A SEAL's Honor: A Single Dad Small Town Military Romance

by Sadie King

She’s off-limits. Not his to keep. Until one night changes everything.

It’s just been me and my girls for the past four years, and that’s the way I like it. Until I meet my daughter’s temporary teacher.
Brooke is competent and kind, with curves that make me remember what it’s like to want a woman.
But she’s just passing through. And I know better than to want something that isn’t meant to last.
But when a school camping trip leaves us stranded in a remote cabin, one night is all it takes to change everything.
Now I want more.
And for the first time in years, I’m willing to risk everything to keep her.

A SEAL’s Honor is Joel and Brooke’s story, a steamy single dad romance featuring an ex-Navy SEAL, his daughter’s curvy teacher, and one unforgettable night that might not be enough.

Genres: Military Fiction

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 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.

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www.authorsadieking.com/free

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this addition to the series. Brooke and Joel have a instant connection the moment they meet, Wonderful characters and storyline,.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts off with Joel attending Parent-Teacher conferences with his daughter Dana. The majority of the teachers shocked him, as they all said that Dana needs to apply herself more and pay attention and they will offer tutors, etc. But, when they get to Media Studies, it is a totally different situation. Dana lights up and we find out that she excels in this class with Miss Brooke Randal’s belief in her. Joel had noticed Brooke when she attended the grand opening of Jake’s Retreat, that Joel runs/ founded. Brooke comes from a military family. Hudson, one of the guys, watches Joel’s younger daughter, Nora, who is 14. Joel & Hudson talk and Hudson gives him some advice. That they should lean into Dana’s strengths. Nora is a studies and quiet girl and knows what she wants to be when she grows up- an architect.

There is a field trip coming up for media studies, and Joel didn’t know about it, but he does sign the permission slip and decides to offer himself as a volunteer/ chaperone. When one of the girl’s freak out, he handles it and it just made me love him more. There are a few trials and tribulations at the Camp, that if Joel hadn’t been there, there would’ve been some mega problems for Brooke and the dozen kids, including Dana. Joel & Brooke are having trouble keeping their hands to themselves. They are so drawn to each other, and it is only the fact that there are a bunch of kids there that stops things from happening for a while. You can feel the heat between them. Plus, Joel knows that Dana will freak at him, if he does anything with her fave teacher.

Inner questions abound for both Brooke & Joel. After an amazing night between them, things happen that break my heart and Joel’s. It made me tear up. They are perfect for each other. But, she won’t change her lifestyle for him and he wants to go all in, already. Weeks later, Dana gives him a lecture that had me laughing so hard, I almost fell out of the bed. I loved how Dana had a hand in Brooke’s feelings as well from the final. I loved the ending. It was so romantic and steamy and beautiful. I loved how Nora and Dana played with Brooke.

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

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This is book six in the author’s Jake’s Heroes series and features a former Navy SEAL and his daughter’s temporary media teacher.

Living a nomadic lifestyle had become a way of life for Brooke, a former military brat… taking teaching assignments for only a year before moving on to the next experience but when she met the father of one of her students, moving on didn’t seem as appealing as before but she found it almost impossible to force herself to stay.

Joel never expected to find love again after losing his wife—it was just going to be him and his two daughters—but when he finally realized how he felt about his daughter’s teacher, he was devastated to learn she had no intention of staying.

This was a much slower burn than I was expecting from this author. I do get it because they were with a bunch of high school students on a three day camping trip but then NOTHING happened for such a long time that I was beginning to wonder if it ever would. And I was so frustrated with Brooke and her determination to move on that I considered putting the book down for the evening but in the end I was glad I hadn’t. I still didn’t LOVE it per se but I did enjoy it for the most part, especially the fact that it was part of the Jake’s Heroes series in which Jake, a Navy SEAL lost in battle’s, comrades honored his memory by establishing a center for soldiers’ recovery. This one didn’t focus heavily on it but I loved the part where Joel went to the wall of names each day to honor Jake and all of the fallen soldiers from his hometown; it was incredibly touching.

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

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed A SEAL’s Honor, and now I have to read the rest of the books in the series.

As a military brat myself, I got a kick out of some of the FMC’s lines, what is “0 dark hundred” in my family she described as “silly o’clock” which has just become 0 silly-hundred in my mind.

This is an overall low angst insta-love read, but not the kind of “stranded” in a “remote” cabin I was expecting, and there was a high anxiety period of time in the cabin when I confess, I flipped ahead to see if they’d caught, just so I’d know… but I’m not telling whether they did or didn’t.

I love the writer’s technique in that each chapter in a new POV ends with the moments of the last paragraph from the previous chapter but from the new chapter person’s perspective.

Brooke is a delight, and Joel is a great father, Dana (Joel’s daughter who is in Brooke’s class) is rock awesome. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, and this is a longer story; I enjoyed spending more time with the characters.

The one thing I didn’t like was that Joel kept thinking things like “this is nothing I’ve ever felt, I’ve never felt this way…” which considering he was married and spent years grieving for his wife after she died feels very sad. Those lines work in most insta-love plots, but didn’t work well in this one.

Overall a great story.

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

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Media Trip!**

*A SEAL’s Honor* is the fifth book in Jake’s Heroes series, and I have been eagerly anticipating the story of Joel and his daughters, Dana and Nora. As a widower and a single dad, Joel has been too busy to focus on his love life. That changes during parent-teacher night at school, where he meets Dana’s Media Studies teacher, Brooke. Unbeknownst to him, Dana has a keen interest in Media Studies, which only deepens Joel's sense of disconnect from his daughter. To bridge that gap, he volunteers to chaperone a school trip.

During the trip, while trying to keep their feelings professional, Joel and Brooke can't deny the instant connection and chemistry between them. As they get to know each other better, their relationship intensifies. However, a significant obstacle looms: Brooke plans to move on to her next assignment at the end of the school year. Although Joel is all in for Brooke, he has no intention of his daughters ever leaving. Will they be able to work things out, or will they both walk away from each other for good?

King has done an amazing job with this series; each book features wonderful characters and takes us on different emotional journeys. With Joel and Brooke, we explore themes of love, grief, starting over, and self-discovery. The heartfelt emotions make it an enjoyable read, and it's easy to finish in one sitting.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A SEAL’s Honor by Sadie King

A SEAL’s Honor is a heartfelt and emotional romance that perfectly balances tenderness, chemistry, and just the right amount of tension. Sadie King delivers a story that feels both intimate and deeply satisfying.

Joel is a wonderful single dad hero—strong, dependable, and completely devoted to his daughters. His journey from guarded and focused solely on his family to opening his heart again is beautifully written and easy to connect with.

Brooke is a kind, capable, and compassionate heroine who fits naturally into Joel’s world. Her role as a teacher and her genuine care for his children make her presence feel authentic, and her chemistry with Joel develops in a way that feels natural and earned.

The off-limits dynamic adds a layer of tension that keeps things engaging, while the forced proximity during the camping trip creates the perfect setting for their relationship to shift and deepen. Their connection is filled with warmth, longing, and emotional depth.

If you love single dad romance, protective heroes, and stories about taking a second chance on love, A SEAL’s Honor is a touching and enjoyable read that will leave you smiling.

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

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to Joel’s story, the man who started it all for Jake’s retreat and has been there for everyone. It wasn’t the story I was expecting however, especially in regard to how he’s been throughout the series, but as a stand alone book it was great! This was a single dad and daughter’s teacher book with an age gap and a much slower burn that focused on the story vs the steaminess between them. I loved how it also focused on Joel rebuilding his relationship with his eldest daughter, it was really sweet seeing that evolve and change. Having her be a part of why Brooke changed her mind too was perfection. I do wish there was more about the retreat and his friends though, there was really nothing in there about it. Him loosing his wife had also been a big thing throughout the series, and he didn’t talk about her at all really. As a stand alone book, I loved it! But as part of the series, I wasn’t a big fan to be honest. No cheating or OM/OW drama, slower burn, age gap, forbidden-ish relationship, third act breakup and apart for about 4 weeks, dual POV, HEA and a sweet epilogue in the future. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this author!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL's Honor by Sadie King is the anticipated story of Ex-Navy seal Jake and it was a great read. This small-town, military, single day short read was engaging from start to finish. I loved reading Jack’s story. As the ex-head commander of a Seal team, he was dealing with life after the death of his wife, honoring lost during service, and raising his daughters. Jack met Brooke (his daughter’s teacher) and sparks were instant. Through developing their friendship and relationship, Jake had a second chance at love. They make a compelling couple with each of their past experiences and their willingness to do what is needed to continue their journey to find their happy ever after. As expected, this author has such depth of characters and great writing even within a shorter read that makes the story intriguing and entertaining. A SEAL's Honor is Book 6 in the Jake's Heroes series. It is both recommended and read worthy.

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

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting when I picked up A SEAL's Honor. I do know that I wasn't disappointed. I'm not the biggest fan of age gap romances. I only seem to enjoy them in novellas. While there is one in this story, it wasn't a focus. We know Joel has two teenage daughters and that Brooke is younger than him. That wasn't the monkey wrench in their relationship. The acknowledged it and moved on. And I freaking loved that. In fact, the way Joel and Brooke's relationship progressed was fantastic. It was fast, but not too fast. They have obstacles (Joel's daughters and Brooke being one of their teachers), but they were natural. Nothing felt forced or out of place. This was my first time reading Sadie King and I just might have to try another novella from this series. I enjoyed her writing style. I liked that it was emotional and fun. Her characters were loveable. I hope I found a new auto-read author.

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

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staying
A sweet romance from Wild Heart Mountain. Joel has lost touch with his girls, his grief and being a single parent, taking its toll.
Trying to reconnect with Dana, he volunteers to be the parent helper on her camping trip. He has feelings he didn’t think he would ever have again for Brooke, Dana’s teacher. Brooke has feelings for Joe too but is used to her nomadic lifestyle. As they wrangle teenagers and cope with sharing a cabin the feelings only get stronger. Joel is all or nothing and Brooke picks the nothing.
She doesn’t know how to stay. “ “Some places feel temporary until you let yourself belong to them. I used to think home was something you moved through. Now I think it’s something you decide.”” what if the lesson is that home is the people you love, wherever you are?“
Another wonderful story in the series. Sadie brings the raw emotions and a love that was meant to be.

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his wife passed away Joel has been focused on giving his daughters everything they need. While attending parent-teacher interviews he is drawn to Brooke, one of his daughter’s teachers, not only because of the way she makes him feel but also because of the way she relates to his daughter.

Due to her father being in the military Brooke has never settled in one place for long and she believes that this teaching assignment will be the same. She can’t deny the attraction she feels for Joel and is conflicted about his being a chaperone on the trip she is planning for her students however as events unfold there is no one she would have by her side.

This is a story about family, healing and new beginnings as Jole and Brooke were a surprise that neither saw coming but was meant to be.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel is a single father; he left the military when his wife got sick. During the parent-teacher conferences concerning his daughter, Dana, most believed she had not been applying herself. The only one that seemed to think Dana was engaged in class was the Media Studies teacher, Brooke. He was not looking for anything except raising his daughters, but the teacher got him all hot and bothered. He volunteers for an upcoming trip for Dana’s class. Due to weather, the pair are assigned to be bunked together for a few nights. Can the adults ignore what is happening between them? Brooke is a rolling stone and does not stay anywhere long, this could end in heartbreak for everyone. Jake and his girls might just be the home she was looking for.

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

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel is a former Navy Seal and single dad. His wife passed four years ago, leaving him to raise two teenage girls. His oldest, Dana, is a senior in high school and he finds out she isn't doing to great in her classes. Except for one.

Brooke is one of Dana's teachers and the only teacher who praises how well she is doing. When Joel is doing parent-teach conferences, he realizes he has missed a lot of the girls lives.

He also realizes he is missing out on finding love again. Brooke sparks something in him he hasn't felt in years.

When they go on a school camping trip for the class, Joel is a parent volunteer. He and Brooke end up having to share a cabin. With sparks flying, will this turn into more?.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sixth book of Jake's Heroes, Sadie King's wonderful series, is Joel and Brooke's story, a steamy single dad / age-gap romance. Joel meets Brooke at while attending parent-teacher conferences, as she is teaching his daughters. But it is while a parent volunteer on the girls' camping trip in an attempt to connect, the widowed single dad find himself falling for Brooke. But the obstacles in their path aren't that she's his daughters' teacher, or the slight age gap - Brooke doesn't have a history of staying in one place and Joel is grounded. But when the heart calls... A slow-burn, steamy, well-written romance.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 of the Jake's Heroes series. Can be read as a standalone.

'A SEAL’s Honor is Joel and Brooke’s story, a steamy single dad romance featuring an ex-Navy SEAL, his daughter’s curvy teacher, and one unforgettable night that might not be enough.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed 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.

[Kyareth14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Jake’s Heroes* is a great series featuring excellent stories. Joel leads a very busy and complicated life, raising his teenage daughters while running Jake’s Retreat. After losing his wife and becoming a single father, he knows he wants stability in his life; yet, when he meets Brooke, he begins to feel emotions he had long forgotten. However, Brooke was only working as a teacher for a short time and was planning to leave. What developed between the two was more than just attraction—it was love—and it prompted Brooke to reevaluate what she wanted out of life. She ultimately decided that Jake and his daughters would be part of her future. A wonderful story with a happy ending.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn romance that focuses a lot more on the storyline rather than the steaminess of their relationship, but that's simmering the whole time in the background too. I thought initially that the single father angle was going to be young kids, so I was pleasantly surprised when they were teenagers. I also enjoyed that the kids, or at least Dana, were a much larger part of the story. Too often a story with kids in it is a fleeting part of the story, you see them and then never again. But this one kept the kids as a major focus.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of his wife, Joel gave everything to his daughters and didn't have time to even think about romance, until he met Brooke. Brooke is a substitute teacher who doesn't stay too long in one place, but after meeting Joel and his daughters, she had second thoughts about leaving. This is a heartwarming, slow burn, single dad romance with well developed characters who get their happily ever after. I love that this story included Joel's daughters throughout the story. Great writing! A SEAL's Honor is a wonderful addition to Jake's Heroes series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This single dad ex military romance is a great addition to the Jake’s Heroes collection. Joel has only concentrated on his daughters and never goes for anything temporary but when him and Brooke his daughter’s substitute teacher are stuck in a small cabin he allows himself this one night. One night would never be enough. This is an excellent read and it takes no time to get caught up in Joel and Brooke’s love story.

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

[JaneH · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Brooke, a teacher, and Joel, a single dad worried about his eldest daughter’s education. He meets the teacher and is instantly attracted to while Brooke thinks his hot she is used to moving around. A school camp has these two talking, and more 😘.
Brooke decides to stay. They date, she gets to know his girls, she moves in. Marriage is happening.
This story is on the sweet side, two likeable main characters embracing their getting together.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another wonderful and heartwarming romance for the series and I loved seeing Joel and Brooke work their way together. She's a substitute teacher for Joel's two teenage daughters and they've definitely got sparks bursting between them ;) He knows she likes to move around, though, so I was on edge if she'd be able to make the decision to stay...thankfully, we get some forced proximity to break down her walls ;D Expect to get caught up in the emotions, connection, heart and heat as they journey to a fab HEA. Good fun!

[Mary Pack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and Joel! ❤️, I have loved this series and Joel's story is so good. Brooke is the new, temporary teacher in town. She teaches media studies. She's also teaching his oldest daughter. So she should be off limits but he's not been interested in anyone since his wife died. He's been concentrating on his girls and Jake's Retreat. He can't help how he feels. Now the retired Navy Seal commander needs temporary turned into permanent.

As with any story with teenagers in it, there's angst, humor, but also HEA. I am going to miss this series but I will also be rereading it.

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

He knew he missed a lot when his girls were growing up being away, but now he is realizing he is still missing things. When he meets Brooke and learns how much she sees in his daughter he is drawn to her even more. When the trip puts them together lines are crossed. He knows what he wants, however she doesn't think the same. She doesn't think staying in one place is in the cards for her, then the cards change. I would love to read more.

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

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke is a temporary teacher with a nomadic lifestyle. She never stays in the same place for long.
Joel is a veteran and has two teenagers. The eldest has problems at school, which is the reason he meets one of her teachers.
They make a good team, and the school camping trip shows that.
This was a sweet and lovely story. The characters were likeable, and you fell in love with them. It was easy to read and enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is a substitute teacher who is working with his daughters and when they get stranded together on a camping trip things get interesting. Joel had encased his heart never thinking he would have love again until Brooke. Close proximity has the walls coming down and love blossoming. This heartwarming single dad romance drew me into Brooke and Joel.

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the connection and chemistry between these two, they worked well together and showed good support and understanding. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other, seeing Joel get to know his eldest daughter better, and seeing Dana realise what she wanted and what was best for her Dad, and helping him get it.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL’s Honor is touching and heartful with a beautiful blend of emotion, drama, sweetness, and healing. Joel and Brooke are perfect for each other, and the sparks between the fly off the pages. Joel’s daughters are such fun characters too, and the journey is definitely worth the read. With low angst and lovely character arcs, this is a quick read that warms the heart.

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

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Joel has discovered after four years single with a seventeen year old daughter, that he is attracted to Brooke, his daughter's teacher. Brooke has an attraction for Joel, but she always moves on after a few months or a year. Joel isn't willing to get involved and have Dana hurt by losing someone again. I enjoyed reading this book which is full of drama and emotions.

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

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really have been enjoying this Jake's Heroes series. I was happy that we finally get the story of Joel and his daughters, Dana and Nora. This is about the love story between Joel and Brooke, and their chemistry is undeniable. You feel it instantly and all the emotions throughout their story. I highly recommend.

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

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL's Honor Book 6 of Jake's Heroes by Sadie King is Joel and Brooke’s story, a steamy single dad military romance featuring his daughter’s curvy teacher and one unforgettable night. I love the bittersweet tentative romance that develops between a heartbroken widower and his daughter's teacher, it's a heartwarming story that truly touched me. Beautiful.

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