Drowned: A Small-Town Military Protector Romance

by Maite Maxwell

Her second chance at life.
His last chance at love.___________
Ashley

I’ve got no money, no job, a home I can’t afford, and my husband left me for our dogsitter—of course, they took my dog. Now I can’t remember the last time I made it through a day without a dose, or ten, of off-label pills from the guy parked behind the convenience store.

This isn’t a cry for help.

I didn’t book this riverboat, swallow my pills with a bottle of tequila, and jump over the side because I wanted to be rescued by this over-muscled lunk.

Give him a week, he says.

I’ll change my mind, he says.

Yeah, right.
____________________

Michael

I never thought I’d take a week off from work, and to captain a riverboat, of all things. I’m a Navy SEAL. It’s like taking a break from fighting forest fires to go extinguish candles for a living. I’m not a low-octane kind of guy.

But Jacob asked me, so I had to consider it. After what happened last year, we’re bound for life, and we’d do anything for each other. Then I get that letter about the investigation, and suddenly time off is exactly what I need. My temper’s short, my head’s not in the game, and my whole career is being threatened.

East Greenwich, here I come. Doesn’t turn out to be the sleepy gig I thought it was. Now I have my hands full, of the saddest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.

And if she’ll have me, I’m going to find a way to never let her go.

Hearts Drowned - A Navy SEAL in East Greenwich, Book 1 is a steamy, small-town instalove short read romance.
____________________

For the reader who loves...

🔥 Found family
🔥 Band of brothers
🔥 Small-town
🔥 Rescue romance
🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 Slow burn, fast read
🔥 Descriptions of pancakes
🔥 BIRDS

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2025

About the author

Get ready for the summer billionaire collaboration series!

Reviews

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read for Maite Maxwell. A well written short read.

Ashley’s husband left her for the dog walker, taking the dog and half of the furniture with him. They were supposed to be going on a short get away together before it all went pear shaped.

Michael is a military man. He’s seen things, lived things. Being investigated for things. He’s been enlisted as the board captain for Ashley and her husbands short trip. What happens when Michael arrives at the dock and there’s no husband?

Excited for book 2! Reading the series just in time for the release of book 3. Also interested in reading The East Greenwich Fire Co series.

[Barbara W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drowned

I loved this short story, I laughed, screamed, and cried. I loved the characters and can't wait to read about the other Seal friends of Michael and what happens to them. I hope to read more about Michael and Ashley in the upcoming books as well. I highly recommend this book and series. Happy Reading!!!!

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. The characters are awesome, the plot moves quickly, and the suspense and tension, both sexual and otherwise, works. An easy connect for me.