bang that has you on edge. The heroine goes through so much. Then we have a swoony Seal, sweet romance along with suspense. Great read.
Profile Image for Alharaca.
899 reviews11 followers
June 10, 2023
Endearing and amazing. Love every moment whit it's suspense and emotions. You will devour the book and fall in love with their story and resilience. Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
1,319 reviews107 followers
July 4, 2023
Jesse Slade’s The Seal and the Survivor is a riveting blend of action and romance, meticulously crafted to satiate the appetite of genre enthusiasts. It is a tale woven around the captivating protagonist, Vivian Nighthorse – a beautiful Native American woman whose life is upended by a heinous ordeal.

Before catastrophe strikes, Vivian enjoys a tranquil existence working at a ranch in Montana, only to find herself thrust into a nightmare at the hands of a notorious serial killer, dubbed the ‘Butcher of Billings.’ Displaying remarkable resilience, Vivian escapes the macabre confinements of the log cabin, embarking on a cross-country odyssey. Her journey is a harsh one, rife with odd jobs and periods of homelessness until fortune smiles upon her in Virginia Beach.

In this picturesque setting, Vivian secures a position at another ranch, enabling her to rekindle her affinity with horses. Accommodation is included, but the most noteworthy aspect of her new life is the introduction of Grant St. John – a stunningly attractive, physically formidable Navy Seal who is spellbound by Vivian from their first encounter. Amidst her struggle to outpace the terrifying specter of the ‘Butcher,’ will Vivian manage to overcome her anxieties and trust Grant enough to let him into her life?

I am delighted to award The Seal and the Survivor a well-deserved rating of five out of five stars. Slade masterfully maintains a brisk narrative pace that holds readers captive, striking an impressive balance between suspenseful action and romantic subplot. It is a novel abundant with explicit romantic scenes, making it an engaging, easy read, perfect for a summer vacation.

The story arcs of Vivian and Grant are both emotionally resonant and uplifting. Vivian is a tenacious, independent woman combating adversity, and readers will find themselves ardently cheering her on at every hurdle. Grant, with his compelling blend of strength and sensitivity, is the quintessential hero who is sure to win hearts.

I must caution prospective readers about the explicit violence within the novel’s torture scenes. They may prove to be overwhelming for those with a more delicate disposition. For others, this blend of horror with an exhilarating storyline will enhance the overall reading experience. The novel is robust with potential for subsequent narratives focusing on Vivian and her allies. If you’re looking for your next beach read, I highly recommend adding The Seal and the Survivor to your list.
Profile Image for NotTheTea.
829 reviews41 followers
May 30, 2023
3.5⭐

🏇🔪I feel for Vivian. That girl deserves so much. I hope they don't turn her into a pining bimbo when she meets her man like every other book.

🏇🔪Fall in love because you just. Not because of some kind of FOMO, that feels forced.

🏇🔪I had the experience of literal ROFL with that horse semen scene 🤣 Poor Grant was in a horse trauma.

🏇🔪I officially love Grant. That softball has my heart.

🏇🔪I love how the author didn't make Vivian overly insecure which sometimes feels like whining. She has scars, lots of scars which is just fact and she accepted it like a fact.

🏇🔪So the first time she did something for herself and joined a public event the preparator found her. That was just frustrating.

🏇🔪The minute the team learned about Vivi's past their thoughts went how "their women and kids" could be in danger because they hangout with her all the time. Like no thought for the women you all called a friend went through some serious hell. Ok scratch that ig not their friend perse just a friend of "their woman" but also woman of their "brother" one of their own. Wow so much for brotherhood and all.

🏇🔪Yep it wasn't just their reflex reaction. They truly don't give a shit about Vivian.

🏇🔪I would have liked to see if the team was as eager to help if Vivian wasn't near "their woman". What was the point of her running away thn?

🏇🔪After hearing everything did the girls really just say now they can go out because the preparator is dead?

🏇🔪Ok the ending was kinda rushed. Not the aftermath though. That felt like a big epilogue which I liked. But the team didn't even come to help, I was already salty about them. The other victims. Didn't their family deserve the closure? No action against a whole police department who victim blamed on a serial killer case and did kinda nothing to catch the said serial killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Deborah Varnado.
92 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2023
Wow, I don't even know where to begin with this one. To call Vivian Nighthorse a survivor is an understatement. What she had to endure after being abducted and still having the ability to last five years on the run is a testament to the strength and determination of this amazing character. She definitely fits in with the tough-as-nails women in this series and I love how they didn't flinch when she met them and needed help. Alex and Hali from Books 1 and 2 welcomed her in and gave her the boost she needed to take a break from running and to try and enjoy life a little.

And then we have Grant "Midas" St. John, the Navy Seal who felt an instant connection to Vivian when they met in the store and then went months before finding each other again. He was just the person she needed to help rebuild her trust in men and people in general and the way he cared for her without being overbearing made me swoon. When trouble showed up, as it often does in this series, I was shocked and pleasantly surprised by who stepped in to help. Jesse Slade has cemented these characters into my heart and also my family, I can't get enough of them. Even though the books can be read as standalone, seeing the connections throughout the series makes it extra special. Now let's see what surprises Book 4 has in store.
Profile Image for ShannonKay12.
92 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2023
ARC REVIEW

This was a page turner from the very start! It was immediately a sit up straight and move to the edge of your chair situation and I just wanted more.

The characters are fantastic, the story believable and extremely realistic. I mean, you can smell the farm, feel the emotions and at times you feel like you are literally living in Vivian’s body and going through all the motions. Jesse Slade has a way with words that envelop you and make the story all that more enticing. The connection with Grant that develops on Vivian’s terms is heartfelt and just one of those moments where you hold the book to your heart and swoon at how sweet the man can be.

I am always game for dark reads and this ticked all the boxes for a quick read that I consumed! Action packed and drama filled, suspenseful and yet romantic, this book nailed what the author was intending and now I’m adding all the others to my TBR! Fan for life!

#romancebook #darkromance #indieauthors #bookreview #bookblogger #bookstagram #militaryromance #romanticsuspense #NoEasyDay #thesealandthesurvivor #jesseslade #unalivepromotions
106 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2023
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and binge read it in one setting. I liked the inclusion of horses and a fairly realistic perspective about the work and dedication needed to work with horses; I grew up around horses and was glad to see how accurate the information included was. I also really liked the friendship that formed between Vivian and the other girls.
Another thing I liked was the accurate trauma representation. After what Vivian went through, it would be expected for her to be paranoid (and rightfully so in this case!) and have a hard time trusting people. Because of that, I didn’t love the whole “I’ve never immediately trusted someone until now” thing, because I feel like that aspect would be unrealistic, but besides that it was accurate and thorough, including her unwillingness to go out in public and keeping her hat down over her face.
I also liked that this book was readable as a standalone. This is book three of the series I believe and I have not read either of the other two books, but I didn’t need to in order to understand what was happening.
Finally, I thought that this book started out REALLY strong right off the bat. Typically a book starts with a similar vibe to how it continues but this one really went straight into the trauma causing event which I was not expecting at all. I think that maybe should have been eased into a little bit, but I kept reading so it couldn’t have been too bad!
Profile Image for Victoria Shelton.
1,049 reviews14 followers
June 4, 2023
Wow! This author has a way with words.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and wow they don’t get enough recognition on platforms yet. I see this author going big places. This book is the third in series and can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading the others as well because there are recurring characters.

Vivi and Midas run into each other at the grocery store, Midas can tell something is bothering the lady. He doesn’t say anything and they run into each other at checkout he forgets his wallet and has to run to the car but by the time he’s back in , Vivian passes him on the way out and he finds out the lady paid for his groceries. He can’t find her in the parking lot to thank her.


Things in tense for her and she runs into some ladies willing to help her out. She tells them her back story from five years ago and they realize they have some things in common. One of the ladies offers her a job on the spot.

Vivian finds herself in a place doing what she loved before everything bad happen. A few months go by and surprise surprise mystery man appears in front of her and that’s when Midas and her relationship grow. If you have never read this author please pick up the book, I’ll be busy reading book one and two now.
Profile Image for Kristin Keele.
332 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2023
Riveting, Haunting, Easy read. The Butcher of billings has added a lot of girls to his collection but now he wants Brooke. Feeling hopeless that she will be his latest victim she escapes his torture and is on the run. I really enjoyed this story and it was well written.
Thank you Unalive Promotions for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
1,961 reviews35 followers
May 18, 2023
Who doesn't love it when the good guys win?? This comes about after your heart breaks for Vivi. The love & care Grant gives Vivi just melts your heart. The team & their women just fit! Suspense, drama, love & heat coming out the barn keeps you engaged for sure! Excellent!
4,327 reviews53 followers
June 5, 2023
Vivi life for five years she lived off the grid in hiding. Grant was such a great guy, caring, supportive and swoon worthy. I loved the bonds between all of the guys and their ladies and how she just blended in with them. Good read.
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