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He listens to the silence. She was born to break it.
Dakota “Bear” Locklear walks like a shadow, grounded, watchful, and steeped in the quiet strength of his Lakota bloodline. As a SEAL, he doesn’t waste words. But when his team is deployed to South America on a joint-agency rescue op, the land stirs beneath his feet…and silence becomes impossible.
Bailee Thunderhawk is the team’s embedded CIA liaison, sharp, relentless, and trained to keep her distance. But distance gets complicated when a missing journalist and an undercover CIA operative vanish on sacred ground tied to a string of Indigenous disappearances no one is talking about.
The official intel is sparse. But the whispers on the ground speak of something older and far more dangerous.
What begins as a search and extraction spirals into something far more personal forcing Bear and Bailee to confront the history they carry, the secrets they’ve buried, and the fire that still burns between them.
Because some truths don’t want to stay hidden. Some spirits don’t rest. And some love stories are written in the blood of those who vanished, waiting to be found.
Sometimes the path home isn’t a place. It’s a man whose silence speaks in the language of the ancestors.
Dakota “Bear” Locklear walks like a shadow, grounded, watchful, and steeped in the quiet strength of his Lakota bloodline. As a SEAL, he doesn’t waste words. But when his team is deployed to South America on a joint-agency rescue op, the land stirs beneath his feet…and silence becomes impossible.
Bailee Thunderhawk is the team’s embedded CIA liaison, sharp, relentless, and trained to keep her distance. But distance gets complicated when a missing journalist and an undercover CIA operative vanish on sacred ground tied to a string of Indigenous disappearances no one is talking about.
The official intel is sparse. But the whispers on the ground speak of something older and far more dangerous.
What begins as a search and extraction spirals into something far more personal forcing Bear and Bailee to confront the history they carry, the secrets they’ve buried, and the fire that still burns between them.
Because some truths don’t want to stay hidden. Some spirits don’t rest. And some love stories are written in the blood of those who vanished, waiting to be found.
Sometimes the path home isn’t a place. It’s a man whose silence speaks in the language of the ancestors.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2025
About the author
Zoe Dawson
112 books2,871 followersNewsletter sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Zoe Dawson, the author of 40+ books had always dreamed of becoming a full-time romance writer. Her other passions include traveling the world, owning a beach house (she believes she was a mermaid in another life), and seeing her books in movies. When she’s not writing, she’s painting or killing virtual MMORPG monsters in World of Warcraft. She lives in North Carolina with her two grown children and one small, furry gray cat.
Zoe Dawson, the author of 40+ books had always dreamed of becoming a full-time romance writer. Her other passions include traveling the world, owning a beach house (she believes she was a mermaid in another life), and seeing her books in movies. When she’s not writing, she’s painting or killing virtual MMORPG monsters in World of Warcraft. She lives in North Carolina with her two grown children and one small, furry gray cat.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 19, 2025
The story of Bear and Bailee is not one of easy wins or instant sparks; it is a turbulent rush of emotion that demands your full attention. Bear is a powerhouse of a character whose presence is felt most in his quietest moments. His silence speaks volumes, acting as a heavy, weighted anchor to the story until he finally finds his voice
Watching Bailee struggle to carve out her own path is a masterclass in character development. Her journey is frequently heartbreaking and often frustrating, but that is exactly what makes her growth feel so deeply earned. You aren't just reading about her life; you are weathering the storm alongside her.
The chemistry between the two is a masterclass in the "slow burn." They don't just fall into one another; they ignite through a shared alignment of wants, needs, and hard-won beliefs. Their connection isn't a flash in the pan; it’s a fire built to last a long, cold winter—burning slow, steady, and incredibly strong. What sets this book apart is the rich cultural tapestry woven into every chapter. The author balances the heavy themes with moments of pure, unexpected joy
This is a story of hope, discovery, and profound loss. It beautifully captures the cyclical nature of life, specifically the passing of love and wisdom from the old to the young. That transfer of knowledge forges something powerful and lasting that resonates long after the final page is turned.
Watching Bailee struggle to carve out her own path is a masterclass in character development. Her journey is frequently heartbreaking and often frustrating, but that is exactly what makes her growth feel so deeply earned. You aren't just reading about her life; you are weathering the storm alongside her.
The chemistry between the two is a masterclass in the "slow burn." They don't just fall into one another; they ignite through a shared alignment of wants, needs, and hard-won beliefs. Their connection isn't a flash in the pan; it’s a fire built to last a long, cold winter—burning slow, steady, and incredibly strong. What sets this book apart is the rich cultural tapestry woven into every chapter. The author balances the heavy themes with moments of pure, unexpected joy
This is a story of hope, discovery, and profound loss. It beautifully captures the cyclical nature of life, specifically the passing of love and wisdom from the old to the young. That transfer of knowledge forges something powerful and lasting that resonates long after the final page is turned.
December 22, 2025
Wow! What a great book. From the beginning, I can't help but think that Bear and Bailee are two of the most misguided people living in denial that I've ever seen. It was painful for me to read about their longing for each other yet they both deny themselves. I've always said that one thing that puts Zoe above other authors was her ability to tell a story with great emotion. Well, she has out done herself with this book. You never have to ask yourself what her characters are feeling or thinking because Zoe goes to great lengths to share their emotions with you. I loved that Bear and his entire team became mentors for Than, Fly and Shamrock in their own special way, it shows a different side of them. I loved how Zoe brought to light the terrible things that are even now happening to the Indigenous people, especially the human trafficking of their women and children. This is something that as a nation should never be tolerated!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. One of my favorite parts of the story was when Bear's "baby Seals" went to the grocery store. What a hoot! Shamrock needs a special warning sign that says, "Beware! I am ornery." I absolute loved Bear and Bailee's journey to finding their happy ever after. I know you will too. The ending is absolutely amazing!! You will love the ceremony on the beach! I really hope I hear more about Than, Fly and Shamrock, please don't leave us hanging!!
January 8, 2026
Bear is a powerful and engaging addition to the SEAL Team Alpha series. Zoe Dawson delivers a strong balance of romance, emotional depth, and meaningful subject matter without losing the intensity and heart readers expect from this series.
The relationship at the center of the story is especially well done—built on trust, respect, and genuine connection rather than rushing or relying on clichés. The emotional development between the characters feels earned and satisfying, making it easy to root for them from start to finish.
I also appreciated how the book handled heavier themes. The storyline involving the disappearance of Indigenous women and the baby seals was addressed thoughtfully and tastefully, bringing awareness without being exploitative or overwhelming. It added depth and purpose to the plot and showed care in how sensitive topics were portrayed.
Overall, Bear is a compelling, emotionally resonant read with strong characters, a meaningful storyline, and a romance that truly works. A definite five-star recommendation for fans of military romance and for readers who appreciate stories with heart and substance. LOVED the baby seals!!!!
The relationship at the center of the story is especially well done—built on trust, respect, and genuine connection rather than rushing or relying on clichés. The emotional development between the characters feels earned and satisfying, making it easy to root for them from start to finish.
I also appreciated how the book handled heavier themes. The storyline involving the disappearance of Indigenous women and the baby seals was addressed thoughtfully and tastefully, bringing awareness without being exploitative or overwhelming. It added depth and purpose to the plot and showed care in how sensitive topics were portrayed.
Overall, Bear is a compelling, emotionally resonant read with strong characters, a meaningful storyline, and a romance that truly works. A definite five-star recommendation for fans of military romance and for readers who appreciate stories with heart and substance. LOVED the baby seals!!!!
January 8, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BEAR"
I found this to be an absokutely amazing well written interesting, intriguing, intense emitional journey dealing with fear, suspense, danger, steam, secrets, humor, keeping you on edge.
Bailee Thunderhawk is a CIA Liason working on finding a missing CIA operative who vanishes on sacred ground tied to Indigenous disapperances no one will talk about.
Dakota "Bear" Locklear is a Seal he & his team work with Bailee to figure whats happening both have secrets & history they've buried & their hot steamy chemistry thats still very evident between them.
Will Bear & Bailee get a second chance at a HEA, plus I can't wait to read more about 3 certain characters Shamrock, Than & Fly I enjoyed them also.
Zoe Dawson never disappoints in her awesome stories keeping you wanting more.
I found this to be an absokutely amazing well written interesting, intriguing, intense emitional journey dealing with fear, suspense, danger, steam, secrets, humor, keeping you on edge.
Bailee Thunderhawk is a CIA Liason working on finding a missing CIA operative who vanishes on sacred ground tied to Indigenous disapperances no one will talk about.
Dakota "Bear" Locklear is a Seal he & his team work with Bailee to figure whats happening both have secrets & history they've buried & their hot steamy chemistry thats still very evident between them.
Will Bear & Bailee get a second chance at a HEA, plus I can't wait to read more about 3 certain characters Shamrock, Than & Fly I enjoyed them also.
Zoe Dawson never disappoints in her awesome stories keeping you wanting more.
December 16, 2025
Bear hits hard with a turbulent rush of emotion. His silence speaks volumes, but when he finally finds his voice, it roars. Watching Bailee struggle to find her path is both frustrating and heartbreaking, making every step of her journey feel deeply earned. Together, they ignite in their wants, needs, and shared beliefs, creating a connection that burns slow and strong.
The rich culture woven throughout the story pulls you in and warms you from the inside out. The baby seals will have you laughing out loud and clutching your stomach, even as other moments quietly tear at your heart. Hope, discovery, and loss fill these pages, while the passing of love and wisdom from the old to the young forges something powerful and lasting. A fantastic ending that truly feels like a new beginning.
The rich culture woven throughout the story pulls you in and warms you from the inside out. The baby seals will have you laughing out loud and clutching your stomach, even as other moments quietly tear at your heart. Hope, discovery, and loss fill these pages, while the passing of love and wisdom from the old to the young forges something powerful and lasting. A fantastic ending that truly feels like a new beginning.
December 17, 2025
Dakota “Bear” Locklear is on Seal Team Alpha and their dog handler.
Dog is Flint.
Bailee Thunderhawk is the teams CIA liaison.
Bear and Bailee work together as Seals and CIA liaison, both were born and raised as a Lakota Native American.
Bailee struggles to find her footing in life.
Bear struggles emotional to open up and find his voice while watching Bailee .
These two have struggles to overcome come and when they do it is a slow burn to explosive.
This book has suspense, danger emotional, cultural issues to set their path.
Excellent Job Zoe Dawson !!!!
Dog is Flint.
Bailee Thunderhawk is the teams CIA liaison.
Bear and Bailee work together as Seals and CIA liaison, both were born and raised as a Lakota Native American.
Bailee struggles to find her footing in life.
Bear struggles emotional to open up and find his voice while watching Bailee .
These two have struggles to overcome come and when they do it is a slow burn to explosive.
This book has suspense, danger emotional, cultural issues to set their path.
Excellent Job Zoe Dawson !!!!
January 1, 2026
Holy cow! What a way to end this SEAL team’s story. Bailee and Bear were amazing to read. Their story was moving and had so much depth. Their journey to each other was so well written. In typical fashion, the author included several other story lines and wove them together is a beautiful way to bring all of the characters together. I loved all of the “baby SEALs”. I hope one day we get to revisit this world and read the stories of Bolt, Shamrock, Fly and Than. They would absolutely be worth the wait.
January 4, 2026
I absolutely love Zoe Dawson's novels. Her descriptions of the team’s successes and failures feel true. It took me a while to get into the story, but after I did, it was great. I love the baby Seals. And can't wait for their stories. I'm grateful for Bear's happy ending and feel so sorry for Bailee's loss.
Her courage and strength are an inspiration for her to carry on with her cause and determination to help her tribe and the victims of human trafficking. Another great book by Zoe Dawson.
Her courage and strength are an inspiration for her to carry on with her cause and determination to help her tribe and the victims of human trafficking. Another great book by Zoe Dawson.
January 11, 2026
This book had me all up in my feelings. I laughed and cried throughout this whole book. Zoe Dawson took me for ride I was not prepared for. She showed a glimpse of the new generation of seals while softly closing the door on the first generation that started with Ruckus. Thank you for letting us see where they are now and seeking the new blood coming. Thank you. I loved this one I think the best so far.
December 26, 2025
Wow! This story was intense and a great build up into new characters and a new generation of Seals.
Bear and Bailee were intense and both had so much intensity and baggage from growing up on their respective reservations.
The issues with missing native women was delt with in a very respectful way and I just really enjoyed this story.
Bear and Bailee were intense and both had so much intensity and baggage from growing up on their respective reservations.
The issues with missing native women was delt with in a very respectful way and I just really enjoyed this story.
January 22, 2026
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. I can't wait for breakneck to come out . I will be sorry these wonderful men will be in future books. I will miss them. I also can't wait for Flash to be written. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. I can't wait for breakneck to come out . I will be sorry these wonderful men will be in future books. I will miss them. I also can't wait for Flash to be written. Thank you
February 20, 2026
Amazing
Heartfelt, heartbreaking, resilience, joy, strength, a story of survival and being true to yourself, your heritage! Indigenous have always been resilient and spiritual and never giving up their ancestors! Very well written!
Heartfelt, heartbreaking, resilience, joy, strength, a story of survival and being true to yourself, your heritage! Indigenous have always been resilient and spiritual and never giving up their ancestors! Very well written!
December 27, 2025
This was a fabulous end to this series. Bear was able to get the answers he sought and Bailee found her purpose.
January 5, 2026
Bear and Bailee finally get their shot at lifetime love. There was a lot going on in this story, and honestly I loved the introductions to the 'baby SEALs' probably the most. Don't get me wrong, I have been rooting for Bear and Bailee and loved seeing their relationship grow, but even the baby SEALs played a part in their story. And one event in the book was bittersweet, bringing together all the SEALs and bringing back memories of all the previous books I've read. Poignant addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews