Protected By A Damaged Ex-SEAL

by Aria McDow

Surfing gold was my only goal—until an ex-SEAL billionaire heir became my ride-or-die.

I spent the night with a stranger.

Not that...

My Jeep careened out of control.

Jaime Hendricks came running down the beach, half-naked, to save me.

He’s tanned, muscled to perfection, with mesmerizing ocean-blue eyes.

I should have left in the morning but didn’t.



He’s one hot distraction.

By day I competitively surf.

By night, his body is my surfboard, and I ride the highest waves.

Now the competition’s turned dangerous—sabotage, kidnapping, betrayal.

I don’t need a hero. I need a bodyguard.

Nobody guards my body like Jaime.

Nobody protects my heart like me.

My world’s upside down, and I’m in trouble deep.

Winning was everything, Not anymore.

The surf crown looks bronze but his love’s pure gold.

But the past won’t stay buried.

I have trust issues, Jamie has PTSD, and we both have secrets.

His? The billionaire father raising the boy Jaime isn’t sure is his.

Mine? Childhood abandonment issues.

Going for gold means risking everything for a love that will either save us or leave us both permanently broken.

Genres: Military Fiction, Amazon, Suspense, Sports, Romance, Military Romance, Contemporary Romance

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Aria McDow is an author bringing contemporary romances to readers who love stories featuring hot as all get-out men who have just that right mix of power, charisma, and hidden vulnerability, and sassy, smart women who turn their worlds upside down. Aria is an angst junkie who believes in true love. Whether a billionaire, professor, or grumpy boss, every book is guaranteed a happy ending and readers will enjoy a rich, bumpy ride to get there. Aria lives in Virginia and started her own love affair with romance books when she read them clandestinely in middle school.

She enjoys travel, drawing and hanging upside from rollercoasters. The best part of life is being retired from the military and having time to create as well as enjoy her family, especially her new grandbaby.

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S)]

Protected By A Damaged Ex-SEAL is a steamy, slow-burn, opposites-attract, close-proximity, girl gets her billionaire single dad protector romance. This one really pulled at the heartstrings. Jamie is an Ex-Seal who suffers from PTSD. He is also heir to billions and has a son that stays with his father. Liv is a sassy, fiercely independent surfer who had a rough childhood. These two meet when Jamie saves her. The attraction is instant, but there is so much baggage, and someone is trying to harm Liv. Can Jamie keep her safe? We do finally get a great HEA after a lot of drama. I loved this one. Their chemistry was so hot, and seeing them love and heal each other was everything. I highly recommend it.

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

[Jenny Lynn Curry]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jamie is the kind of guy you just can’t help falling for. Fiercely protective, ruggedly handsome, loyal, and loving.

When he falls for the crazy girl who almost wrecks her jeep on the beach you know it’s gonna be a steamy story.

Steamy it was!! Then in stepped a bit of mystery and puzzle piecing. With a happy ending to tie it all in a bow.

There was a little too much repeating and inconsistency towards the later half of the book for me to give it more than 3 stars. But overall it was a good read.

[Danielle]

This contemporary romance was alright, there were some elements that were done well but it was definitely lacking in places. This book has dual POV but I found that the inter monologues were too similar between the characters so it took away from the impact. Some scenes felt a bit disconnected and I wish they were a bit more fleshed out. I also thought that the ending felt cliche and took away from Liv’s character. She should have been more angry and there should have been more grovelling for him essentially abandoning her. I thought the author did a good job exploring the pressures of being a professional athlete and that was the strongest part of the story, i just wish the characters had more on page chemistry.

[Sydney Massey]

Got this book during a SYKD event and honestly, I’m starting to question all of the SYKD books I’ve downloaded..

Story felt all over the place and very difficult to follow. One of the most painful reads I’ve forced myself to suffer through this year.

[Anna Morelock]

3 ½ Stars

This was an interesting story idea. Both of our main characters have pretty traumatic pasts. They each are living almost half a life so they don't have to put themselves in a position to be hurt or disappointed by someone else. They fall into insta-lust pretty quickly and have pretty explosive chemistry.

When it becomes apparent that someone is targeting Liv she asks Jamie to be her bodyguard. This leads them to learn more about each other and to eventually decide if they are willing to pursue any kind of relationship.

There were some parts of the story that seemed drawn out to me. There were several pages of each characters inner thoughts and struggles that become repetitive. So, I skimmed over a lot of them. There were also some missing words and some details that weren't paid attention to. Like when Jamie was speaking about something Liv was doing and he called her Jamie.

This wasn't a bad story it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brandy Alamari]

LIv has a dream to be the competitive surf champion, and she can do it too.
But after being with Jamie and for the first time in her adult life feeling that she isn't alone in this world, the price of her dream may be a bit more than she is willing to give up.
Jamie has been through some real stuff, and experienced traumatic loss. When he finds Liv she is the proverbial damsel in distress, and he wants to help. However, because of his past he consistently doubts that he will be capable of keeping her safe.
which is true.
But not for the reasons he fears.
This is a beautiful story of personal development and healing.
Yes, Jamie is damaged, however so is Live. Jamie has suffered significant loss and doubts his capabilities, Liv has suffered different forms of loss and has grown into a tragically independent person.
And through learning about each-other they learn how to fill the cracks in their own self doubt and insecurities.

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

[Ultimate World]

Book Review: Protected By A Damaged Ex-SEAL by Aria McDow

Protected By A Damaged Ex-SEAL is a sizzling romance packed with action, passion, and emotional depth. Aria McDow masterfully blends the thrill of competitive surfing with the intensity of a close-proximity romance, creating a story that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The chemistry between the fearless, independent protagonist and Jaime, the brooding yet protective ex-SEAL, is electric. Their relationship is full of tension, passion, and emotional vulnerability as they navigate past traumas, trust issues, and a dangerous web of sabotage and betrayal.

Beyond the steamy romance, the novel delivers suspense and high stakes, making it more than just a love story. With gripping twists, deep emotional layers, and a swoon-worthy hero, Protected By A Damaged Ex-SEAL is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense, billionaire alpha males, and second chances.

[GuiltyPleasures]

Liv and Jamie—two damaged people who find each other. She’s a surfer who grew up in the foster care system; he lost his best friend surfing and became a SEAL. His father, with whom he has a strained relationship, is raising Billy, a child who may or may not be his. So when Liv comes to work on her surfing in the cove by where he lives, they become I evolved with each other. While they’re both willing to share their bodies, they are slow to break down any walls. Through her training, attempts to sabotage her, family emergencies for him, and a difficult reunion either her longest-term foster care “siblings,” they grown closer and finally realize their HEA is only with each other. As with all this author’s books that I’ve read, the story concepts are good but the execution leaves much to be desired. She needs an editor!

[Trina Jones]

OMG this was another great book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down literally. Jamie was an ex's seal who was just surfing minding his own business until he meet Liv. The chemistry between them was sexual tension and the physical attraction was so intense and spicy hot and one night with him will change their lives forever. He was falling in love with her and it was never his plan to fallen for her or wanted to have a life with her.

I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[Barbara]

You are going to want to get your handles on this romance book by Aria because it is one SEXY and HOT read. The way Jamie and Liv were written is almost like you are right there with them watching their romance story unfold right before your eyes. Aria has ALWAYS been an author I love reading her books from the very first book she released. She has a talent that grabs your heart right from the beginning, and you feel like you can resonate with the storyline. Get ready because the tide is coming in high and fast with this must-read romance book.

[Judy]

Surfing can be freeing and challenging at the same time. Riding the perfect wave is exhilarating. But it can also be very dangerous and on occasion take a life. Jamie lost his best friend to the ocean. Liv is still following the circuit but here lately some strange incidents have been happening to her. Two people trying to find their way. But someone is after her. A good mystery and a wonderful HEA.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara Harrison]

Have a tissue handy the day you allow for this adult contemporary damaged ex-SEAL single dad, billionaire heir, mystery close proximity protector surfing second chance romance in California that also has abduction, betrayal, pregnancy, and PTSD.

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

[L KQ]

Surf and Heal

When two broken souls just so happen to find each other, the hope is for a healing relationship. However, the trauma experienced by Jamie and Liv runs deeper than expected. Their journey wasn't easy, but the best part was their chemistry and the suspense from mysterious occurrences.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen]

Protected By A Damaged Ex-SEAL: A Single Dad, Billionaire Heir, Close Proximity Romance story of Jamie and Liv.. Two damaged soul with traumatic pasts.One whos running away and the other is keeping to herself and not trusting..An emotional,captivating,touching,steamy with a touch of angst and hea.

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

[Cindy De La Torre]

Seemed like a lot happened with no explanation or full back story. I believe it could have been way better if the author added more details and plot. For example the completion she was in was a build up to almost ok she won. But that’s it. Lots of suspicion but no backing on any character than all of a sudden there’s another person and they are the culprit. It was ok read

[KerryO]

Loving all ocean-centric books, I was predisposed to enjoy this book, and it did not disappoint. Loved that the main characters were surfers and that their frailties were relatable. The ending was perfect! I receive an ARC from Book Sirens and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Shannon]

Enjoyed the storyline. The characters were good and likeable. Found the middle dragged a bit just wanted to see who was out for Liv. Could see who it was coming but the twist was very interesting. Overall good read.

[Heather]

A wonderful read, I enjoyed Jamie and Liv. They are wonderful characters, They are there for each other as they heal from their pasts,.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Will]

This was a very emotional story from all sides involved. Great writing skills and great character development. Lots of suspense, hot spices, and tension all rolled into one unforgettable story. I look forward to more by this author.

[Julia Caballer]

The tropes in this book were a little bit different than other books I’ve read which was a nice change of pace!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily