A SEAL's Heart

by Sadie King

She’s his best friend's little sister and he’s a wounded warrior with a terrible secret about her brother.

The blast that killed my best friend, Jake, also ended my career as a Navy SEAL.
I’m left unable to speak and lusting after my speech therapist. Who also happens to be Jake’s little sister.
Grief is hard on Avery and I’m here for her however she needs me.
If it’s release she needs, that’s what I’ll give her.
As long as she doesn’t ask me to stay. It’s the one thing this orphan doesn’t know how to do. And Avery deserves better than a scarred veteran who can’t speak.
Besides, if Avery knew the classified information from our final mission, she wouldn’t want anything to do with me.

A SEAL’s Heart is an emotional romance featuring a wounded hero and the curvy woman who heals his heart.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Military Romance

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

About the author

I believe in instalove!

I write short and steamy instalove stories about strong protective men and the curvy women who steal their hearts.

My books are high-heat, oh so sweet, and always with a happily ever after.

Home is New Zealand where I live with my young son and husband.

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www.authorsadieking.com/free

Reviews

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Sadie’s books and have loved them all. But this one I really enjoyed and couldn’t wait to read. My absolute favorite trope is a wounded/scarred hero, and Ed and Avery’s story was just perfection. And I was so excited to see this story is twice as long as Sadie’s normal short stories. We get more backstory on the characters, some really good angst and emotional feelings between the characters, some sad and heart aching moments, and some nice and spicy moments! What really had me intrigued and wondering was the whole mystery around Avery’s brother and Ed’s best friend- Jake. What were in those letters? And who the heck was Sofie??!! I can already tell this new series is gonna absolutely fantastic and will leave me on pins and needles waiting for the next book! I can’t wait to find out what exactly Jake was up to and learn more about the man in Amos story next.
This was hands down a great story and I definitely recommend it!

[FireSerene Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story weaves together tension, heartbreak, and achingly sweet moments that stay with you long after the last page. It’s a journey of healing, of letting go of the demons that haunt the past, and stumbling into love when you’re not even looking for it. What made it truly unforgettable was the male main character—silent, scarred, and deeply wounded—so different from anything I’ve read before, yet so powerfully moving.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gripping, Tender, and Utterly Heartfelt

A SEAL’s Heart is a beautifully written, emotionally layered romance that pulls you in from the very first page. Sadie King delivers a heartfelt story of love, loss, and redemption, with a wounded hero who will break your heart and a heroine who slowly puts it back together.

Ed is unforgettable—scarred, silent, and carrying the crushing weight of survivor’s guilt. His trauma isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, and his inability to speak adds a unique, raw vulnerability that makes you ache for him. The fact that he’s falling for his best friend’s little sister while hiding a life-altering secret? That just adds another level of intensity to the story.

Avery is pure sunshine. She’s compassionate, strong, and dealing with her own grief, yet she never gives up on Ed. Watching her connect with him—through patience, touch, and trust—is both heartwarming and sensual. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional intimacy that truly steals the show.

A SEAL’s Heart isn’t just a romance—it’s a story of survival, self-worth, and finding peace in the arms of someone who sees all of you and stays anyway. This one’s for readers who love emotional depth, military heroes, and small-town heart.

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

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of grief, loss and finding a home in found family. A very well written emotional read for me as each of the character’s deal with the loss of Jake. Avery and Ed’s love journey is one of doubts, the past interfering with the future, and heartache. But it was well balanced with bits of humor, tenderness, passion, tough honesty and realization. I cannot wait to see where this series takes me.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Ed and Avery’s story.
Ed is an ex-Navy Seal who suffered a career ending injury, while his best friend Jake was killed. Having lost the ability to speak, Ed finds out that Jake’s little sister, Avery, is his speech therapist.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, with loss, grief, secrets, mystery, heartbreak, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, healing, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, and unpredictable, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kim Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was a bit different than I have read before, with the MMC not being able to speak, but I am here for it. I would have like to have seen a little more character development with the main characters. It felt very insta-love.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. It was short, steamy, with super spicy chemistry and a whole lot of passion. The storyline made this book easy to lose myself in and we even had a tad bit of a cliffhanger. I look forward to Amos's story.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

FREE today (October 21, 2025) on Amazon.

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

3.5/5 stars

Jake is a Navy SEAL who is killed on a mission, Ed his best friend has a lot of guilt over his death. He feels responsible but it does later come out that Jake knew there was a bomb but disregarded the intel and went in anyway to make sure the target was killed. Ed was injured pretty bad in the blast, he suffered lacerations to his face and a broken jaw which caused him difficulty in speaking.
Back in Jake’s hometown he learns he needs to be at the reading of Jake’s will. He also sees Jake’s younger sister, Avery again after years and is attracted to her. But he sees himself as a monster because of his injuries and the fact that he thinks he got Jake killed.
He finds out Jake left him his house, which is across the street from Jake’s parents house, where Avery lives. He’s further put into Avery’s life by being her first solo patient, she a newly graduated speech therapist. The first session does not go well but over time he does listen to her and does the excercises she gives him. He also communicates with others by writing in a notebook.
She also goes over to help Ed sort through her brother’s things. She finds out Ed does not sleep in any of Jake’s bedrooms, he sleeps on a pallet in the attic. Bonus for Ed, the attic window gives him a clear view into Avery’s bedroom.
Avery has had a crush on Ed since she was 14 when Jake brought him home during leave. They eventually give into their attraction, Ed does write in his notebook there can be no future for them. She accepts this. They enjoy sexy times at his house, in her office during one of their therapy sessions, and she gives him a show from her bedroom while Ed watches and masturbates.
Still dealing with guilt he decides to sell all of Jake’s furniture and give the money to their former CO who opens a veteran center in town. Then he puts the house up for sale. He plans to leave town for good.
He’s getting ready to leave town without talking to Avery, she calls him out on it and tells him he’s a coward for running from her and their feelings for each other.
He thinks about everything and realizes that she right and decides to stay. He speaks haltingly and tells her he belongs with her in Jake’s house and that he loves her.
Epilogues six months later with him proposing and two weeks after that the family finds out Jake has a six year old son no one knew about.
There is also a mystery of who is the father of Paige, a fellow SEAL’s sister, baby is, she won’t name the man. Also there are letters found in Jake’s house from a woman, but no one reads them so you don’t know why he was corresponding with this woman or if she’s the mother of his son. They all speculate but still no one opens the letters and read them.
The next story is about Amos, Jake’s older brother a SEAL sniper who becomes the guardian for Jake’s son.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL's Heart: A Grumpy Hero, a Curvy Sunshine, and a Love That Heals

Review:

Oh my heart… A SEAL's Heart by Sadie King completely shattered and mended me all at once. If you’re a sucker for forbidden love, wounded heroes, and a good dose of emotional tension, then this book will have you absolutely hooked from start to finish.

I’ve been waiting for a romance like this—one that digs deep into grief, guilt, and the healing power of love. The connection between Avery and Liam hit me right in the feels. Avery is so full of light and warmth, a true "sunshine" character, while Liam is the epitome of grumpy, brooding, and carrying a ton of baggage. I mean, the guy is a wounded SEAL with a voice lost to war, and yet, his strength lies in his vulnerability. It's impossible not to root for him.

The chemistry between them is intense from the start, and the whole "best friend's little sister" dynamic adds such a delicious layer of tension. I loved how Avery refused to be intimidated by Liam’s rough exterior. She sees through his scars (physical and emotional), and the way they start to slowly, but surely, heal each other is both beautiful and heart-wrenching.

The secret that Liam’s carrying about Avery’s brother—Jake—was a gut punch. It added so much depth to Liam’s internal conflict and made me appreciate the complexity of his feelings even more. You feel the weight of the things he’s not saying, but also the emotional pull between him and Avery that neither can ignore.

This book isn’t just a steamy small-town romance (though there’s plenty of that to keep things interesting!)—it’s about healing, letting go of past demons, and finding love when you least expect it. It’s a wonderful mix of tension, heartbreak, and sweet moments that will leave you with a satisfied sigh at the end.

I couldn’t put this down. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine tropes, and characters who are messy but real. Can’t wait for more in Jake’s Heroes!

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart broke finding out how Ed was injured in the line of duty and how he has blamed himself for his best friend’s death. Jake was awesome and had a big heart, bringing his friend Ed home twice when he found out that Ed had nowhere to go. Ed’s past is heartbreaking. With his mouth wired shut, Ed is unable to talk to his military buddies, some of which are also out due to medical problems. Jake’s brother Amos and his sister, Avery is taking it very hard as is Amos. Joel, Marcus & Hudson are there too. After three months go by, it is time for Ed to start speech therapy and ends up being Avery’s first patient. He was drawn to her now that she was an adult, never knowing that Avery had a mega crush on him. Joel is working on a veterans retreat on the mountain and has the council’s consent as well as the VA behind it and now they need men to clean up the place to start the building and for people to help him run it. Joel cares for his two daughters by himself, and we get to meet them as well as learn more about the guys. Marcus is hilarious. Hudson and his sister, who is Avery’s bestie and refuses to tell anyone who is the father of the baby. Shona & Donald are Jake’s parents and Jake leaves his house to Ed in his will. Which freaks Ed out. I laughed, cried, chewed on my nails a bit and loved this book. Ed falls for Avery and they are steamy together and he can be romantic and then he ruins it by freaking out and trying to run and I wanted to thwack him for it. Misunderstandings abound and it broke my heart and made me cry. It was such a good book and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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

[Renee Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SEAL’s Heart is a heartfelt and emotional story that delivers a beautiful balance of love, loss, and redemption. After a devastating blast ends his Navy SEAL career and takes the life of his best friend Jake, Ed returns home physically and emotionally scarred. Struggling with the weight of survivor’s guilt and a classified secret from their final mission, he withdraws from the world—haunted by everything he’s lost and convinced he no longer deserves love or happiness.

Assigned to help with his recovery is Avery, Jake’s younger sister and a talented speech therapist. She’s been quietly crushing on Ed since she was fourteen, but nothing could have prepared her for the man he’s become—or the pain he carries. Despite the tension and heartbreak woven into their past, Avery’s warmth and determination slowly begin to break through Ed’s hardened exterior.

Their story is tender and intimate, filled with quiet moments that hit deeply. Ed’s point of view is written with raw vulnerability, capturing the internal struggle of a man trying to reconcile his past with the hope of a future. Avery shines as the bright, compassionate counterpart to his darkness. Her own grief is palpable, but her empathy and resilience make her easy to admire.

What unfolds is not just a romance, but a journey of healing—two people learning to find peace through connection, shared sorrow, and unexpected love. Their chemistry is genuine, and the emotional weight of their story is handled with care.

A SEAL’s Heart may be a short read, but it leaves a lasting impression. It’s a poignant reminder that even in the face of deep pain, love has the power to restore and rebuild. A touching, redemptive romance that lingers long after the final page.

[RoseVE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake's Plan

Ed was Jake's best friend. They went through BUDS together and served on the same SEAL team. Jake died in an explosion, Ed was seriously injured and given an honorable discharge. Because his tongue and jaw were badly injured, he couldn't talk. Ed was told Jake had named him in his will. He was surprised when he was told Jake gave him his house. Right across the street from his parents. He moved in but only felt he deserved to sleep in the attic. He blamed himself for Jake's death. Ed's speech therapist was Avery Monroe, Jake's sister. He was drawn to her immediately. They began a secret relationship that was supposed to be casual, but both knew that wasn't going to happen. Ed developed his own unique tongue exercises to strengthen his tongue. He was convinced that Avery deserved someone better than him. He planned to sell the house and be on his own as he was all his life as a foster kid. But just as he was packed and ready to go, he suddenly understood why Jake had given him the house. He had really given Ed a family. He unpacked, pulled out the For Sale sign, and told Avery he was staying. Several weeks later, he asked Avery to marry him. She said yes. He was finally able to connect with a family and the woman he loved more than anything. They lived in Jake's house together. This is a story of love that refused to quit. I really enjoyed this book.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so many emotions and I definitely teared up a few times. Ed’s character was so complex and well done, the fact his POV was purely internal thoughts because he couldn’t speak was beautifully done. I’m not going to lie though, I didn’t really like Avery, although I could understand her to a point. There was so much grief, and that comes out in all sorts of ways. But she didn’t ask him how he was doing, or tried to comfort him even knowing his injuries were due to the blast that killed her brother. She blocked him from communicating a few times knowing how frustrated he was not being able to talk/explain. She broke down on him so often and I felt she used him as a crutch without giving anything in return. But Ed really redeemed the whole thing for me, and how he came into himself and gained the confidence to stay. The last epilogue leading into Amos’s book was confusing for me and I felt like that should have gone differently. But I guess we’ll see how it plays out in his book! I did really like the emotions in this book though, and especially how survival guilt and depression were shown. No cheating or OM/OW drama, I believe FMC was a virgin? Dual POV, lots of emotions and triggers around death/military, HEA and an epilogue in the future. Looking forward to how this story plays out!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!

This is book one in the author’s new Jake’s Heroes series and features Ed, Jake’s best friend and a survivor of the blast that unalived Jake.

Although not hurt with a life threatening injury, Ed received a broken jaw and damaged nerves which affected his ability to talk. Who could have guessed that his speech therapist would turn out to be Jake’s little sister who had had a crush on him since she was fourteen?

This is a military/best friend’s sister romance with a deceased family member playing a large part in the book and brief mentions of the Wild Heart Mountain and Wild Riders from one of the author’s previous series. As always with this author’s books, I enjoyed the romance between the two MCs but I’m always sad to see a young person, with so much life ahead of them, get unalived but he touched and would continue to touch a lot of lives through the retreat center currently under construction by Ed and other former members of their SEAL team. I wouldn’t really call the way it ended a cliffhanger since it’s not about the same couple but it definitely had a hook to it that’s gonna make you have to check out the next book in the series. 4.25 stars!

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dive into the new series Jake's Heroes is a good as it is deep. Its got a very touching love story and a chance as redemption.

Ed is home trying to figure out how to deal with his best friends death, injuries that have taken his ability to speak, an inheritance, and the family that sees him as their son as much as the one they lost.

I found myself getting lost into the story. Reading Ed's suffering, and his guilt is palpable. He is paired to work with his late best friends sister, Avery, to help him recover. He has been in love with her for years, but never had the courage to do anything about it. The chance to spend time with her is both special, and healing for them both.

I loved that Avery didn't let him coast on his ability to not talk, and she made him step up and act on his behaviour and his recovery. Its as heartfelt as it is heartbreaking watch the cycle they go through.

The book pays off big as they learn things aren't as they thought, and sometimes you have to make a chance for love, redemption, and moving forward. Its got the spice and heat you need, but the HEA that makes you cry a little.

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed, Jake's best friend and fellow Navy Seal, had attended Jake's funeral with his mouth wired shut after he was injured in the last mission where Jake was killed. He felt that he was responsible for Jake's death since he didn't alert Jake fast enough. He has seen Avery,Jake's baby sister; but she has grown up into a beautiful woman. He hadn't seen her in 10 years. Avery has a crush on Ed since she was 14. Another friend,Joel, and former Seal gives him a notepad and pen so he can communicate. Joel wants to keep Ed from retreating into himself. What happens when Ed finds that Avery is his Speech therapist at the clinic? Then Ed inherits Jake's house at the reading of Jake's will. As Ed and Avery get close, Ed doesn't feel like he deserves to be with Avery or getting the house. He had grown up in foster care plus the guilt over Jake's death. Will the mission investigation report change things? Avery wants a long-term relationship with Ed; will she suffer a broken heart or find happiness? Could he finally find love and a forever home?.

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

[Kristie Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Ed, the MMC, is a wounded Navy SEAL who’s lost his voice, and Avery, the FMC, is sunshine-hearted speech therapist who also happens to be his best friend’s little sister. There's an added layer since his best friend passed away and he feels at fault for it. This book has tension, emotional stakes, and the chemistry between these two are everything you want in a romance!
What I loved most was how raw and real the story felt! It’s full of grief, guilt, healing, and love. Ed’s vulnerability and Avery’s empathy made their connection feel so authentic! There’s angst, tenderness, spice, and even some mystery surrounding Avery’s brother Jake which I was living for!
If you love wounded heroes, forbidden love, and romances that break your heart just a little before putting it back together, this one’s for you! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐫𝐞:
💙Grumpy/sunshine
💙Big brother’s best friend
💙Wounded warrior
💙Curvy girl
💙Ex-military hero
💙He’s got a secret
💙Beauty and the Beast vibes

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story that dealt with some pretty serious and touchy issues. They were addressed with sympathy, yet we're tackled directly and compassionately. Ed was seriously injured, along with several others, and his best friend (Jake) was killed during a SEAL mission. Jake's sister Avery, and his family are wonderful characters, and she is a speech therapist assigned to treat Ed. The story starts complicating itself early, and continues to travel down twisted trails, as the main characters regularly make "in the moment" decisions, not considering the ramifications. The attraction between them is intense and beyond the physical, still the barriers remain seemingly impossible. Ed has set his plan in motion, and nothing is going to dissuade him... right?

I highly enjoyed this story, despite the clinical ethical breach (really should have known better and it was selfish). That said, I highly recommend this story and I voluntarily provided this review of my gifted copy. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐋’𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 is the first book in the Jake’s Heroes series by Sadie King, featuring a heart-wrenching best friend’s little sister, wounded warrior romance for Liam and Avery. A blast killed his best friend, ended his career, and took his ability to speak. His new speech therapist makes him feel alive again for the first time, but she’s Jake’s little sister. Can they get past the crippling grief and earth-shattering secrets to find the happiness they both deserve?

Maybe I’m a bit of a masochist, but I absolutely love my wounded military hero stories that rip my heart out, shred it, and put it back together again! The premise around Liam’s injury was definitely a unique one, and I was impressed by how well the author was able to convey all the emotion, angst, and longing that the story called for without dialogue. Avery was easy to connect to as well, with her strength and empathy. Liam and Avery will take you on a dynamic journey of tears, grief, drama, healing, slow burn passion, and love! I just wish it wasn’t over so quickly. The series was definitely set up well with a dramatic twist and some questions that I cannot wait to have answered, too! I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving a review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5…Ed was a military man..a navy SEAL…he was injured during a mission. Now what? He lost his best friend and now he has literally lost his ability to speak. What is his next step? Will he ever talk again? Avery has lost her brother and is devastated…her whole family is. But when his military brother, his best friend Ed inherits Jake’s house…she is now living across the street from him. Did I mention She is also his speech pathologist and she is helping him with Jake’s house?!? These two definitely have a connection or two and it’s not just Jake…turns out these two belong together. This is a sometimes emotional, always sweet read. A book about finding love when you least expect it, trust yourself to love someone and most of all love yourself. I just really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read what happens next. Because Jake might be gone…but he is definitely causing a little drama!! Bring on the next book.

[Sharing My Book Boyfriends · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading A SEAL's Heart. I loved Avery and Ed. They both share a connection because Avery's brother Jake served with Ed as a SEAL. Unfortunately, Jake didn't make it back home, and Ed was left unable to speak. Ed is home to get speech therapy and clear out Jake's things then move on. He never expected Avery to be his speech therapist, or to feel such a strong connection to her. He tells himself that he is not good for her because he can't speak and isn't planning on staying. Can Avery help Ed to speak again, and maybe heal his heart in the process, or will Ed leave like he originally planned? I really felt for both Avery and Ed. Losing someone is not easy and sometimes unwarranted guilt can prevent people from healing and moving on. I hoped Avery and Ed would be able to move on and be happy, but Ed had a lot to work through before he would be ready. This is the first book I have read by Sadie King and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery and Ed—when Jake, her brother and his best friend, dies on a SEAL mission, Avery and Ed are thrown together in multiple ways. Jake left Ed his house, which is across the street from Avery’s parents’ house. Avery is the speech therapist assigned to Ed so he can learn to talk again after his jaw was destroyed and nerves were damaged in the same mission that killed Jake. Throw in that she’s had a crush on him since Jake first brought him home when she was 14 and he’s been enamored with her since before Jake’s funeral and everything is ripe for a full-blown romance. Since Ed felt responsible for Jake’s death and he grew up in foster care, he doesn’t feel worthy of Avery, so he plans to sell the house and leave town. But when his buddies come over to say goodbye, he realizes that he’s taking the coward’s way out and decides to stay and be the man she needs. And they’re on their way to their HEA.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS - ROUNDED UP

Emotional story of a Navy Seal who has a long road to recovery and can't speak. His therapist is his best friend's little sister and their journey to HEA is not easy.

Interesting secondary characters and the epilogue is a surprise for everyone what is discovered. Great set up for the next story.

The story has some pacing issues, but overall, I loved the H and his struggles. He brings a lot of baggage not only due to his injuries but his upbringing.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5. In the chapter where they have sex, she states she's never been with a man all the way before. But the H didn't notice she was a virgin?

No cheating, no cliffhanger, some secrets by secondary characters, crude words used and Lord's name used in vain. Some romance, descriptive sex, and HEA.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well if this didn't just hit me in the feels from the get go.
I love a wounded MMC, but the vulnerability of Ed just made it so I wanted to wrap my arms around him and not let go.
And Avery is just the perfect companion for him without it feeling far fetched or forced.

Excellent series starter bringing a good mix of characters to the table. The ending of this book has me excited for book two already, who really knows Jake (the fallen seal, brother, son) I have a feeling the series is going to dive further into what we think we know and what we do.

What to expect
🩵 Wounded MMC
🩵 Ex Military Romance
🩵 Character POV
🩵 Series Starter
🩵 Brother's Best Friend Romance
🩵 Steamy Scenes
🩵 Instalove
🩵 Angst (death of a family member /team mate off page)
🩵 Long Term Crushes
🩵 HEAs

5 star read I'm excited for what's to come in Jakes Heroes

[Amy Reierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Sadie King and I have to say it's always nice to find authors of books that aren't super long. This was a quick read for me, a little more insta-love than I expected it to be, but I still very much enjoyed much of the story.
Ed has been medically discharged and is caring a lot of pain and secrets. Avery is here to assist Ed on his recovery she is full of hope that she can help. But she is also grieving, Jake her brother never made it home. To make things even more complicated Jake was Ed's best friend.
So many great tropes to start off the series, the romance is quick and spicy, the fact that Ed can't speak made for an interesting aspect to the story as well. There is still a mystery to follow as well. I'll be excited to see where we are headed next.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super quick military spicy read. There were some emotional moments from the loss of a loved one. I absolutely loved seeing each pov from ed and Avery. You were able to capture exactly how they felt losing Jake. And watching their feelings and relationship bloom was beautiful and healed them both in many ways. He never felt like he belonged and had past trauma and my heart broke for him feeling that way. When he lost his best friend and wasn’t able to be in combat anymore and just felt like his life was over, my heart was hurting for him. Avery helped heal him in many ways and the way she was so patient with him and loved him. That ending has me absolutely shocked, I cannot wait to read more with Amos!! I need to know what those letters Jake had said and who the mystery woman was! There was some spice but it blended in so perfect with the story line

[Sandy Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! This is my first book by Sadie King, and it didn't disappoint. I was captured from the first page and didn't put it down until I finished it. This is the story of Ed and Avery and what happened before. Ed, a Navy SEAL who was injured in battle and is now unable to speak from an injury while serving. Avery is his speech therapist and also the sister of Ed's friend, Jake, a Navy SEAL who was killed in action. Ed carries the guilt of her brother's death. This is a gripping story that will lure you in and not let go. Lots of emotions and sizzling passion. I loved the characters and the storyline. Ed is tormented by the death of his friend and fellow SEAL; he lives with guilt every day. Avery is beautiful and kind. They both carry the pain of the death of Avery's brother. This is an emotional story that will touch your heart and bring you out on the other side.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the devastating end to his last mission Ed is suffering from guilt of not being able to save his teammate and best friend as well as the injuries that ended his career. His plan is to heal as much as he can and then leave town however he wasn’t prepared to be embraced by Avery, his best friend’s sister, and her family.

Avery has had feelings for Ed since her brother first brought him home when she is a teenager. She is now a speech therapist who has been tasked with helping him heal as well as her neighbor as her brother left his home to him. She knows that he is damaged by the past but will he damage her heart as well.

This story had so many feels as Avery and her family are dealing with grief while Ed is dealing with guilt. She gives him hope that he is worthy of family, love and a place to call home even if it was a rocky road to get there.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a number of Ms King's books now, and I accidentally read the next book in this Jake's Heroes series - A Seal's Legacy, which is about Jake's brother Amos, but also Avery and Ed's story continues there. So I just knew I HAD to read this one and my oh my did it deliver!

Avery and Ed are dealing with grief over losing Jake, but Ed also has so much guilt thinking it is his fault. Even though Ed is trying to regain his speech ability, that Ms King is able to bring his thoughts and emotions across. And boy were there so many emotions in this one! I enjoyed the camaraderie between all the guys, as well as between Avery and Paige (oh please let her have her own story!). And also within the family. This was a really touching story that made me need some tissues (who's cutting onions?!) and I will be thinking of Avery and Ed for a long long time.