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Iyla Dunsmore always considered Miami a great place to live, work, and paint. When left at the altar by a man she thought was her forever, Iyla starts to feel as though the city is closing in on her.

Making her escape to a new job and new home in North Carolina, Iyla is determined to focus on the art she’s so well known for and starting over in a new place where there is no risk of running into her ex or those pretending to be her friends.

Iyla loves her cottage and dream job in one of the most beautiful locations in the country, the Biltmore Estate but remains skittish about her lack of ability to see people for who they really are. Because of this, she vows to avoid romantic relationships until she can figure out how she was so wrong about the man she’d planned to marry.

Two new friends introduce her to life in the picturesque Asheville, but one teaches the artist that not everyone can accept her self-imposed isolation. This pushes Iyla to make another move to another fresh start, this time in a small town outside Virginia Beach.

Move in day gives Iyla an unlikely and eye-opening introduction to her only neighbor, the sexy lawyer, Nolan “Judge” Lockmore.

After his team is targeted on US soil again, Nolan is seriously considering leaving the SEALs and making the transfer back to office of Judge Advocate General. The only thing stopping him is loyalty to his team, though the possibility of spending more time with his gorgeous neighbor is tempting.

The two become fast friends, but something about the Navy SEAL makes Iyla nervous. Suspecting a criminal past or that she’s trying to escape someone, Nolan reveals his secret life hoping to make Iyla trust him and then waits and watches until the truth rears its ugly head.

A man from Iyla’s past shows up and is determined to possess her, though the artist refuses to see the danger as anything more than coincidence.

Nolan tries hard to open her eyes to reality, but he’s too late. His only chance to save Iyla might just end her life.

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

33 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Jo Chambliss

19 books54 followers

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,536 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2024
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 7th book in the Waterproof: Navy SEALs series. I have read and reviewed the first six books in this series before picking this book up, but I feel this book can be read as a standalone. I love the characters in this book. This is the romance of Judge and Iyla. The beginning starts off slow, and you really get to Iyla. This book has a ton of action and suspense, but It also has a great romance between the two main characters. I could really feel the love between those characters.
Profile Image for Ellen YS.
345 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2022
Compelling characters, detailed suspense and a non-formulaic resolution

Jo Chambliss does a great job with the Waterproof: Navy SEALs series.

The action and 'mission' parts of these books are detailed compelling and show both the vulnerability and strength of her characters. She pairs this with hot romances. The series has a little bit of everything. Sometimes the romance is part of the broader mission. Sometimes the romance and suspense are separate from the Navy SEALs' work. Some are insta-lust, and some, like Escapeproof, have a more emotional start.

Judge, a quieter member of the team and currently questioning his future, both in the team and what he wants from life, have a meet-cute moment with the new neighbour. Of course, we already know Iyla by now, although some more information is still to be revealed. We know some of Iyla's backstory, so I was chomping at the bit for the two neighbours to connect. That this was handled as a friendship first was great, but the way Judge put Iyla's feelings and comfort above his own just melted my heart.

The danger surrounding Iyla heats up, and Judge is not always around to protect her. Both he and Iyla struggle with this. I liked that the protagonist was clever, manipulative and not easily dissuaded by a show of force or logic. The possible resolution of this issue was not clear and straightforward, given the twisting of facts and events. This element brought much-needed depth to a book that may otherwise have just been another save-the-girl-from-the-stalker trope.

The side characters are great, and Leo, whose book we will have next, broke both Iyla and my heart.



*I received a copy of Escapeproof from Net Galley and Author Collective 20 in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,395 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2022
*I received a copy of Escapeproof from Net Galley and Author Collective 20 in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.**

Escapeproof by Jo Chambliss
This is the seventh book in the authors Waterproof: Navy SEALs series and is well worth reading as I enjoyed reading this new edition to the series. This is Judge and Iyla Dunsmore's story of escaping a heartbreak and stalker and Judge will question his position within the team.

Iyla Dunsmore is a wonderful artist who can take a photo or design and make it into a advertising campaign for the Biltmore estate and several top corporations. But she's just been left at the alter and wants to start a new life with stops in North Carolina and then Virginia Beach. What she doesn't count on is a stalker who doesn't understand the word NO and that he'll do anything to change her mind. When she meets Judge her new neighbor her life will soon be changed because he'll do anything when the stalker tries to take on not only Navy SEALs but also kidnap Iyla while he's on a mission. Can he find her in time with the help of his friends?

I can't wait to read Skin's and Commander O'Reilly the final two books in the series each book just gets more exciting as the men find their HEA.
Profile Image for Robin Orgera.
156 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2022
Iyla Dunsmore is an artist who is struggling to trust again after being left at the alter in Miami. She moves to the Biltmore Estates in North Carolina to work on a commission piece that will take her several months. While out at the park she meets a police officer who she becomes friends with but he wants more and she has to push him away when he won't take no. She finishes her commissions pieces and moves to Virginia Beach. She meets her new neighbor Nolan "Judge" Lockmore in a funny, naked way. He catches her interest but she is too scared to move forward from being hurt in the past. Judge is interested but backs off and accepts her friendship but secretly hopes for more. They start to move forward but a stalker from her past keeps trying to break them up and terrorize them. This is my first time reading Jo Chambliss and I was impressed. She is officially on my list of authors to read and I have already gone back to the start of the series. This book can be read as a stand alone. Great suspense and slow build for romance. I really enjoyed and recommend.

I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,909 reviews27 followers
March 5, 2022
(4.5) If I recall correctly (since I haven't been on one in over 40 years) a roller coaster starts off slow, chugging up the hill...then wham you are full steam ahead with curves, drops and more hills. Read this book! A true energizing, exhilarating scary ride, which does not leave you hanging and provides more than thrills and chills. Our creep, our stalker, is one scary dude. His profession and band of brothers makes it worse. It is a scary thought all in itself. Judge is already wondering if he should transfer out and had back to JAG. When Judge asks "what do I bring to the team" my heart did a little stutter. The commanders response made me fist pump in the air. This was a first book that starts with such an in depth look into our female protagonist, Iyla. Jo Chambliss always writes with grit and heart I was a little lost. As I read on I understood the depth it provided the acceptance of where Iyla is coming from. The relationship is a win, the starts, the stops, a flat out win! The deployment scenes are not just alluded to, you par take in them. Laughter bubbled out when Iyla got her knickers in a twist and let loose with her Scottish accent. Her strength and ability to see what Skin is facing made me love her more. Skin, my heart is shredded, I have faith. I know it will be a hard row but you can and will survive. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions and appreciate the arc from Net Galley, Author 30 Collective and Hover Press.
1,077 reviews
February 13, 2022
I do adore this series and have looked forward to learning more about Judge since the beginning of the series. The quieter member of the team, little has really been revealed about him prior to this, though he has been a constant steady presence for his teammates when needed.

Well it’s fair to say he certainly reveals more of himself in this book (hehe!)

But before we get to that, I loved how this book moved on pretty much directly from Inks story initially to lay ground work but then time was passed really well whilst giving Iyla an in-depth and comprehensive back story. I think we learnt more about her than any other female character and I really enjoyed how the building peril element of the story had some real tangible background you could reflect on in the early part of the book.

I found it refreshing how once Iyla trusted Judge so much with her safety, even when they were both pretending to themselves that they weren’t falling for each other, she listened to his advice and didn’t stray into “too stupid to live” territory, despite her nativity initially about certain peoples intents.

I liked how honestly genuine Judge was in his pursuit of Iyla, some bare chested posturing never goes amiss with this group (*wipes brow*) and his willingness to give her the space and time she needed to really come to terms with her feelings for him went a long way in this book.

I find this authors strong draw for me is the detail and inclusion of deployments and missions with detail rather than in passing. Some authors use this trope as a facilitator but seem to skim over the intensity of battle and what can come from that, which is something this author never shys away from and it makes the books a little more real for me. She also includes conflict within the teams, greater than simple fall outs she explores the doubts and fears these men have and exposes some of their inner demons that relate to the team and not just their feelings about getting a hea. None of these men are perfect, and those moments are crafted to humanise and make these people, whilst undoubtably special, individuals who are at times simple men who do extraordinary things. It has also really pulled me in how in the last few books the “last men standing” have been so open with each other about their feelings about being alone and what they hope for in the future for themselves, these conversations always tear at my heartstrings.

Again I find my heart aching for Skin, though for a different reason in this book, and I can’t wait to see what happens next with him.

Arc provided from netgalley in exchange for my honest review
3,727 reviews42 followers
March 10, 2022
This is book seven in The Waterproof : Navy Seals Series and it is Iyla and Nolan's story and it is definitely a must read. Iyla is a artist but when she was left at the altar she moved away as far as she could from the place that left her humiliated, angry and not wanting another man in her life for a long time due to her now having big trust issue's. Nolan is part of a navy seals team and he had just got back from the latest mission dirty, tired and in need of a shower and sleep only to find out that he has a new neighbour in the most unconventional way as she condemning naked in his outside shower. The more time that Iyla and Nolan spend together the stronger there feelings for each other grows even though Iyla had been through a lot things are starting to settle down until Iyla has a stalker who is a cop and who will not take no for a answer and then things start to become very dangerous but will they all get out alive only time will tell what the outcome will be for them all. I absolutely love this book and series so much and the characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout the book and I couldn't put it down as it was so addictive and a real page turner and I can't wait to read more books in this amazing series. I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not be disappointed.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,773 reviews38 followers
May 4, 2022
I received this book for an honest review.

Here you have an artist Ilya Dunsmoore leaving Miami for a job in Carolina at a hotel. While she is there she also meets a police officer who she knows likes her buts she tells him she is not interested since she will be leaving shortly. She does not tell him where she will be moving to. She also does not go into being left at the alter and still working through those feelings as well.
When she is done and moves away to Virginia she moves next door to Nolan “Judge” Lockmoore. When the mover leaves they destroy his mailbox and she goes next door with his mail to explain what happened. She is surprised when she sees him in his outdoor shower. After talking shortly she hurries home only to find herself drawing him, with his muscles and lines she ends up drawing many images.
The story goes along and the two of them begin to get to know each other, only to have everything become scary for her when the police officer she meets in Ashville North Carolina has found her and followed her to Virginia beach. He transferred because he wants them to be together. The last half of the story picks up with the officer becoming more of a threat, No; and having to go on a mission, and finally, his whole team becoming involved in her rescue. Another very good story. I received this book from Netgalley.com
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,342 reviews8 followers
January 28, 2022
I was given a free copy and I leave my review freely. Now that almost everyone has found someone to love its now Judge's turn. He meets a woman in a way that is comical and they are slow to move things along. She is an Artist who wanted to find a place to call home so she chose Virginia she was jilited by a former lover and is now cautious about getting into another relationship so quickly. Judge and her begin to build a friendship all well she has gained a stalker and he has followed her to her new home. The stalker begins harassing both Judge and his lady almost kidnapping her in the process. His whole team is behind him and they try to find out a way to protect her. She ends up going willingly with the stalker to protect Judge. The stalker gets what he deserves in the end.

Judge and Ilya move away from their houses that hold to many bad memories and they begin their lives together. I loved how the characters interact with each other not just the two main characters but the rest of the team. Well Written if you love mystery, suspense and action go back and read book one of this series and take it from there. You won't regret it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
317 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2022
Escape proof is an extremely exciting read. ‘Judge’ is a navy seal, committed to his team mates and their missions. Lyla is his new neighbour, she has moved to North Carolina to lick her wounds after being jilted at the altar with no word of explanation from her ex.
This story of their developing relationship moves swiftly, from judge going on a dangerous mission putting his life on the line and Iyla having a stalker that has followed her from the city, with Judge and his team going all out to protect her. The other seal members add much depth to this story and I look forward to reading each of their stories in the other books in this series.
The descriptions of the dangerous missions are tense and very well written as is all of this book.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
450 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2022
Iyla is a woman who was left at the alter and now getting a chance to explore life. She is taking art jobs and enjoying every bit of traveling and seeing anything other than Miami. While in Asheville, on a job at the Biltmore, she meets a city cop at the park. They have a friendship that is different but works for Iyla. When she moves on to Virginia and buys her a house she meets her new neighbor in the most shocking way. She is beyond embarrassed but also appreciates the site. Nolan is a Seal who would love to find the woman who makes him finally feel like he is in love and ready to settle down. When he meets Iyla his new neighbor he has an instant feeling. Things start to develop but nothing is ever perfect for long. Trouble is ahead and they are going to do everything they can to make it out alive. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynne.
456 reviews10 followers
April 2, 2022
I'm a great fan of this series by Jo Chambliss. In this book we meet Iyla and Nolan. Iyla had recently been left at the altar and so decides she needs a change of scenery and moves as far away as possible. She is settling into her new home and after a few days meets Nolan (who is part of a Navy Seal team just back from a mission) and lets just say there intro is unique!! Over the course of some time they get to know each other little by little. Then we discover that Iyla has a stalker who is a cop and has followed her from the previous city she lived in.
Ok, you get the picture....but this book is much more as we learn about the twisted mind of her stalker, who won't take no for an answer!!! How they deal with it all, plus learning about each other is well thought out, and the intro to the team and how they impact on each other makes for a suspenseful action romance. I do recommend that you read the books in order so that you get best out of each book. A great book and already have the following book on pre-order.
6,559 reviews27 followers
March 9, 2022
If you have been following this series then you have probably been waiting for Judge's story and what a story it is. A fast paced read that pulls you along a t a break neck speed though it did take a little longer to get going than most of Jo's books do. Judge is instantly attracted to his new neighbour Iyla Dunsmore but she is very withdrawn after all she is trying to lick her wounds after been dumped at the alter with no explanation from her fiancé while she lived in Miami. Slowly he works his way into her life but Iyla has a stalker and he takes his chance while Judge is overseas on a mission Can he and the team rescue Iyla in time and will he finally have a future with her.
Profile Image for Amanda Zook.
Author 15 books229 followers
April 3, 2022
Jo Chambliss does not disappoint in delivering another magnificent book. From the meet cute, to the final scene, you will fall in love with Iyla and Judge. The suspense is just twisted enough to keep you turning the pages, even though we know the culprit. The bad guy is stunningly creative and smart, so much so it makes you wonder if this will actually end happily. And the scenes when the SEALs are on their missions are intense. I can't wait for the next book in the series and am keeping my fingers crossed for a series about another SEAL team.
804 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2022
another excellent story

Iyla, an artist who has recently been jilted at the alter and moved to take up a job,unfortunately becomes the unwanted obsession of a dirty cop who follows her to Virginia. Her new neighbour is a very attractive Seal, Nolan ( Judge) . He is equally attracted to her but is willing to take things slowly when he learns her history. Unfortunately Dillan, dirty cop, becomes even more obsessive and takes things out on Nolan and Iyla. We also have continuing backstories of the Seal team who help Nolan to get his girl.
1,253 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2022
Another winner from Jo Chambliss. I so love this SEAL series. It provides it all for me. Some action, suspense and romance all rolled up in one great book. This is Iyla's and Nolan's story. Simply fantastic. I did feel sorry for what happened to Leo. It just made the book more realistic as I know things like that do happen in the real world. I would highly recommend this who series!

I received an advanced reader copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
1,039 reviews22 followers
March 23, 2022
Escapeproof by Jo Chambliss was an exciting book!
It is full of action, suspense and romance.
The story of Iyla and Judge, there is chemistry between them from the get go.
Iyla is moving on from being left at the alter and Judge is questioning his career.
As they grow closer, they deal with a stalker and things get crazy.

This was a great book. I could not put it down
I received a free copy by NetGalley for my honest review.
Profile Image for Alex E..
535 reviews18 followers
August 14, 2022
I love all of the books in the series. In this one as well there is drama, stress and attraction. I love that we get to see our heroes during their missions and that everyone makes an appearance.
Definitely things could have been better handled since Nolan had cameras on his house and the security company is run by an ex Army ranger, but then the story could have been easier dealt 🤔
Dual POV standalone but with crossover characters.
Profile Image for v'sreadingjourney.
4,536 reviews
January 29, 2024


Method: ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars
Hero rating: 4/5 - Nolan
Heroine rating: 4/5 - Iyla
Drama: 4/5
Trope(s): military; suspense
Thoughts: Great read, will add to review later.
Profile Image for Sharon Roush.
295 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2022
Loved it!!

Great story, I could not put it down. Jo Chambliss is an automatic buy, her Waterproof: Navy Seals series is absolutely fantastic. I had been waiting on Judges story and she did not disappoint! Now the waiting begins so looking forward to Skins story.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,385 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2022
Another fantastic addition to this series. The author has a great way of telling a story. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with continuous action, suspense and plenty of heat. Iyla and Nolan are the targets of a very possessive and angry cop. HEA.
1,347 reviews5 followers
May 20, 2022
Iyla is jilted at the altar and takes a 4 month job to get out of the city after the completion

Very realistic depiction of how a stalker slowly embeds themselves into a persons life. I would recommend this book and series for mature readers.
Profile Image for Lauren.
703 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2024
Oh man, Judge and Iyla's story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Ugh, so many times, I gasped out loud. I love how he becomes her friend first cause that's what she needs. I love them together. This was such a great book.
Profile Image for Wendy.
151 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2022
Amazing

Another great instalment to this series. Gripping from start to finish. Judges story kept me on the edge of my seat.
Profile Image for George Tyler.
239 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2022
Definitely 4.25 stars for this NTM author. I really enjoyed this book. Iyla has an interesting background. Also, a very interesting meeting with her new neighbor "Judge". And then Uh oh.
Profile Image for George Tyler.
239 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2023
Definitely 4.25 stars for this NTM author. I really enjoyed this book. Iyla has an interesting background. Also, a very interesting meeting with her new neighbor "Judge". And then Uh oh.
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,818 reviews
December 1, 2025
Escapeproof

I really thought that this book couldn't have been better than the previous six and then I read this. I highly recommend reading it and can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Amberita.
60 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2025
I couldn't figure out if Iyla was just dumb or very naive or a combination of the two.
I really enjoyed Judge and seeing how the rest of the team was doing. But seriously Iyla should have seen all the warning signs about Dillon when she first met him. She definitely should have sat up and taken notice when she found out that he followed her when she moved. I just could not connect with Iyla's character. so that is why this book is only getting 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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