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Lucky Thirteen #5
Once Upon a SEAL
Maddie Benson has spent her entire life in Sugar Falls and has never ventured--nor wanted to venture--beyond her small town's safe borders. But when her delivery job takes her to the doorstep of one very reclusive, former Navy SEAL, Sebastian McIntyre, her small town perceptions are challenged with every conversation they have. It's not long before she's losing herself--and her heart--to the mysterious man behind the door.
Bastian's scars are deeper than the surface. They're embedded into his soul, and he's content to keep them buried. But the second Maddie ends up on his doorstep with her sparkling smile and her sunshine hair, his quiet new life shatters and she just might be able to excise the demons he's tried hard to keep tucked away--if he lets her in.
When Bastian's old life comes haunting them, he knows he should let her go. But the light she shines on his soul keeps the darkness within him at bay. Letting her go may take more strength than he has, and keeping her close could get her killed.
Reading order of this
* Killing Honor, #1
* Wounded Courage, #2
* Dying Commitment, #3
* SEALed until Christmas, #4
* Once Upon a SEAL, #5
Bastian's scars are deeper than the surface. They're embedded into his soul, and he's content to keep them buried. But the second Maddie ends up on his doorstep with her sparkling smile and her sunshine hair, his quiet new life shatters and she just might be able to excise the demons he's tried hard to keep tucked away--if he lets her in.
When Bastian's old life comes haunting them, he knows he should let her go. But the light she shines on his soul keeps the darkness within him at bay. Letting her go may take more strength than he has, and keeping her close could get her killed.
Reading order of this
* Killing Honor, #1
* Wounded Courage, #2
* Dying Commitment, #3
* SEALed until Christmas, #4
* Once Upon a SEAL, #5
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2015
1 person is currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Butler
23 books268 followersS.M. Butler is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romantic suspense and military romance who has a penchant for Dr. Pepper, ice hockey, and fully admits her addiction to creative journaling and art supplies. She lives in Texas under a not-so-secret identity with two teenaged monsters, writing books, and planning the next step in her evil plans for world domination into the twilight hours of the night because that’s when it’s quiet in the house. She loves to hear from readers.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 9, 2018
While Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen #5) by S.M. Butler might be readable as a standalone I am not sure I would recommend it as such. At least as far as some secondary plot strings go, because I did not read the previous books and I had trouble understanding some connections.
The main plot string is a kind of Beauty and Beast storyline that is well written and an enjoyable read. So lovers of that genre that like to see such a setting with a touch of military will find what they are looking for here. The writing is well developed and the characters are truly likeable, therefore Enjoy
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September 14, 2015
This was a pretty steady pace and enjoyable read. It was very Beauty and the Beast with some suspense thrown in.
Bastian was really sweet but stubborn. I liked him but I was annoyed with him at points. I understand his fear of showing himself because he thinks he looks like a monster but it got to be a bit much.
Maddie was very naïve but had a good heart. I like how she didn't give up on Bastian.
The relationship was a bit rushed for me in them saying the L word but overall it was a sweet romance. I liked how they actually talked and got to know one another and Maddie fell for him without even seeing him.
I just wish it was a bit longer and more drawn out but I enjoyed it and plan on going back and reading the rest of the series.
Bastian was really sweet but stubborn. I liked him but I was annoyed with him at points. I understand his fear of showing himself because he thinks he looks like a monster but it got to be a bit much.
Maddie was very naïve but had a good heart. I like how she didn't give up on Bastian.
The relationship was a bit rushed for me in them saying the L word but overall it was a sweet romance. I liked how they actually talked and got to know one another and Maddie fell for him without even seeing him.
I just wish it was a bit longer and more drawn out but I enjoyed it and plan on going back and reading the rest of the series.
May 18, 2015
4.5 / 5 stars
Received review copy in exchange for an honest review; full blog tour post can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
APrior to reading this, I found book one, KILLING HONOR, was free so I wanted to read through that story. While these two books are on opposite sides of the series, I thought maybe I could learn some things about this SEAL group Thirteen by reading the previous book.
The entire time I was reading KILLING HONOR, I just knew I'd read it before but I couldn't figure out where.
...it was in one of the 'SEALS of' anthologies! It was nice to revisit Brody and Devyn's story. I forgot how much I enjoyed it due to it's nature -- young SEAL, who's married with young twin daughters, who's gone and fears bringing the war home with him, and therefore the pull of separation that happens in that relationship. Loved it the second time, as much as I did the first.
While Brody nor Devyn make an appearance in ONCE UPON A SEAL, a few other members of the team do, and it was enjoyable to see them. Watching the interaction between Candace and Dylan made me go and immediately put DYING COMMITMENT on my To-Be Read list -- and I have to say that for the book covers, that one is spot on; the male model is grinning, and that embodies Dylan.
Our lead in this story is Sebastian -- Bash to his sister, Bastian to all else. He's a younger twenty-something who was a SEAL -- and in a mission gone terribly wrong, he came home badly scarred. He has a hard time with the 'came home' part, let alone the fact that a monster reflects back at him in the mirror. After trying to live in a public lifestyle, yet being pointed at and shied away from, he becomes recluse -- the only person, really, to ever see him being his sister, Jenny.
Jenny runs the local store (grocery, hardware... in this little 800-person town, it's the all-to store); Bash will call in his grocery order on Monday, and his sister always delivers on Tuesday.
I want to say Jenny had a motive -- however, it really isn't spelt out that way -- but one day she can't make the run so she sends Maddie.
Maddie and Bastian form a friendship through a cracked door -- he refuses to let her see him but learns he enjoys her company. They sit and talk about anything and mostly everything, and even will hold hands now and then at Bash's insistence. When Bastian learns that Giroux (you meet that one in book one, too) is coming after all of the Thirteen team, he's sure to make sure Jenny is safe -- never for a moment considering his new friendship to be a threat.
I rather enjoyed this story. I was sad that Bastian hid from life, as well as Maddie after their friendship was formed. However, as nearly unlikely as it is this day and age, I loved that their relationship was built off of conversation -- looks were never on the table. Sure, he was attracted to her, but because of his fears, she wasn't given that same opportunity of attraction -- but still, she fell for him.
Suzan's writing-style fits well in the novella world, I feel. I think she also does really well in this new-adult/suspense/military world, as well. Granted... I like her hockey stuff too, so... ;)
Received review copy in exchange for an honest review; full blog tour post can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
APrior to reading this, I found book one, KILLING HONOR, was free so I wanted to read through that story. While these two books are on opposite sides of the series, I thought maybe I could learn some things about this SEAL group Thirteen by reading the previous book.
The entire time I was reading KILLING HONOR, I just knew I'd read it before but I couldn't figure out where.
...it was in one of the 'SEALS of' anthologies! It was nice to revisit Brody and Devyn's story. I forgot how much I enjoyed it due to it's nature -- young SEAL, who's married with young twin daughters, who's gone and fears bringing the war home with him, and therefore the pull of separation that happens in that relationship. Loved it the second time, as much as I did the first.
While Brody nor Devyn make an appearance in ONCE UPON A SEAL, a few other members of the team do, and it was enjoyable to see them. Watching the interaction between Candace and Dylan made me go and immediately put DYING COMMITMENT on my To-Be Read list -- and I have to say that for the book covers, that one is spot on; the male model is grinning, and that embodies Dylan.
Our lead in this story is Sebastian -- Bash to his sister, Bastian to all else. He's a younger twenty-something who was a SEAL -- and in a mission gone terribly wrong, he came home badly scarred. He has a hard time with the 'came home' part, let alone the fact that a monster reflects back at him in the mirror. After trying to live in a public lifestyle, yet being pointed at and shied away from, he becomes recluse -- the only person, really, to ever see him being his sister, Jenny.
Jenny runs the local store (grocery, hardware... in this little 800-person town, it's the all-to store); Bash will call in his grocery order on Monday, and his sister always delivers on Tuesday.
I want to say Jenny had a motive -- however, it really isn't spelt out that way -- but one day she can't make the run so she sends Maddie.
Maddie and Bastian form a friendship through a cracked door -- he refuses to let her see him but learns he enjoys her company. They sit and talk about anything and mostly everything, and even will hold hands now and then at Bash's insistence. When Bastian learns that Giroux (you meet that one in book one, too) is coming after all of the Thirteen team, he's sure to make sure Jenny is safe -- never for a moment considering his new friendship to be a threat.
I rather enjoyed this story. I was sad that Bastian hid from life, as well as Maddie after their friendship was formed. However, as nearly unlikely as it is this day and age, I loved that their relationship was built off of conversation -- looks were never on the table. Sure, he was attracted to her, but because of his fears, she wasn't given that same opportunity of attraction -- but still, she fell for him.
Suzan's writing-style fits well in the novella world, I feel. I think she also does really well in this new-adult/suspense/military world, as well. Granted... I like her hockey stuff too, so... ;)
May 20, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Maddie Benson's entire life has been focused around the small town of Sugar Falls. When she makes a home delivery to the one person in town she doesn't know, she can't help but be curious and pulled to him, regardless of the fact that he was rude and she didn't even see him. Sebastian McIntyre is a former Navy SEAL. He was forced into early retirement and into self-reclusion. Maddy is the first person he's "met" in years that's made him want to reach out to another human being besides his sister. Maddy decides to take him his weekly deliveries and a bond is formed even though a wall separates them. Will Maddy ever get Bastion to trust enough in her to let her see him?
Maddy is a pretty typical small town girl. She's bright, curious, bubbly and even stereotypically blond. Normally I don't really care for those types of characters, but in this case she is exactly what Bastion needs to rejoin the land of the living. In the beginning of the book, he's in a very dark place with no hope of digging out of his hole. Maddy helps him and allows him to grow just enough by the end of the book that he's finally ready to heal.
Overall, I really liked this book. Once I started reading it, I didn't really stop until I finished it. It was pretty quick and well written. I would recommend it to anyone that likes military romance books.
Merged review:
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Maddie Benson's entire life has been focused around the small town of Sugar Falls. When she makes a home delivery to the one person in town she doesn't know, she can't help but be curious and pulled to him, regardless of the fact that he was rude and she didn't even see him. Sebastian McIntyre is a former Navy SEAL. He was forced into early retirement and into self-reclusion. Maddy is the first person he's "met" in years that's made him want to reach out to another human being besides his sister. Maddy decides to take him his weekly deliveries and a bond is formed even though a wall separates them. Will Maddy ever get Bastion to trust enough in her to let her see him?
Maddy is a pretty typical small town girl. She's bright, curious, bubbly and even stereotypically blond. Normally I don't really care for those types of characters, but in this case she is exactly what Bastion needs to rejoin the land of the living. In the beginning of the book, he's in a very dark place with no hope of digging out of his hole. Maddy helps him and allows him to grow just enough by the end of the book that he's finally ready to heal.
Overall, I really liked this book. Once I started reading it, I didn't really stop until I finished it. It was pretty quick and well written. I would recommend it to anyone that likes military romance books.
Maddie Benson's entire life has been focused around the small town of Sugar Falls. When she makes a home delivery to the one person in town she doesn't know, she can't help but be curious and pulled to him, regardless of the fact that he was rude and she didn't even see him. Sebastian McIntyre is a former Navy SEAL. He was forced into early retirement and into self-reclusion. Maddy is the first person he's "met" in years that's made him want to reach out to another human being besides his sister. Maddy decides to take him his weekly deliveries and a bond is formed even though a wall separates them. Will Maddy ever get Bastion to trust enough in her to let her see him?
Maddy is a pretty typical small town girl. She's bright, curious, bubbly and even stereotypically blond. Normally I don't really care for those types of characters, but in this case she is exactly what Bastion needs to rejoin the land of the living. In the beginning of the book, he's in a very dark place with no hope of digging out of his hole. Maddy helps him and allows him to grow just enough by the end of the book that he's finally ready to heal.
Overall, I really liked this book. Once I started reading it, I didn't really stop until I finished it. It was pretty quick and well written. I would recommend it to anyone that likes military romance books.
Merged review:
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Maddie Benson's entire life has been focused around the small town of Sugar Falls. When she makes a home delivery to the one person in town she doesn't know, she can't help but be curious and pulled to him, regardless of the fact that he was rude and she didn't even see him. Sebastian McIntyre is a former Navy SEAL. He was forced into early retirement and into self-reclusion. Maddy is the first person he's "met" in years that's made him want to reach out to another human being besides his sister. Maddy decides to take him his weekly deliveries and a bond is formed even though a wall separates them. Will Maddy ever get Bastion to trust enough in her to let her see him?
Maddy is a pretty typical small town girl. She's bright, curious, bubbly and even stereotypically blond. Normally I don't really care for those types of characters, but in this case she is exactly what Bastion needs to rejoin the land of the living. In the beginning of the book, he's in a very dark place with no hope of digging out of his hole. Maddy helps him and allows him to grow just enough by the end of the book that he's finally ready to heal.
Overall, I really liked this book. Once I started reading it, I didn't really stop until I finished it. It was pretty quick and well written. I would recommend it to anyone that likes military romance books.
June 20, 2015
Maddie works with Sebastian's sister at the local market in their small hometown. He does not want anyone to see him, due to his injuries. Maddie talks with him all the time. She is hoping he will reach out more to her in the future.
Bastian is worried since there are enemies trying to take out his team. They could be after those he cares about. He keeps Maddie at an even bigger distance, not knowing he has already put her in danger.
They have already started up an unlikely friendship. They seem to have music in common. When the enemy comes gunning for him and ends up taking Maddie - all bets are off. She must be rescued at all costs.
Suddenly their feelings are at the surface and must be worked out. Such a great story with real life scenarios inside. Lots of surprises I won't spoil for the reader, but you should get yourself a copy!
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publisher, for review purposes. My honest opinion is given and does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
Merged review:
Maddie works with Sebastian's sister at the local market in their small hometown. He does not want anyone to see him, due to his injuries. Maddie talks with him all the time. She is hoping he will reach out more to her in the future.
Bastian is worried since there are enemies trying to take out his team. They could be after those he cares about. He keeps Maddie at an even bigger distance, not knowing he has already put her in danger.
They have already started up an unlikely friendship. They seem to have music in common. When the enemy comes gunning for him and ends up taking Maddie - all bets are off. She must be rescued at all costs.
Suddenly their feelings are at the surface and must be worked out. Such a great story with real life scenarios inside. Lots of surprises I won't spoil for the reader, but you should get yourself a copy!
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publisher, for review purposes. My honest opinion is given and does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
Bastian is worried since there are enemies trying to take out his team. They could be after those he cares about. He keeps Maddie at an even bigger distance, not knowing he has already put her in danger.
They have already started up an unlikely friendship. They seem to have music in common. When the enemy comes gunning for him and ends up taking Maddie - all bets are off. She must be rescued at all costs.
Suddenly their feelings are at the surface and must be worked out. Such a great story with real life scenarios inside. Lots of surprises I won't spoil for the reader, but you should get yourself a copy!
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publisher, for review purposes. My honest opinion is given and does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
Merged review:
Maddie works with Sebastian's sister at the local market in their small hometown. He does not want anyone to see him, due to his injuries. Maddie talks with him all the time. She is hoping he will reach out more to her in the future.
Bastian is worried since there are enemies trying to take out his team. They could be after those he cares about. He keeps Maddie at an even bigger distance, not knowing he has already put her in danger.
They have already started up an unlikely friendship. They seem to have music in common. When the enemy comes gunning for him and ends up taking Maddie - all bets are off. She must be rescued at all costs.
Suddenly their feelings are at the surface and must be worked out. Such a great story with real life scenarios inside. Lots of surprises I won't spoil for the reader, but you should get yourself a copy!
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publisher, for review purposes. My honest opinion is given and does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
Read
May 22, 2015A very short but sweet romance between a former SEAL who's afraid to leave his house and a college student who's afraid to leave her hometown...
Once Upon a SEAL definitely could have been longer--Maddie's issues with leaving and going to a college where she could earn her teaching degree aren't really resolved by the end, nor is what Bast's going to do with his life, and the suspense part of the plot had a rushed feel to it. Still, it is an enjoyable way to pass the time--I really liked the idea of Maddie and Bastian falling for each other without ever having actually met face-to-face.
Plus, you just can't go wrong with a story that has a beauty and the beast vibe going on.
It also works well as an introduction to the series, since Bastian's contact with the rest of the men from his unit is reduced to phone calls with his former boss. You don't really need to have read the rest of the series to understand this one, and Once Upon a SEAL can give you a taste of what the rest of the series will be like.
Rating: 4 stars / B
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Once Upon a SEAL definitely could have been longer--Maddie's issues with leaving and going to a college where she could earn her teaching degree aren't really resolved by the end, nor is what Bast's going to do with his life, and the suspense part of the plot had a rushed feel to it. Still, it is an enjoyable way to pass the time--I really liked the idea of Maddie and Bastian falling for each other without ever having actually met face-to-face.
Plus, you just can't go wrong with a story that has a beauty and the beast vibe going on.
It also works well as an introduction to the series, since Bastian's contact with the rest of the men from his unit is reduced to phone calls with his former boss. You don't really need to have read the rest of the series to understand this one, and Once Upon a SEAL can give you a taste of what the rest of the series will be like.
Rating: 4 stars / B
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2015
This was a wonderful and very different type of romance. I loved Maddie, she was a delightful character, a homegrown girl girl who is studying to be a teacher but fears having to move from the small town she has never left before.
Sebastian is a broken man, he spends his time in his home, never leaving it after receiving cruel treatment on his return after being discharged from hospital.
He meets Maddie when she delivers his groceries, but not face to face...he's not ready for that yet. But then he's forced to make a decision, help his fellow Lucky Thirteen comrades and save himself and the people he cares about and loves.
I really enjoyed this story. It had intrigue, exciting suspense and a sweet romance that was loving and tender. I loved this story and I'm looking forward to the next Lucky Thirteen instalment in this entertaining series.
Sebastian is a broken man, he spends his time in his home, never leaving it after receiving cruel treatment on his return after being discharged from hospital.
He meets Maddie when she delivers his groceries, but not face to face...he's not ready for that yet. But then he's forced to make a decision, help his fellow Lucky Thirteen comrades and save himself and the people he cares about and loves.
I really enjoyed this story. It had intrigue, exciting suspense and a sweet romance that was loving and tender. I loved this story and I'm looking forward to the next Lucky Thirteen instalment in this entertaining series.
May 20, 2015
I read this book in one sitting. From start to finish it's a fantastic read.
This book kinda reminds me of Beauty & the Beast. Only so much better. Sebastian is an injured Seal hiding from the world in a little town. The only contact he has is his sister. That is until Maddie enters his life.
Can Sebastian face his demons and show himself to Maddie?
Is Maddie strong enough to fight for them both??
What danger lies in store for them??
This storyline flowed real well. I love the main characters. The author did a great job of portraying them as real relatable people.
Although this is part of a series these books can be read as standalones. I really need to go back and read the others in this series. Fantastic read.
This book kinda reminds me of Beauty & the Beast. Only so much better. Sebastian is an injured Seal hiding from the world in a little town. The only contact he has is his sister. That is until Maddie enters his life.
Can Sebastian face his demons and show himself to Maddie?
Is Maddie strong enough to fight for them both??
What danger lies in store for them??
This storyline flowed real well. I love the main characters. The author did a great job of portraying them as real relatable people.
Although this is part of a series these books can be read as standalones. I really need to go back and read the others in this series. Fantastic read.
August 7, 2015
I was provided a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion and a review.
This book has a steady pace and it is for sure an enjoyable read. It also has some suspense thrown in.
Bastian is a real sweetheart but he is so stubborn. I liked him but at times he really annoyed me. I understand his fears but it was a bit too much
Maddie she is very naïve and has a kind heart. I loved how she just wouldn't give up on Bastian it shows how deep down her feelings where and why.
It was a tad rushed the relationship but i really loved how they talked to one another and how Maddie fell for him without even setting eyes on him.
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
This book has a steady pace and it is for sure an enjoyable read. It also has some suspense thrown in.
Bastian is a real sweetheart but he is so stubborn. I liked him but at times he really annoyed me. I understand his fears but it was a bit too much
Maddie she is very naïve and has a kind heart. I loved how she just wouldn't give up on Bastian it shows how deep down her feelings where and why.
It was a tad rushed the relationship but i really loved how they talked to one another and how Maddie fell for him without even setting eyes on him.
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
October 2, 2015
once Upon A Seal
Once Upon A Seal was another great book in the Lucky Thirteen Series. Same as the last few books, I'd recommend a good proofreader before the next book is published. But, still, I'd highly recommend this book!
Once Upon A Seal was another great book in the Lucky Thirteen Series. Same as the last few books, I'd recommend a good proofreader before the next book is published. But, still, I'd highly recommend this book!
October 23, 2015
Seal series
Book five and the stories continue to be great. Fast reads that keep you moving thru the book. Love the characters and story line.
Book five and the stories continue to be great. Fast reads that keep you moving thru the book. Love the characters and story line.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews