The Navy SEAL's Christmas Bride

The Heroes of Chance Creek #4

by Cora Seton

It’s Christmas time at Crescent Hall, but don’t expect expect peace, harmony and goodwill among men. When Mason Hall and his wife, Regan, invite their friends to stay for the holidays, sparks fly in an epic battle of the sexes, military style!

Navy SEAL Dan Hemmins goes head to head with soldier Sarah Metlin to prove once and for all that woman can’t possibly qualify for an elite branch of the military, but when Sarah proves she’s not just one of the most qualified warriors he’s ever met, she’s also one of the smartest and sexiest, too, he’ll do whatever it takes to get close to her, even if he has to challenge her to another contest…or three…or five!

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Novella, Holiday

90 pages, ebook

First published December 16, 2014

About the author

With over one million books sold, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Seton has created a world readers love in Chance Creek, Montana. She currently has thirty novels and novellas set in her fictional town, with many more in the works.

Like her characters, Cora loves cowboys, military heroes, country life, gardening, jogging, binge-watching Jane Austen movies, keeping up with the latest technology and indulging in old-fashioned pursuits. She lives on beautiful Vancouver Island with her husband, children and two cats.

Visit www.coraseton.com to read about new releases, locate your favorite characters on the Chance Creek map, and learn about contests and other cool events!

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/4/2020)! 🎁

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this short Christmas novella. Good plot and hot romance about two very competitive people who grow to respect each other through some really inventive competitions.

Regan and Mason Hall have decided to really celebrate the Hall families first Christmas back at the ranch and invite several friends to join them. Mason's friend, Navy SEAL Dan Hemmins and Regan's friend, soldier Sarah Metlin, strike sparks from the moment they meet and immediately start to engage in competition and not the friendly variety either. Dan is a sexist and believes that women just do not belong in the elite military forces. Sarah is out to prove him wrong.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novella, but it packs a punch. So much so that you won't want it to end. I mean you have two lethal components, the magic of Christmas AND love .... who's not gonna love a story like that ... with yummy Navy Seals to boot! LOL
So the scorch level is high. I liked that a lot. We also have the woman in the military element which was done very well!
OK, let me tell you the gist of this story (you're gonna LOVE it). Dan is a retired Seal looking to open a facility for civilians to get Seal training. EVERYONE seems to think that Sarah would be a perfect asset to this endeavor, except for Dan. Why you ask? Because she's a GIRL! Surely there is no way she can handle such a thing....LET THE GAMES BEGIN kids! Just wow LOL This little story was so full of LOL moments! What a fun and engaging story this was! I haven't had the pleasure of reading any other Chance Creek stories, but I am looking forward to doing that now. ALL the characters were such fun! I am very much looking forward to reading back stories and future stories on Chance Creek very soon!
ARC provided by CrushStar Multimedia LLC via NetGalley for an honest review!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this novella would have been better/more believable if it took place over the course of more than a few days. I didn't believe that the trajectory of Dan and Sarah's relationship moved as fast and got as serious as it did in this story. I'm all for believing in love at first sight, but this was more lust at first sight. The writing didn't convey that the lust ever turned to love in my opinion.

[Jen_C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started cute and fun, but the chip on her shoulder was MASSIVE. They acted like college kids at a frat party at times rather than seasoned military vets. Got tired of the competition's and attitude. OTT falling fast.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The couple: Dan and Sarah

Romance genre: enemies to lovers
Series: The Heroes of Chance Creek
Length: 90 pages

Plot: Dan is at his friend's house for the holidays, intent on spending time with his friend and solidifying his business plan to open a sort of training facility for survivalist/military training for civilians. Sarah, a friend of the couple he's visintg, is also there, but is not bowled over by his charm. She knows his type. She's been a soldier all her adult life, and because she's a woman, she's never been good enough for any special forces; to SEALs like Dan, she's just a soldier, nothing special. Thus ensues a series of competitions where Sarah tries to prove herself worthy of his business endeavor and he tries to prove himself worthy of her.

Commentary: I hated Dan. He was clueless, rude, arrogant, rude, and dismissive. He spent all his time either saying insensitive things or trying to compete with Sarah for no good reason. That's all they did, was compete against each other.

Sure, he’d show Sarah respect. After he beat her at a few more competitions.

But Sarah took everything as an insult, whether it was meant that way or not. She had a huge chip on her shoulder, and while I'm not saying she wasn't right, she was at her friend's house to enjoy Christmas, but refused to do that, instead engaging in these ridiculous competitions despite her friend's pleas to stop.
And I'm pretty sure the upside-down sex scene was the most ridiculous I've ever seen.

Previous book in the series: The Marine's E-Mail Order Bride
Next book in the series: The Airman's E-Mail Order Bride

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#4 in The Heroes of Chance Creek romance series

This is a quick novella that was just as fun as the rest of the series has been so far. We meet two new characters--Dan and Sarah--but they are visiting the ranch for Christmas, so all of the familiar characters are there as well. Dan is an ex-SEAL (friend of Mason's) and Sarah (Regan's friend) is a soldier who has a big chip on her shoulder because she is a woman in the military who just can't measure up, according to many men. She is excluded from Special Forces, despite her strong work ethic and tip-top physical and mental shape. She and Dan are immediately attracted to each other. But, kind of like children on the playground, they compete over and over, probably to show they "like" each other. The competitions are fun and entertaining, especially for everyone around them. But, as expected, misunderstandings occur which causes some hiccups in their growing relationship. There was a lot of fun packed into 90 pages, and I enjoyed it very much. Most memorable is a very acrobatic sexual scene between two extremely in-shape adults.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but good. Moved at a quick pace. Good characters.
This wasn’t one of the brothers but a friend Dan (seal pal of mason) & Sarah (army pal of regan) who compete with each other over witty jibes & races.
The obstacle course is an event again. That thing is basically another character in this series which is cool.
Upside down against a wall sex. Yeah....
The sexual tension, attraction & chemistry do happen quickly but it makes sense in this book series.

[shreya]

handstand sex? 😭😭

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy.

It's Christmas time at Crescent Hall. The entire family is gathering and have included some good friends. It's time to celebrate the holidays. Only two of the invitees have something to prove.

Once again Cora Seton takes us to Chance Creek where love is always in the air.

So we have the magic of Christmas and the magic of love.. seriously do these two hard headed individuals even stand a chance?

Sarah Metlin has spent her life trying to break into the "good ole boys club". Her father and brothers have made it clear that she is just not good enough. Even though she has the skills to be in any special forces out there, the US military doesn't take women in their special forces. Consequently, the chip on her soldier is large. Having been invited to share Christmas with her friends, Mason and Regan, Sarah is looking forward to a no pressure holiday. Of course that's before she meets just retired Navy Seal Dan Hemmings. Sure, he's one hot man but he's a SEAL.. her worst nightmare.

Navy Seal Dan Hemmings has just retired and has a goal to open a Seal like training center for civilians. You know like a Dude ranch, only it's a training facility to test your endurance. Dan is looking for partners and is hoping that he can convince the Halls. Only Mason suggests the lovely Sarah. She's planning on retiring soon and would be a great partner. Dan is willing to engage with Sarah only not the military stuff.. why? Because she's a female and certainly can't keep up.

Let the competition begin! It seems that no matter what there is a bet being placed and both Sarah and Dan have something to prove.

This was a fun novella bringing us a moment in time with the Halls and friends of Chance Creek. Everyone joins in, at least on the bets... and believe me there are some rather creative bets going on!

Dan and Sarah are two strong individuals that really only have days to realize that just maybe they have found the magic...

Once again Ms. Seton writes an engaging tale and Chance Creek just keeps looking better and better.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of The Navy SEAL's Christmas Bride, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2014

[Katzsouza4yahoo.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series, every book showed their support for one another Phyiscal and emotional.
As a family thier determination was unlimited and unconditional of what they would do for each other

[BlueBug · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just okay for me. It was light hearted, and of course, it's always fun to see the characters run the obstacle course at Crescent Hall. However, though I understand where the heroine, a soldier by the name of Sarah, gets her self-doubt since she didn't get much acceptance or support from her family or the branch of service she was in, I still felt like she whined a bit too much for my taste. She was a strong soldier who worked hard to get to where she was and was ready to retire because she kept hitting the same male dominated wall she had been fighting against since she joined the service. But I felt like she couldn't find enough pride in herself to actually stick up for herself.

Instead, when she met Dan, all she wanted to do was compete to prove her worth to him. I didn't think that shined a very good light on the way women should feel about themselves. I realize there needs to be conflict to make a story complete, but I found Dan to be rude and bullheaded. Rather than fun competition for all, it felt like he was pushy and needed to beat her at every competition in order to pad his pride, of which he was in no short supply. I was glad when he got knocked down a peg or two every once in a while.

I have to agree that there was little Christmas spirit in this novel which I missed and was looking forward to reading. Though I did like the actual love story, I really wanted more Christmas romance. I'm looking forward to reading something that isn't as harsh as this one.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Copy provided by Netgalley and CrushStar Multimedia LLC for an honest review**

I loved this series and couldn't wait to get my hands on this novella and it did not disappoint.

The Halls are celebrating the Christmas period and have invited a couple of friends to help them celebrate. Ex-SEAL Dan has only recently left the services and has the idea of setting up a facility where men can experience the elite training that the special forces go through.

Sarah has put her paperwork in to leave the army and has had to fight for equality from not only other colleagues but from her family.

Both seems to love the competition that starts up between them as they both find something in the other that they didn't quite know that they were looking for. The completion brings up lust and their competitive spirits.

Its a very high paced novella and I enjoyed the story so much I wish that the novella was a full length book instead. Really looking forward to reading Zane's story now :)

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this ARC for an honest review

This was my first story by this author, so I didn't have any starting expectations. Once I started, though, I didn't stop until it was done. I totally emphasize with Sarah having to compete in a stereotypical job and having to try to prove to herself. I didn't really care for Dan's sexism with this in the beginning, but as the story went on, it appeared to be just an ego thing and not too particularly against women. When they finally hooked up, it was hilarious. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[ShannonCC · Rating 1 out of 5]

So. I just read my first Seton and loved it (5 stars!) so this one was a huge let down for me.

I don't consider sexist, condescending assholes who physically force themselves on women to be romantic. If you like that sort of thing, this is the book for you, but for me, one star.

Sarah was a great character, dealing with a lot in her life, and I wish she'd ended up with a better man than Dan. I could have done with a whole book (not just a novella) on Sarah and what she's dealt with in her family and the Army. That would be a good read! But throw Dan in, and no thanks. Dan does start to come around but not until about half way through the book (and for the first third, he's a total douchebag asshole).

And yes, it's a novella, but the romance went too fast. There should have been more time between her seeing him as the asshole he rightfully is, to thinking he's the love of her life.

Honestly, given what she's going through thinking of leaving the Army, dealing with all the emotions of giving up the life she's known for so long, still dealing with the disappointment of women not being allowed to try out for the Special Forces (at the time this novella was written), still dealing with the shit her father and brother give her maybe she's just so beaten down by life she's willing to take the little respect this jerk eventually, grudgingly, gives her and build it up into something more.

Gee, can you tell how much I hated Dan?

Yes, he comes around by the end, it's a romance after all, but man, Sarah deserves a lot better.

And ok, this is minor compared to my problems with the "hero", and probably an editing error, but where did he get the engagement ring? When he pre-proposes (eye roll) he specifically says he doesn't have an engagement ring, but then "early the following morning" "His heart swelled every time he remembered the look in Sarah's eyes when he pulled out the engagement ring...". Did he go shopping in the middle of the night? Does Amazon have same day delivery at this ranch in the middle of nowhere? Or does he carry one around for emergencies?

And why, pages later, does he talk about how he'll propose for real at some point? If he hasn't actually proposed, then what is the engagement ring then? Is it really a pre-proposal (again, eye roll) pre-engagment ring? I'm guessing this is some sort of editing error, but I was already annoyed enough at Dan in this book that this is really bugging me that it's never explained. .

[Patricia Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eternal struggle that thousands of women must endure every day is quite accurately reflected on this story. Sarah is an extraordinary woman who has been fighting all her life against rejection (from the Special Forces who denied women the right to attempt to get into their lines, from people like her own father and brothers who will never understand that being a woman isn´t a weakness or a liability). Now that she is considering to leave the Force, she needs to find her place in a world where women still are considered the "weak sex". She´s not to be just a typical wife but she also wants to find love, even though she´s given up trying to find the right man for her until... Dan.
Dan is an ex-SEAL with a project involving his training and expertise to start his own business. Both Sarah and Dan feel an intense attraction, but they´re quite unsure about allowing somebody to get into their lives. She wants to be respected for what she is and for what she can do and he discovers that she´s not only a beautiful and independent woman, but also intelligent and strong. Competition is the key for them to know each other, and is what makes this a funny story. Challenging each other is their way to show Sarah´s physical strength and Dan´s acceptance of her capabilities.
The question in the end is...will they follow separate paths or overcome their differences and try to find a way to canalize their interests and become one in business and in life?
All in all, I enjoyed this entertaining, hot and funny story, and so far, is the one I liked best in this series of the Heroes of Chance Creek.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked the beginning as Dan and Sarah battled each other in various competitions that just showed off their chemistry and the sexual tension between them. I liked how she put him in his place quite a few times, and in a totally entertaining way especially when bets were put into place. Beyond that she wanted to show him he met his match in every way possible all while battling her own issues of insecurity of being seen as a capable solider/partner for him. She wanted more than a fling.

Then it shifted, I went back and forth about whether I was liking the direction it was going. On the one hand, the bath tub was so hot and steamy in more ways then. It was very sexy and intimate, showing off their connection. The “Go Fish” scene started off as very sexy and fun, but then it turned into this weird acrobatic sex scene that just felt really awkward and didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I didn’t get the point of it. I didn’t think it was sexy after that point. It just felt like it was in there for titillation sake. It was their first time, which made it even weirder. Even though I did feel the connection between them, I just felt like after their first time there was just some missing between them. It just felt very much it became solely about the physical and nothing more. There was a conflict that was just rushed through and resolved in the end. I was not satisfied with them being a forever couple because there was a missing piece.

[Cindy Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Cora Seton fashion, and in keeping with the theme of the ongoing saga of heroes of all kinds joining together to form a new community of Chance Creek, this short story will warm your heart and bare your soul, as yet another military survivor finds their special niche in this forever evolving world. Not only is this the tale of a retired Seal, but that of a soon to be veteran of the Army. Both characters are strong, yet learn exactly how they can show their soft sides, at least to each other. Sarah comes from a family full of special Ops officers, father, brothers, and more. Always the brunt of their jokes because she's just a female, unable to be a part of the elite because she's a woman, even though she's proven she can handle everything they throw at her and then some, she's constantly having to prove herself. Will there ever be a time when the military men in her life will accept her for who she is, and for what she can do? Dan is at odds with himself, not sure if his business plan is feasible or not, and hoping to find a partner or two, plans to enjoy his Christmas holiday with a few of his buddies from the Seals. Will he get more than he bargained for when he meets Sarah?
Beautifully written, this story will have you wishing you were a part of it all.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL and Army Soldier

Dan is a former Navy SEAL. He wants to start up a survival training camp, where men can learn what it takes to be a SEAL. He goes to vacation at a friends ranch and asks him to invest. The ranch is full of military men and their wives. Sarah is a Army soldier and her and Reagan have been friends forever, Reagan’s husband owns the ranch. Sarah’s family is in all different types of military and are always belittling her. While Sarah tries to figure out if she wants to leave the Army or stay. Dan and Sarah start having competitions to see who’s best. Sara doesn’t want a fling she wants something permanent. Now Dan just has to convince her he does too.
Funny. I have never read anyone having sex the way these two did! It was a little hard to imagine but totally sexy. Two competitive people who love to compete against each other and the little bets made.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Navy Seal's Christmas Bride
Author: Cora Seton
FIVE STARS
This is the fourth book in the Heroes of Chance Creek series. This is the first read of this series and of Cora Seton for me and is totally a stand alone book. I am a huge fan of military romance, wounded warrior romance and Veteran romance. This is a military romance and I highly recommend it.
Army soldier and Navy Seal fall in love. What is so difficult about that? She wonders if he will ever take her seriously and realize that she is so much more than just a soldier. They challenge each other and question each others motives and wants. Both wary and uncertain in many things.
Great, short, quick read and this was a great book to read to start off my new year. This book keeps you entertained and wanting more. I will be finding more of Cora Seton's books and reading them all. I laughed out loud several times during this book.
Kelli Harper 1-1-2018

[Beth Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of a series, this is book 4 of Heroes of Chance Creek. This book is not about the brothers, although it does take place on their ranch and they are in the book. This story is about Dan, a Seal and friend of Mason's, and Sarah, a soldier and friend of Regan's. Dan and Sarah are spending Christmas at the Hall Ranch, right from the beginning they compete & bet about everything. Can they find their HEA together?
**I really like the series but this book was about characters that were never mentioned in the previous books. The characters came out of nowhere and are not from Chance Creek. I was under the impression that this series is about 4 brothers trying to get their family home deeded to them by their Great Aunt, as that is what the first 3 books in the series were about. I just thought this book didn't fit in with the rest of the series.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a fun book. The competitions between Dan and Sarah were hysterical in that they both seemed to have a need to prove something to the other.

Sarah has many issues with always having to prove herself. Being the only daughter in a military family she has broken the rules and joined up too. Much to their dismay and disapproval. She is stymied in her military career since she isn't allowed to even try for special forces. (Although this rule has changed now.) She's deciding whether to stay in or leave while on the Christmas leave.

As a Navy SEAL, Dan has always bantered with members of the other branches of the service, but he can't quite get what's going on with Sarah. He's enjoying the competitions but he's also feeling more. He wants more with Sarah.

Lots of fun, ribbing and revelations as these two come to terms with themselves and their attraction to each other.

[Busybeth76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Competition for the Heart

What a bright & fun novella of two highly competitive individuals striving to beat each other at whatever game they play. Dan is a recently retired SEAL who wants to open a military camp for civilians to challenge themselves. Sarah is a sergeant in the US Army, a female soldier constantly trying to prove herself to her peers and family. Dan & Sarah meet on Christmas vacation while visiting Crescent Hall near Chance Creek, Montana. Their Christmas holiday with the Hall family, friends and assorted shenanigans is replete with contests to prove whose better. Hilarity and recognition of kindred spirits ensue. This is a wonderful story of two strong people finding their way to a new future together. Wonderful holiday treat.

[Deb Diem · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Navy SEAL'S Christmas Bride by Cora Seton is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited time for reading. Ms. Seton has provided us with an entertaining Christmas story that is well-written and packed with amazing, lovable characters. Dan is recently retired from the Navy and is visiting Mason for the holidays. Sarah is visiting Mason's wife during the holidays while deciding if she wants to stay in the Army or turn in her papers to get out. Sarah and Dan's story is full of competitions, humor, drama and sizzle. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from Cora Seton in the future. The Navy SEAL'S Christmas Bride is book 4 of The Heroes Of Chance Creek Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about a women living in a man's world

Sarah has always tried to earn the respect of her dad and brothers especially after she joined the Army. They feel a woman's place is at home taking care of the men. She vowed to never date a military man because they would never respect her the way she deserved. When she meets Dan, he treats her the same way and she has to prove she is just as good as he is. Everything between them is a competition. Somewhere along the line in just a few days, feelings get involved, but does Dan see her as an equal for a partner in business and life?

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, but I had two main complaints. First, this went WAY too fast for a romance. I mean, I get it that when you know, you know, but I didn't feel the connection at all, which is weird because in book three of this series they knew even faster than this one, but that didn't feel rushed at all. These two just never really seemed to talk to each other. It was a competition the whole time.

And secondly, upside down sex? REALLY? I mean, if you need that to make your first time memorable, then you're having sex with the wrong person. It just seemed so contrived.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The navy seals christmas bride is the return to chance creek where friends of the Hall family have a chance at a christmas miracle. Dan is a retired SEAL looking to start a new venture. Then we have Sarah. A woman who has been in the Army and is facing a point in her career she doesnt know where to go. Shes being limited because of her gender.

Dan and Sarah instantly lost after each other but there is a little competition. Add in Christmas time and Love story and it's a great novella. Seriously enjoyable.

[Luv 2 Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are strong.

I enjoyed the story, because it does seem like woman are always trying to compete in a man's world.
We are created different for a reason. We are a compliment to our men, and that's an awesome thing.
We are strong, caring, motivated, and stubborn enough to keep fighting for our right to be recognized for our strengths.
Plus, I'd like to see a man carry a baby to term and then proceed to give birth to it. Something a man will never do.
WE ARE STRONG!

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

An invite for Christmas, and to share his ideas of a Seal Training camp, with Mason. Was Dan looking for a partner, he was, but an army, and a woman, no way. Sarah was use to this, and from her family, they loved her. Their motto was men served their country, and women served their men. Sarah didn't fit into that mode of thinking. She wanted a place she could shine, without restrictions. How many contest were needed for Dan to change his mind, and being around one determined woman. Enjoyable characters, a touch of family, a touch of love, and good enjoyable reading.

[Helen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Mason Hall and his wife Regan invite their friends -- Navy Seal Dan Hemmins and Army Soldier Sarah Metlin -- to spend the holidays with them. During this period there is a competition of a battle of the sexes military style. Dan is determined to prove to Sarah that women cannot qualify to become a Seal. Sarah not only proves to Dan that she's qualified but that she's smart and sexy and Dan will do whatever it takes to get closer to her.