Needing Him

SEAL Team #3

by Sara Hurst

Two years of relentless training put Alex exactly where he’d dreamed of being—on the brink of becoming a Navy SEAL. With weeks to go, a few forbidden hours in a stranger’s bed shatter his carefully controlled life. Walking away was easy. Forgetting Daniel wasn’t.

Daniel lived in the shadows—CIA, half-closeted, trained not to want what could destroy him. Then Xander—a guy who disappeared after a night in Daniel’s bed—reappeared on the SEAL Team Daniel is embedded with. Only now, Xander is Alex and wanting turned into something far more dangerous.

Daniel needs Alex.
Yet Alex refused to need anyone.

Between briefings, missions, and clandestine hookups where every touch risks exposure, and every choice threatens their careers, Alex and Daniel must choose between the careers they sacrificed everything for and the one fragile thing neither of them expected: each other.

***

Needing Him is the first part of Alex and Daniel’s story. The story continues in Protecting Him.

Genres: M M Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Sara identifies as a geek and an extroverted introvert. She loves being out in a crowd and having a good time, but getting her there can be a pain.



Most of the time, you will find her nose buried in her phone, reading or rereading a book. Besides a good book, Sara loves technology, building things, and learning as much as possible about almost any subject.

Sara believes there can never be too much romance in this world and reads romance from all angles and facets of life, which makes Sara an ALLY to all, and she wants her books to show that.



She’s a wife and mom of three kids, two dogs, and two cats—a lover of baseball, hockey, motorcycles, spin classes, and roller coasters.

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/sarahurst
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahurstauthor
Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/sarahurst
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahurstwrites
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@sarahurstwrites

Reviews

[Taylor Dawicke · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounding up. This wasn’t my favorite in the series. Call me crazy, but I liked the focus of the first couple books, where it’s split between the romance and the military plot line. There was a lot less drama and action in this one and I miss it lol. I did enjoy Alex and Daniel’s relationship but I wish we had a bit more depth to the characters.

The ending I was not expecting at all. Now I’ve gotta very impatiently wait for the next book, and I’m dying to know what’s coming next. Overall I enjoyed this one and I’m really liking this series. Thank you Booksprout and Sara Hurst for an ARC of this!

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the character development and the growth they went through and tried to be true to themself, the ending left me unsatisfied.

[Ana Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nooo! It can’t end there! Right when things were getting so good.

I gotta admit that this story triggered me a little. Being a Newyorker, 9/11 was really hard for us. I grew up in a part of New Jersey where there’s a road that has the most amazing skyline view when you’re taking the Lincoln Tunnel. To look at that view and not see the Twin Towers still hurts.

I loved Xander and Daniel. My heart broke for them both but especially Xander. The way his father discarded him like he was trash was so sad. The fact that he blamed Xander for something he had no control over was crazy.

I hurts to see him be so guarded and paranoid that he can be found out. That’s a very sad way to live yet it’s the reality of millions of queer people.

Daniel isn’t as paranoid as Xander, but he too has to be extra careful not get outed. Them finding each other was the best thing to happen to them.

Even though they can’t be out, at least they have each other. Despite Xander’s reservations and his beliefs of not needing anyone, he loves Daniel. He can’t deny he fell for the man against his better judgment.

Doing what they do for a living, tomorrow is less guaranteed for them than to everyone else. I’m glad that Daniel told Xander how he feels. Now Xander has to get his head out of his behind and tell him too😅

I need the next book now! I need to see them be happy together 🥺

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW!!!

SEAL TEAM Book 3. This is a doozy. Two very different men are on the playing field of DADT. This was a time of a lot of stress. Alex is the newbie and has his career planned out. Daniel is established and knows what all the stakes are. These two are very intense and focused on their life mission. SARA HURST is a writer I really enjoy. I'm looking forward to the next Book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!

[Dea · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible read!!

Omg. This book. Amazing. I adore this series, and these characters were amazing.

I don’t know how I’m going to be able to wait for the next book.

It’s definitely a two part book, but not a painful cliffhanger. It’s definitely a story that NEEDS to be finished but it didn’t make me yell or anything, though I am desperate for the final book in this series.

Highly recommend reading!

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

He wasn’t supposed to NEED him - they weren’t supposed to need each other… Life had other plans!

Oh boy! That was a ride…
I love military romance and this one wrecked me! Why?…just because - I have no words actually - because all of it?!

Two guys trying to be true to themselves - closeted but still - one SEAL and one a CIA Liason during DADT… all of it so frustrating… and more.

They are doomed to never get what comes so easy to other people - love, intimacy, closeness… happiness.
So - DADT s*cks… big time… thank god that’s over now!

Which brings us to the actual story..
The book starts in the year 1999 and we see them at different stages at their life, their relationship and their Job‘s.

All Alex wanted to be for all his teenage life was a SEAL - and vehemently no relationships at all. After lots of training and sweat, tears and dedication he finishes BUDS to go out celebrating right before his first assignment. That’s when they meet for the first time for an awesome, very hot night together.

What was supposed to be a one time casual hookup became so much more - and so much more complicated.

They find themselves assigned to the same Seal team which is already a very conflicted situation… but soon they get to be deployed together for weeks and weeks on end… but can’t stay away from another.

There is going to be lots of want and need paired with some very spicy scenes and lots of devastation coming your way.
I needed tissues and my heart was aching more than once… and it’s worth all of it… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced read
Alexander didn’t have a good childhood sadly his mother died giving birth to him and was left with a father that blamed him for the death of his wife. He has known he was gay for years and had a special friendship with Kelly. But he knew he would never get attached to Kelly sadly Kelly thought that he could win over Alex but instead on his 18th birthday, he joined up to the Navy leaving behind Kelly and his father. He knew his life was going to be difficult if they found out about his sexuality but he would deal with that day today.
Daniel is a CIA operative and he works with the Navy seals getting Intel for them. He’s good friend Parker talked to him into going out for the night to find someone to hook up with. And this is how he met Xander.. he was meant to just have fun for the night but that changed when Xander turned up as a new member of the seal Team. That’s all I’m gonna tell you and I’ll tell you why because I forgot that this was left on a cliffhanger. I’m so angry at myself because I looked up the next book and it isn’t out until January 27.
This book had me hooked. I really liked (Alexander.) Xander also named as Alex. And I really liked Daniel and I hope there’s a story about Parker. I was hooked on this book. I just couldn’t put it down. It was a great Read and I cannot wait for the next Book in this series..

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

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Sara for the opportunity to ARC read her latest release. After really enjoying Wanting Him last year, I was excited to dive into the next installment.

The story opens strongly with Xander, a new Navy SEAL recruit, taking advantage of a rare night off base. Knowing that a long dry spell awaits him once he returns to base, he heads out looking for a no-strings night of fun. At a club, he meets Daniel, and the two waste no time giving in to their mutual attraction.

What begins as a passionate one-night encounter quickly becomes more complicated when they realise their lives overlap in unexpected ways and they move in similar circles.

I enjoyed the overall plot and the complexity of the situation the characters find themselves in. The pacing builds nicely as the story progresses, although I was a little surprised by how quickly Xander begins to thaw emotionally.

The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, delivering plenty of steamy, passionate moments that will definitely keep readers turning the pages.

As for the cliffhanger ending, was I a fan? Not really. But did it leave me curious enough to pick up the next book- definitely!

[Shane Wissner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Sara’s writing, being gay and active duty under don’t as don’t tell she nails it on the head. Her attention to detail on all things military is great, some authors leave me chuckling at how unrealistic the “military “ aspect of the storyline is. I relate a lot to her stories being military and hiding love and well… “adventures “.
This book leaves me wanting more from the characters and their interactions with each other. There are some predictable moments in the book, won’t mention so I don’t spoil storyline. More development between the the two leads would have been nice.
The ending (while I understand the end and will definitely be waiting for the next book ) left a very large hole that needs to be filled. Looking forward to how thinks unravel in “Protecting him “ and I’m hoping that what I needed from this book is fulfilled by the end of the next.
Overall - good read - I will probably revisit the book again once the next one is out so I can read all 4. I always look forward to Sara’s books and am excited to see what she has in store for her characters and for us as readers.

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

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. We are back with the SEAL team. Don't worry we still get a dose of the Holts, but they are not the main show this time. Daniel Lennox is a CIA agent that works with the SEAL team for intel. Daniel and Parker Holt enjoy spending time together from time to time. Wink, wink. They go out one night and Daniel meets a guy at the club kinda.

Xander has not went out in two years. He is ready to have some fun. When he is approached by Daniel, he jumps into action. He has been training to be a SEAL and he is going to be meeting his team soon. Xander and Daniel hit it off and have a night that neither one of them will forget. When Xander finally meets his team, he finds out that Daniel works with them. They had not seen each other since that night. He introduces himself as Alex Madison, even though Daniel only knows him as Xander. The chemistry is still there. Parker sees the chemistry and gives them the space to see if their attraction can grow into something more.

With all of this going on, readers might miss the dates in which these things are happening until they can't anymore. Things move swiftly. Will Xander and Daniel get a chance to voice their feelings to one another? Yes, we have a cliffhanger. Ms. Hurst really had readers thinking we were getting the whole story. There is more. You know I will definitely be here for the conclusion. Both Daniel and Xander complement each other so well. I can't imagine a world where they are not together.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh these boys, I just want them to work it out. Daniel and Alex have both sacrificed and worked hard to get where they are, CIA and Navy SEALS respectively. They've mostly given up on a real, loving relationship because that would cost them their careers. They're lives are split between the time they spend in each other's arms and the mission they are both assigned to. Daniel knows that this thing is more than physical between them, he wants a future with Alex. Alex has learned through his hard life that needing anything or anyone only leads to heartache. Daniel is tempting, but he won't let himself rely on that person or that feeling. I felt so bad for Alex and the real pain involved in giving and accepting love. Daniel, for his part, is so patient and protective of Alex. The chemistry between them is super hot and their spicy scenes are excellent. One caution, there is an open ending that won't be resolved until the next book. But overall, I loved this and the whole series so far.

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

[Shyandmoodreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

Well this book was a punch in the heart 🥹 but it was so worth it.. and I am going to just try and pretend like I don't need the second book right this second 😭.

All kidding aside, Sara Hurst has been a top author for me for a couple years now, so I will patiently wait for the next book because holy! The tension between Alex (Or Xander) and Daniel was soooo good. I mean I read this whole book in one sitting because I was so in love with their entire dynamic. I love me some daddy kink, no matter how light.
The scenes between Daniel and Xander were some of the hottest, and yet sweetest things ever and I can't wait for more because THAT ENDING 🤯💥.

Xander is a complex character, he refuses to need someone, and therefore, love another. I won't go into the details because I don't want to give things away, but he has his reasons and they are understandable but thankfully he's as obsessed with Daniel as Daniel is with him 😏 even if he fights it more.

I seriously can't wait to find out what happens to our men in Protecting Him because my heart is POUNDING.

[Jonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are parts of the story that are almost 4 stars. I had mostly settled on 3 stars until the ending. The ending lost a star. The ending was a cliffhanger without warning there would be a cliffhanger (with the sequel not coming out until January 2027). That's a solid star deduction. Not to mention the "Epilogue 1" chapter which came out of the blue without any relation to the chapter before. And why is it titled Epilogue 1 when there should just be an epilogue that is the conclusion.

I like the characters in general, but not believable on many fronts. Not uncommon for this genre. The writing was not always clear and succinct. I wanted to like this book, but disappointed in the author's decisions related to the story.

I appreciated the author's heartfelt remarks about the people who serve in the military. And like she did in the other books in this series, she takes the time to list many military acronyms used in the book.

FYI - most of the links to her other books in the kindle version did not work. Unusual for a book just released less than 2 weeks ago.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needing Him is an emotional and intense military romance set during the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era. Alex has spent years working towards becoming a Navy SEAL and is determined not to let anything distract him, until one unforgettable night with Daniel. When they unexpectedly meet again with Daniel embedded with Alex’s SEAL team as a CIA liaison, the attraction between them becomes impossible to ignore.

With the constant risk to their careers, every stolen moment feels dangerous as well as irresistible. The story is full of tension, longing, and plenty of heat, but also the heartbreak of two men living in a time when being together could cost them everything. It’s an angsty and compelling start to their story that definitely leaves you wanting the next book.

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

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should have been a standalone

I adored book 1 Saving Him and loved the follow up Wanting Him, book 3 Needing Him confused me. The cliffhanger in book 2 was the final sentence “You were right we have a spy” and the blurb “Alpha Team won’t rest until they figure out who has it in for them. The search begins in Needing Him”

Alpha Team are not in this book, just a couple of side characters from the others and Book 2 ends with the repealing of DADT in September 2011 and book 3 starts in September 1999 and skips 2 years to 2001.
The books are connected by the world they are set in and loosely the Holt Dynasty but don’t follow as a series.

Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the book, the story line was fantastic as were the characters Alex and Daniel and I look forward to the conclusion of their story in the following book.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two very intense characters with palpable attraction. Alex/Xander has just finished seal training, and no family worth speaking of - which has led to him cutting himself off from any type of support system. He is also clearly young, and his feelings for Daniel are overwhelming at times, especially as he doesn't want them. Daniel works in intelligence, and both are sent out in the same group after 9/11. There is more focus on the characters than the military side of things. The story ends with quite a cliffhanger, so I really hope that the next part will be available soon.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Carissa Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED more of Alex and Daniel! Holy shirtballs! I already loved this series, and I absolutely love it even more now. The chemistry between Xander and Daniel is out of this world. Which obviously means the spice is too. I can't even imagine what these guys go through especially during that time in our world's history, but damn does Sara do a good job of writing it! I can't wait to see what happens next and how everything gets sorted. And I really need Alex to pull his head out lol. I'll be patiently waiting for the next one <3

[abookwithacupoftea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of this series, and this book is no exception, I loved the MC, the chemistry, the story, etc.... Xander and Daniel are good together, they belong even if Xander fights it. I enjoyed the writing, the pace, the atmosphere of the DADT and around the 9/11 attacks, the found family. However, I was disappointed by the fact we only have half of the story, the epilogue is not really one, the book ends in a massive cliffhanger that was not really announced and the next book is planned for almost a year for now.

I got an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex left home, enlisted and became a Navy Seal. Daniel worked for the CIA working with a Seal team. It was the Don't Ask, Don't Tell time period and they hooked up without each knowing who they were. Neither would forget that night. Now, months later, they are on the same team. This takes you back to September 11th, all the feelings, emotions, fear and pain. You so love Alex and Daniel their steaminess and passion, yet worry for them. Worst of all, Sara leaves you with a cliffhanger. Please hurry with the next one, I can't wait.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series

Daniel and Alex (nee Xander) a CIA operative and NAVY SEAL.
The timeline in the world is DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL which leaves very little room for relationships.
The chemistry they have is scorching hot.
Daniel wants more with Alex, a true relationship but Alex is leery, having learned the hard way that getting involved emotionally just leads to pain.
Daniel is incredibly patient and understanding as he waits for Alex to come to the same realization, they're so much stronger and better together.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Needing Him is the first part of Alex and Daniel’s story. The story continues in Protecting Him.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to more from these characters. Highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of a series called Seal Team, but it is also the first of a duet about Daniel and Alex, the story is well written and the world building was good, the characters are complex and I can’t wait for the second instalment of their story.

[Christina Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartfelt story that will break your heart and then slowly piece it together. The characters are real, flawed and just looking for their forever.

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

[John Coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great read, on the edge of your seat anticipation. Perfect character development. Awesome background settings. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another one of Sara's military books. that happens during DADT also around the time of 9/11. We have Alex/Xander who is just out of his SEAL training and ready to start with a team. Daniel works for eh CIA gathering intel for the team and is very close with them. Parker Holt is his best friend and leader of the team. This book has a bit of everything, angst, heat, military action and fun and games when with the team. As I have read previous books, I recognised names of characters in the book. As this is part 1 of a book, it was left on a cliffhanger's now well have to wait for the next book to come out to see if these guys who are so good together can make it work.