A SEAL's Choice

Jake's Heroes #5

by Sadie King

He follows rules, she breaks them…

There’s right and wrong, and then there’s Willow.
She’s always late, even for her own community service, she wears odd socks, and she’s got paint stuck under her fingernails.
The woman drives me wild, in more ways than one.
But when her past catches up with her, I step in to help.
Now we’re both in hiding in a remote mountainside cabin.
As danger closes in, our differences will be our undoing or will make us.
But when love puts everything I believe in to the test, there’s only one choice I can make.
Because I’ll follow her anywhere, no matter where it leads me.

A SEAL’s Choice is Hudson and Willow’s story. A steamy opposites attract romance with forced proximity in a mountain cabin where there’s only one bed!

Genres: Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2026

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.

Sign up for my newsletter for the latest news and releases and I'll send you a free ebook exclusive to my email subscribers.

www.authorsadieking.com/free

Reviews

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hudson and Willow together. I have loved Hudson as a brother and friend, but now, getting to know him on his own, I love him even more. Willow is full of fire and passion and so much sass. She is exactly what Hudson needs in his life. I loved the story. As caught up with the two of them as I was (because 🥵), I was also on the edge of my seat to see what happened next.

[Carolee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish, A SEAL’s Choice by Sadie King is the book for you! From the very beginning, the chemistry between Hudson and Willow leaps off the page. Hudson’s discipline and dedication paired with Willow’s creative, wild spirit make for an irresistible “opposites attract” story you’ll absolutely fall in love with.

The plot is fast-paced and packed with suspense—there’s never a dull moment as these two characters face danger, hide away in a remote cabin, and learn to trust one another in ways neither expected. The forced proximity and undeniable tension make every interaction between Hudson and Willow sizzle. You’ll root for them as they navigate not only physical threats, but also the emotional challenges of letting go of the past, embracing love and vulnerability.

Sadie King delivers a steamy, heartfelt romance with memorable characters and high stakes. Hudson is the ultimate hero—protective, loyal, and willing to risk it all for Willow. Willow is truly endearing; her quirky habits and brave heart jump off the page. The devotion that grows between them is both believable and inspiring, making their story deeply satisfying.

A SEAL’s Choice is everything you want in a romantic suspense novel: edge-of-your-seat action, sizzling chemistry, strong emotional connection, and a love story that will linger long after you turn the final page. I can’t recommend this book highly enough—it’s a five-star must-read for anyone who loves romance with heart, heat, and hope!.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Opposites, danger, and a choice that changes everything

A SEAL’s Choice is a delicious opposites-attract romance that blends heat, heart, and high-stakes tension in all the right ways.

Hudson is the definition of disciplined—rules, structure, control—until Willow crashes into his world like a splash of color he never knew he needed. She’s chaotic in the best way: odd socks, paint-stained fingers, and a spirit that refuses to be boxed in. Their dynamic is electric from the start, with sharp banter, instant chemistry, and that irresistible pull between order and rebellion.

The forced proximity in the remote mountain cabin? Perfection. One bed, danger closing in, and emotions running high—it’s the ideal setup to strip them both down to who they really are. Watching Hudson slowly loosen his grip on the rules he’s lived by, all because of Willow, is deeply satisfying. And Willow? She’s not just quirky—she’s brave, vulnerable, and stronger than she realizes.

The suspense element keeps the story moving, but the emotional core is what really shines. Hudson’s choice—between the life he’s always known and the woman who’s rewritten everything—hits hard and feels earned. When he decides to follow her anywhere, it’s pure swoon.

Steamy, heartfelt, and beautifully balanced between action and romance, A SEAL’s Choice is a standout in the series. If you love protective military heroes, quirky heroines, forced proximity, and a man who will burn down his rulebook for love, this one is absolutely worth the read. 💥❤️🔥.

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

[Laura Moylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Retreat that Joel started is getting closer to completion and will be opening soon. Hudson is in charge of a group of community service people- a dozen- 9 guys, 3 women. He splits them into two groups and notices that one of the women, Willow, is missing. Then she arrives, late. However, they are - Willow & Hudson, hilarious with how their verbal sparring is. It is hot and funny. Then he notices after a while that there is something off with her. He tells her that if she ever needs anything to just ask. Willow is worried about her younger brother, Tyler. I love seeing Ryan & Paige and little Noah again. They are just so cute and sweet together and with Hudson. Everything goes to heck afterwards. Hudson shocks himself and Willow and things get crazy, until he has to go to Marcus for help. It is hilarious. Willow seems to be the embodiment of mischief and mayhem, lol. They both get their flirt on, and it is cute and funny and hot as well as romantic and steamy. She is just so devious, it is hilarious and fun. I just loved her. Their battle of wills is hot. We find out what caused Willow to be in community service and why she is so protective of her brother and what happened. In the end, through all they go thru- it just is so freaking crazy. I love the ending. I cried a bit and then when the Retreat opened too.

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Jake's Heroes series, this book really packed a punch. It had everything you could ask for from a romantic suspence and then some. Tension, threats, danger, isolation, family, action, attraction & chemistry, steamy scenes, love and humor. Hudson, our buttoned up, control centered MMC is charged with overseeing Willow as she performs her community service. This free-spirited, fiery spitfire tests Hudson's control from the get-go as she pushes his buttons (cus she can). When Willow is threatened and they're they're forced into a small, isolated cabin the heat I'd cranked up, along with Hudson's protective instincts.

These two are different as night and day, except when it comes to family. That commonality is a bonding point and the differences seem to strengthen rather than wesken their bond. This well written story will have you hooked from the start, so be ready for a lengthy reading session. You'll enjoy seeing former characters, as the series is interconnected, but this book can definately be read as a standalone - no prior readings necessary. (You'll want to read the rest of the series afterward- you've been warned!) I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.😘

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SEAL's Choice by Sadie King was a great read and as an opposites attract romance it had me hooked from the start with it's engaging main characters, Hudson and Willow.
Hudson, an ex-SEAL and over seeing a community service team is all about rules and following orders but can't help be captivated by Willow, a vibrant, wild artist, mandated to community service as part of her plea deal conviction.
Hudson is conflicted by his attraction to someone that has broken the law and Willow sees this and can't help but wind him up.
Willow is threatened by her past life but needs to protect her brother and ends up in a safe house with Hudson. Their mutual attraction is high, they push each others buttons and the chemistry sizzles. Both have reservations but Hudson's need to protect Willow and Willow's insecurities that Hudson wouldn't be serious about a felon crumble despite danger still lurking.
Overall the story was well paced and kept me turning the pages to the very end to see how their HEA turned out.

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

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Different Worlds**

*A SEAL’s Choice* is the fifth book in the Jake’s Heroes series. Hudson and Willow may come from different sides of the tracks, but they share one common trait: they will do whatever it takes for their families. This is how Willow finds herself doing community service at the Retreat.

It’s hard for Hudson to overlook Willow, especially since she is consistently late every day, bringing an easygoing, carefree spirit that contrasts with Hudson's disciplined, orderly nature. Their playful and flirty banter has become something Hudson enjoys, so he notices when Willow starts to change after receiving a few texts. When she doesn’t show up one morning, he knows something is wrong and is determined to find out what happened.

Hudson and Willow are truly perfect for each other; their completely opposite personalities create an intense and spicy connection. The suspense will keep you turning the pages, eager to know how their story unfolds.

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow doesn’t regret the choices she has made as she would do anything for those she loves. She is willing to complete her community services, and she enjoys getting a reaction out of Hudson whenever she can. When her past catches up with her she never expected that he would be the one determined to protect her which included staying at a remote cabin while they determine next steps.

Hudson is an ex-Navy Seal who is helping at the retreat and one of his tasks is to manage the people who are there to complete their community service. Willow tries to test his patience at every turn which includes turning up late, but when she finds herself in danger there is nothing he won’t do to keep her safe.

Hudson thrives on order and control while Willow doesn’t. Even though they couldn’t be more different the chemistry between them couldn’t be more intense and the way they try to protect each other is only part of the reason they are perfect for each other.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL’s Choice is an excellent written addition to the Jake's Heroes series. This military, suspenseful, compelling, romantic, steamy opposites-attract read is full of well-rounded characters that lead their journey and held this reader’s attention from start to finish. The main and supporting characters are believable and add depth to this page-turner. Hudson and Willow make a dynamic couple, with their differences as well as with their similarities. Both are determined, have grit, and stand by those they love. As Hudson helps to protect Willow, they bond over their relationships with their siblings and find that they complement one another. I love Hudson and Willow, and this must read which is highly recommended.

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

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this role reversal story where the woman is the convict in trouble with the law and the guy is the upstanding military hero. However, he falls and he falls hard. It's an instalove romance, with some trust issues that lead to some pretty spicy bedroom games. There's a good bit of suspense in the story with Willow trying to save her brother but not wanting to go through the proper channels. It thankfully ends happily without any of the good guys being hurt, save for a little roughing up of the brother.

I'm curious to see if Joel is the next one to get his story as he seemed to have his eye on someone in the final epilogue of this story. I'll be interested in learning more of him as I liked the small glimpses of him we saw in this book.

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

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t a big fan of Hudson in his sister Paige’s book, and I was really hoping he would redeem himself in this one. I still wasn’t a big fan of him for most of the book, but he did have a big development arc by the end of the book. Pairing him up with a messy, rule breaker was perfection though and I really liked how Willow pushed him outside of the rules. I thought she was a bit too impulsive sometimes, but it was exactly what he needed. The storyline was great, had some danger and suspense which kept me interested. Not sure if some of the steamy scenes are realistically believable, but they were steamy! No cheating or OM/OW drama, dual POV, grumpy/sunshine, HEA and an epilogue 3 weeks in the future. I hope we eventually get her brother’s book and I can’t wait to see Joel fall in love as well.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

He could use a bit of sugar and she could use a spanking...let the fun begin

A SEAL's Choice is the fifth book in the Jake's Heroes series. This is another wonderful addition to a great series, one where I have enjoyed each book. This opposites attract romance is about Willow and Hudson. When Hudson is roped into supervising a group of people who are working off their community service hours at the center, which is three weeks from opening, he did not have any idea just how his life would be changed. Willow is one of the people who is doing community hours and rolls into the parking lot a little late after missing the minivan that transported the rest of the crew. She has a past that is about to catch up to her and he is just the veteran who will save her, even to his own surprise.

[Elizabeth Neal]

Thoughts:

1. The title is misleading. Hudson WAS a SEAL. He has not been one for THREE years. He now works for a security firm.
2. At the start of the book, they've already met, so we don't see their beginning. It's not even really eluded to, but Hudson later states how he fell the moment he saw her. Would've been nice to see that moment from both POVs.
3. Guess I have to read his sister, Piper's, book. She, her son, and Hudson's best friend (and Piper's man) make cameos and it being "complicated" as to the how and who her son, Noah's, dad is (it's not Ryan) is teased.
4. I like Blaze.
5. The issues with Boxy seem unnecessary. He could just be annoying and that's it.
6. It's mentioned numerous times that Willow has nightmares, yet we're never told what they are. Are they about Tyler? Losing her mom? Her dad being in jail? Does she ever discuss the latter with Hudson?

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL’s Choice is a fiery hot spicy roller coaster of action, suspense, power exchange, and danger. Willow challenges Hudson at every turn—and turns his life onto a different axis. It’s smoking hot watching these two both grapple with the other for the control and upper hand. That Hudson does anything and everything in his ability to protect her is beautiful. Her reckless, brash, impulsiveness is frustrating as all get out and really shows her lack of maturity, which is the one thing I would have liked to see shift in Willow’s character arc. I love the balance they bring to each other, and the action and drama are well crafted and written. This is such a fun read!

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

[Catherine Ramirez Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL’s Choice is a strong addition to the Jake’s Heroes series, blending military romance with emotional depth and steady tension. The story is well paced, keeping you engaged while allowing the relationship to develop in a believable and satisfying way.

The characters are compelling, with clear motivations and a strong emotional connection that drives the story forward. The balance between romance, personal struggle, and lighter moments works well, making this both an engaging and heartfelt read.

Recommended for readers who enjoy military romance, protective heroes, and character-driven love stories with emotional payoff.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Jake's Heroes series. Can be read as a standalone.

'The SEAL’s Choice is Hudson and Willow’s story. A steamy opposites attract romance with forced proximity in a mountain cabin where there’s only one bed!'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and 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.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow is on probation, and for community service she is helping get Jake's Retreat ready to open. She is sassy and loves getting under Hudson's skin.

Hudson is helping get the retreat ready and the sassy woman is capturing his heart even if she is a criminal.

When she is in danger, he takes her to a remote mountain cabin to protect. Willow will do anything to get her brother to safety and when she finds him in more danger, will she leave her safety to help him?

Can Hudson keep her safe even with how wild she can be? Will he open up and tell her how he truly feels even if she may run?.

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

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Jake’s Retreat. Willow is all about color, disorder and family. She is impulsive and doesn’t think things through when it comes to her little brother. Hudson is all about rules, order and family. He left the Seals because his sister had no one else. Willow is always riling up Hudson, trying to get him to lose control. Hudson is there for her when no one else is. While they are at the safe house they learn more about each other. Their journey is fun and emotional to watch unfold.

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

[JaneH · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong and argumentative female lead

Hudson and Willow, their story was full of annoyance and teasing…of each other!
Willow is strong, stubborn, messy, controlling, argumentative and at times rather cute.
Hudson is neat, protective, constantly annoyed with her mess.
BUT they seem to work together well, even when Willow runs off to save her brother Hudson comes for her.
Not a whole lot of romancing, lots of minor spats between these two and yes, some heated times too.
Overall I found their journey to love being declared a bit cold…until the last few chapters when they admitted their feelings.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson and Willow are pure fire and ice—opposites in every way, yet drawn together like magnets. Willow’s sass, snark, and boundary-pushing devotion to her family had my heart warm and had me laughing out loud, especially as she needles Hudson at every opportunity. The attraction crackles, turning steamy and sizzling fast, and when danger crashes in, there’s absolutely no holding Hudson back. His protector instincts kick in hard, proving just how far he’ll go for the woman who owns his heart. Fun, fiery, and seriously entertaining.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson and Willow’s love story is what you’ve been looking for in a romance book. It is full of danger, suspense, emotions, raw vulnerability and finding love. I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a great forced proximity read. Reading as they finally begin to let their pasts go, walls crumble and find trust makes the characters even more enduring. Then there is the tension and chemistry that comes in from the forced proximity. This is a great read.

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

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book five in the author’s Jake’s Heroes series and features former Navy SEAL, by the book, Hudson and free spirited, Willow, performing her community service by working on a community project.

Although I’ve loved most everything this author has written, I didn’t care much for this one. I’m just not a fan of the spanking trope. I know an author can’t please everyone all the time so it won’t prevent me from checking out her next release. For now, 4 stars as it was well written regardless of my opinion.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in Sadie King's Jake's Heroes series is the opposites attract romance A SEAL's Choice. Hudson's straight-laced military background and Willow's devil-may-care artistic personality are definitely at odds. Yet the chemistry between them is palpable. And when Hudson is tasked with protecting the gorgeous young woman, anything can happen. A steamy, scintillating romantic suspense, A SEAL's Choice is an entertaining and fun read.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five of Jake's heroes, former SEAL Hudson is tasked with over seeing the yard work, being done by those completing community service hours. This is the last thing he wants to do, one of them throws Hudson's life into chaos. Willow fill do anything for her brother, that is how she got in trouble. She likes give Hudson a hard time and being a brat.

Once he hears her story, he enlists Marcus help to find her brother. Hudson is in for one while ride.

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

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family First.
Fantastic. Hudson is all about rules and order until he meets the fiery Willow doing community service at the Retreat. She’s almost always late even though a van picks the group up every morning. When she attempts to violate her parole rules to find her brother, Tyler, Hudson stops her. Then goes into hiding with her until his friends can find Tyler and they can get the siblings out of danger. But, only one bed may complicate things, somewhat.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow and Hudson's story is an opposites attract one with an interesting forced proximity twist. She is doing community service work, and he's watching over the people in the program, and sparks are flying between them. This is a fun read with characters that have intense chemistry and get their happily ever after. A SEAL's Choice is book five and a steamy addition to the Jake's Heroes series, and I can't wait to read the next book in this fabulous series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in Jake's Heroes series. Willow and Hudson are complete opposites except when it comes to family. Willow's antics with Hudson made me smile. Entertaining interactions especially when it drove Hudson crazy. They were perfect for each other. The love Willow has for her brother is evident with how she tried to protect him. Good addition to the series.

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

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book five of Jake's Heroes and Sadie gives us Willow and Hudson.
Drama, instalove, steamy scenes and angst can all be found in here. You'll be hooked from the start and want to read it all in one sitting.

What to expect
💜 Dual POV
💜 Interconnected Standalone
💜 Interlinking Characters
💜 Opposites Attract
💜 Steamy Scenes
💜 Instalove
💜 Ex Military MMC
💜 Artistic FMC
💜 Drama
💜 HEAs

Good read, and a nice addition to the series.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow is doing community service for helping her brother and she may have to break her parole and do it again. Hudson is an ex Seal who feels a pull to Willow but is trying to resist until she doesn’t show for her work detail. Now they are both on the run and a team is searching for her brother before the Street Kings find him.

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

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite MUST READ! I devoured Hudson and Willow’s story! I’ve been looking forward to Hudson finding his HEA and boy did Sadie deliver! You won't be able to put this book down!

The characters are well written and you want to continue to know more about them. This just proves that there is someone out there for everyone.

I can't wait to find out what happens next in this captivating series!