SEAL of Bravery

Iron Tide Brotherhood #2

by Jessica Ashley

FORGED IN COMBAT. WASHED BY GRACE. BOUND BY BROTHERHOOD.

Demolition is his specialty. But nothing prepared him for the single mom next door.

Former Navy SEAL Garrison “Demo” Holt came to South Carolina to rebuild his life after his military career went up in smoke. Now a counselor for troubled teens, he’s determined to protect those who can’t protect themselves—even if it puts him back in the line of fire.

Katelyn Ellis has spent years keeping her son safe by staying invisible. She knows what happens when the wrong people notice you. The last thing she needs is her protective, former-military neighbor getting involved—especially when someone from her past is still hunting her.

But when danger closes in and a violent coastal storm shatters the fragile safety she’s built, Katelyn has no choice but to trust Garrison.

As threats escalate and secrets unravel, Garrison becomes the only thing standing between her family and deadly revenge.

A swoony small-town romantic suspense featuring a protective hero, a courageous single mother, and a powerful story of faith forged in the fire.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2026

About the author

Jessica is an Army veteran who lives in Texas with the love of her life and their three children.

After spending nearly a decade writing spicy paranormal and fantasy romance as a USA Today bestselling author, she felt the desire to do something completely different.

She will still tell heartbreakingly beautiful stories with strong women and protective men, but this time they will also feature the joy of faith, and the importance of following God in whatever journey He sets you on.

Reviews

[Stephanie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book and so thankful because WOW! Another good read from Jessica Ashley! Her books grab you from the first chapter and don't let go till the very end! Garrison and Katelyn's story was the same. I was hooked from the beginning. I loved how patient he was with her and how he made her feel safe! This may be my favorite book yet! I love a slow burn and this book delivers! Can't wait to continue this series!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Jessica Ashley. SEAL of Bravery is a fast-paced romantic suspense read that has tropes such as friends to more, close proximity, neighbors, a single mom and her teenage son, faith, and danger. Garrison and Katelyn's story and relationship had me hooked from the very beginning of the story. I loved how Garrison was such a good man who ran a teen center and a good role model for them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Reading in the Heartland (Michaela) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I enjoyed this no spice Christian romantic suspense. I’m loving this series where we follow former members of a SEAL team. These men are both protective and capable. I love that this book started a bit before the last book ended. It gave us a good perspective of a major meeting between Garrison and Katelyn.

These two are neighbors and Katelyn is a single mom to a teenager. As they start to feel the attraction pull between them, Katelyn steps back. She’s been burned before, and even though there is a lot of proximity to draw them closer, she resists.

This book felt a bit more like it was a contemporary romance with some suspense rather than the solid romantic suspense book one and the Hunt series were. For much of the book there’s more the slightest possibility of future suspense that lingers in the background.

I really did enjoy this book and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. They have been set up so well in this series and I am eagerly anticipating it. There is reference to a past romance that is fade-to-black, but these MCs have a romance that is just kisses, intimacy level 2. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

TW: Domestic Violence, Loss of Parents, Sexual Assault

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

With every story I read from Jessica, it is completely evident that I adore each and every one of her books. She has a perfect blend of character groups, picturesque settings, compelling plots, and sweet romantic elements. She has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors for Christian Fiction Suspense. Her newest story has all the elements I have come to expect in one of her stories. The first couple of chapters instantly pulled me in. They were a great mix of drama and humor-I read a few parts out loud to my husband and he cracked up and he’ll be reading this book as soon as possible!
This is a fabulous read!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you just want to inhale in one go!

Jessica Ashley pulls back the curtain on all the romance, danger and drama in SEAL of Bravery. What I loved most was a strong, well-built, hunky former Navy SEAL extending grace to a bumbling single mom who saved his life. The image of this big, strong guy being so gentle and thoughtful to someone who felt inadequate to help, impacted me emotionally…lump in the throat kinda impact. Knowing that God shared that grace with him so that he could pass it on made me realize that Katelyn was in good hands with a neighbour like Garrison.

I also loved the juxtaposition of his career and nickname with his personality. He’s spent years blowing things apart and how he’s gently building people and things up. It was just a beautiful picture.

Katelyn carries the weight of her past long before we meet her. She’s been used to being invisible to survive. I loved the moment she knew she was ‘seen’ by Garrison. Been there. I knew how she felt. There’s a juxtaposition in that, too, that makes it all the more significant; being ‘seen’ now creates safety where it didn’t before.

I loved the reminder to have Jesus with us in the boat and to rest in the knowledge that God knows our hearts even when we don’t.

We may not be a single mother or a retired SEAL, but we’ll all have to start over at some point, and this novel gives guidance, making it one that will resonate with many. We could all do with some reminders to love our neighbours as God has called us to. It’s not easy, but necessary.

I loved my visit to Stormwatch Landing, South Carolina, and I know you will, too. Put this one on your TBR list.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrison’s book was one that I wasn’t really looking forward too because after reading the first book Seal Of Honor I fell in love with Sawyer. I just wanted to get to his book fast. But after reading Garrison’s book I fell in love with his personality, his softness, and his faith. His job dealing with teens was such a perfect fit for him because we saw how his character was. Enjoyed to see him working with them and his patience he has with them. It added so much more character to him. And I enjoyed Katelyn character as well. But I did wish we could have gotten more of a background story of her abuse even if its a tough subject, it just would have added more growth to the story. As well as adding more of Thomas, Garrison, and Katelyn being together more so that we could we see their relationship grow. Because we could have really seen more of a connection develop between them and how Thomas would have been happy to have Garrison as a step dad and how he would have been super supportive of them getting together. But I have no complaints with how the story was written because this is more of a fast paced book and i really enjoyed it, because it’s a book that I could defiantly re read. Their faith in God was beautiful because there was this trust and not fear, just letting God’s will be done. This story was such an easy and enjoyable read, would highly recommend. And reading this story makes me want to read the first book in the series to experience it all over again, and for me that is super good in a book when it has me wanting to read it all over again. 3.75 ⭐️

I received a digital ARC of Seal of Bravery from the author. This is my own unbiased opinions.

[Joseph and Sandra Oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another great book in the Iron Tide Brotherhood series! This is the second book and I'm amazed its just as great as the first one "Seal of Courage". When you read one of Jessica books they hook you from the very first chapter and reel you into the story until the very last chapter! I really enjoyed there story the way Garrison was so very patient with Katelyn and tried to make her feel safe. She had a lot of problems from her past relationships and was very afraid of getting close to anyone espcially being a single mother. Garrison runs a Community Center for teens so he already knows her son Thomas. This story didn't have as much suspense as a lot of her books have but it was an awesome read with a great message. I fell in love with these characters, I loved the way Garrison was such a gentle soul and a faithful loving man in comparison to his being a seal and being the explosives expert of the group. Katelyn was such a good mother I really enjoyed her also. I loved the faith in God and the way Garrison read the bible every morning. Also he didn't push his faith he just quietly supported her. I absolutely enjoyed this book and am eagerly waiting for Sawyer and Anastasias story! I definitely give this book 5 stars. I want to thank the author for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Garrison!!! Gets injured fending off attackers from SEAL of Honor (fantastic btw, great Christian read, but SEAL of Bravery can be read as a stand alone), home for less than a day after recovering, and finds himself right back in the hospital thanks to the lovely neighbor that saved his life! BUT, now Garrison has a way to get to know Katelyn and her son. Katelyn is hiding out from her past but really starts to feel at home in her new place and does not want to continue running. Garrison is struggling to find out exactly what he wants his life to look like now that the team is officially retired. These two together are fantastic – both turn to God when they struggle and their faith together is truly beautiful in the midst of storms from both man and mother nature.

My favorite quote: “Him. There is no storm we can’t weather with the Lord in our boat. Having faith doesn’t mean that everything is always going to work out okay, but it does mean that you go through nothing alone.”

Their story is beautiful, heartbreaking, and centered around faith and family.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seal of Bravery completely stole me from the first page. Jessica Ashley is one of those authors I’ll always grab, and this story did not disappoint.

I loved the single mom trope—it’s one of my favorites—and Katelyn and Garrison’s meet was so different from the usual, which I loved. Their interactions were sweet, funny, and just so natural. Watching them support each other while dealing with their own struggles, and seeing their connection grow, was honestly one of my favorite parts.

And the team! I loved his teammates and how they were like a family. Watching the guys’ relationships with each other, and with Katelyn, was so heartwarming.

The suspense wasn’t constant, but when it came at the end, it hit hard. I loved everything about this story—the romance, the humor, the characters, and the plot twists.

I’m already so ready for Sawyer and Anastasia’s book—I just know I’m going to love that one too! 💕

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it - and I knew I would!

I absolutely love Jessica Ashley's stories - full of faith, found family and high stakes suspense that always keep me on the edge of my seat! I laugh, I cry and my heart races; but there is an overall Peace and the "darkness never overcomes the Light."
Garrison and Katelyn's story is no different and definitely did not disappoint! I knew I would binge read this one and I was right. I've read this book in just over a day from start to finish. What's not to love about a hard working, loving single mother and her protective, sweet former SEAL neighbor? P Garrison is full on "touch them and die" and will sacrifice everything including himself for Katelyn and her son. Did I mention she's on the run?
I'm already looking forward to reading Seal of Courage releasing in June and the two other books that will follow, yet I don't want this series to end!

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jessica Ashley, her characters are really great, the banter makes me laugh out loud and the sweetness of the romance is just so heart warming. She has great action and each character is just so good!
I loved the gentle love that grew between Garrison and Katelyn, I also loved Thomas and tend to get annoyed with how kids are portrayed in books, but he was really sweet and his character was done really well.
I did find that the conversations between Katelyn and Garrison were kind of repetitive and I wanted them to go deeper in their dialogue instead of rehashing some of the same things, and for most of the book I was just waiting for something big to happen, and then it did and it was great how the book concluded.
I loved Sawyer and can't wait to read his book!

I received this book early as part of Jessica's ARC team!

[Natalie Harp · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Boom baby. That would be demo. I hope you're ready for war Marks. Because its at your doorstep"

I was blessed with the ARC of this book and Jessica Ashley has done it again.

Katelyn and Thomas have been running for years. Running from the past, trying to find a place to call home. When coming home one night Katelyn stumbles on her neighbor severely injured and saving his life. Enter in Garrison, Navy seal and teen counselor. They form a friendship all the while their feelings are growing. Katelyn is guarded, after the abuse she went through she is scared to let anyone close.
But when she is taken along with one of the other Seal Team members Garrison shows how he will live by his call sign "demo" and bring the whole world down to get her home safe.

[Nicole T · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I love the encouragement at the beginning of all of Jessica's books! This one included, and who doesn't love a sweet love story? Seal of Bravery was such a fun read, the more I read the more I needed to read, the tension I was 90% percent sure was coming kept building and building until finally I wasn't sure if it was going to happen, like maybe the book was going to take a softer route, but nope! Love and action😍 And Jessica has such a way with integrating scripture into her stories that make it seem so natural and every dayish that it's on a personal level, which as a busy mom, I need as much as I can get. This book, much like the one before it, and the other series before it is definitely a much need to read!😊

[Emmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Seal of Bravery is one of these books for me where, even though there’s suspense, pain and brokenness and a whole lot of reality, it felt warm and comforting.
The characters were beautifully written, if I’d have to describe Garrison in a few words I’d say he’s incredibly gentle, patient and he doesn’t give up! Katelyn is courageous, strong, fierce and so loving!

Seal of Bravery is the perfect name for this story, Jessica truly wrote of bravery and vulnerability in a way that moves whoever reads it.
And let’s not forget, it’s a single parent romance and who doesn’t like those?!

I am so grateful to have received this Arc and would absolutely recommend it, if you love a single parent, suspense romance with amazing, godly values.

[Emily Lauterbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Ashley delivers a compelling second installment in the Iron Tide Brotherhood series, blending high-stakes tension with a deeply moving "slow-burn" romance. While the first book, SEAL of Honor, set a high bar for action, SEAL of Bravery shifts the focus toward emotional healing and the quiet power of faith.

Garrison “Demo” Holt, a former Navy SEAL demolition expert who is trying to rebuild his life as a counselor for troubled teens in South Carolina. His world collides with his neighbor, Katelyn Ellis, a single mother who has spent years living "invisible" to protect her teenage son, Thomas, from a dangerous past.

When a violent storm and a looming threat from Katelyn’s history shatter their peace, Garrison must step up—not just as a neighbor, but as a protector.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this second book in the series eagerly, and it exceeded my expectations. Garrison and Katelyn were fantastic, and Thomas was a little sweetheart. I was stunned but not surprised by the evil and cruelty of the people from Katelyn’s past who were hunting her and Thomas down. I could not get over how wonderful and romantic it was that Garrison and Katelyn continued to show up for and protect each other even though they were mere acquaintances at the beginning of the book. The focus on God and His protection throughout the narrative was encouraging, and I cannot wait for Sawyer and Anastasia’s story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding where you belong

Garrison has some rough times: multiple injuries, troubled teens, bad guys to catch, and learning to be extra patient with his beautiful neighbor.

Katelyn and Thomas had a terrible past with hidden secrets and dangerous men. Garrison becomes her friend, then much more. She finally sees what a man that truly cares is and what he does.

I liked their story; the action came later in the plot, but when it came, it was a hurricane! Their faith in God was strengthened and their bond was made rock-solid.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is a slow burn romance with suspense that will hook you in right from the start! Couldn’t put it down, read through it in less than a day! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and not just the main ones. There’s a strong faith thread woven throughout the book that I enjoyed. And Jessica also added some humor in the story that had me literally laughing out loud. This is such a great addition to the series that also ties in with some of Jessica’s other series. Don’t miss this one! I received an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are honest and original to me.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEAL of Bravery by Jessica Ashley is a compelling read. The second in the Iron Tide Brotherhood Series has “Demo” still working through the transition from military to civilian. An exciting read from the beginning with danger to Garrison then to his neighbor, Katelyn Ellis. The whole team is needed before the danger is neutralized. The friendship to more relationship between Garrison and Katelyn along with the camaraderie of the team made this my favorite story by Ms. Ashley to date. All of this author’s books are faith-based which shows trust in God is a strength not a weakness. Two thumbs up for SEAL of Bravery.

[Mary Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Jessica Ashley books have been amazing. This one is one of my favorites (until her next release). She gets you pulled into the action in the first chapter and it doesn’t stop. Definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it also has the sweet romance that blooms between Garrison and Katelyn. It is refreshing to see faith woven throughout the whole book. I don’t know how she manages it to be an easy slide in verses being hit over the head with “religion” without a true relationship with God, like other books I’ve read. This truly a wonderful book to follow Seal of Honor. Can’t wait for Seal of Courage!

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Ashley has done it again, she is a masterful story teller. This second book in the Iron Tide Brotherhood series has us following Garrison “Demo’s” tale. I loved the characters and dialogue, how real both feel. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat and anxious to the end. The romance was a beautiful slow burn with two souls who feel the pull but one being scared to feel and the other allowing them time to get there. So sweet! And as always high, high praise for the faith woven in as an integral part of the entire book.
Can’t wait for the next chapter in the series!

[Rachel Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Garrison and Katelyn's story! It is a relationship that slowly builds into trust,respect and love. Suspense in the story grips the reader so that you don't want to put it down. I appreciate Jessica's approach to include difficult experiences in the lives of her characters. She gives hope of healing, trust, and love for any reader who may have experienced some kind of trauma. She so effortlessly points to Christ in the introductions, characters and their stories. Take a chance on reading every book she has written! You will not be disappointed!

[Jaylyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything. Sweet and swoony and suspenseful with an ending that had me kicking and giggling my feet. I loved watching Katelyn grow and seeing her faith develop throughout the story. I'm always amazing at the author's way of weaving in faith and the Gospel through the story without the story feeling preachy. Katelyn and Garrison were positively adorable and I loved seeing other characters from previous books making an appearance. To anyone looking for a book that is impossible to put down, look no further. 5 stars. No notes

[Tracey Wert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, Jessica Ashley knows how to pull you in from the very beginning! Garrison and Katelyn have quite a start, but I love how it slowly grows into something more.

I enjoyed watching Garrison live out his faith and how Katelyn began to see that he was different. I also liked seeing him pour into the boys in his program.

The brotherhood between these Seals is so beautifully portrayed. They not only respect each other, but truly love each other as brothers. I can’t wait for Sawyer‘s story. He is such a cut-up as a supporting character, but I can’t wait to see his depth in his own story!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. SEAL of Bravery is a fast-paced romantic suspense read has friends to more, close proximity, neighbors, a single mom raising her teenage son, faith, and danger. Garrison and Katelyn's story and relationship had me hooked from start to finish. Ashley tackles the topic of an abusive marriage and fears and hesitation in SEAL of Bravery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seal of Bravery is 100% an amazing, fast-paced read, written by Author Jessica Ashley. While the two main characters have both experienced, trauma in their pasts, they have begun to overcome. Instead of making them weaker, the experiences that they g have made them stronger. As they sought safety, together they could find an opportunity to build a future built on hope. This fast-action story is one that you can't put down.

[Harlie Roark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Jessica does it again! I went in to this booking thinking there was no way it would beat book 1 (Seal of Honor). Book 1 was my first 5 star read of this year and I loved it! Book 2 is just as captivating and I couldn’t put it down! The action, romance, and suspense! I love having clean reads that connect back to God. My only complaint is that it ended! I consumed this book in a day! I wouldn’t mind if it was longer!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story’s FMC has a past that deals with abuse and not just in her marriage so it could be a trigger for some readers. It opens with Katelyn finding her neighbor near death in his apartment, she saves him. Honestly the entire first half deals a lot with their relationship and how she feels about finding community and reconnecting with a church and God. The second half of the book is the action part, but honestly once I started it I wanted to finish it.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Seal of Bravery” (Iron Tide Brotherhood, book 2) by Jessica Ashley
Sweet Contemporary Romance-Suspense
I was captivated by this story and enjoyed witnessing the twists and turns in the main characters lives that ultimately combined to keep the story moving and myself reading way later into my night.. Yes, there is lots of love that makes me smile and of course I shed a few tears here and there, too. Happy Reading ! !

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Iron Tide Brotherhood series but can be read as a standalone book.

It grab me from the very first chapter. Katelyn (a single mother) and Garrison (an ex Navy Seal) start off as neighbours, turn friends and then start a relationship.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.