Reclaiming the SEAL

Lost and Found #4.5

by J.M. Madden

Julie had wanted to return to Little Creek for months, but definitely not to attend the funeral of a fallen SEAL and former friend.
No, she’d wanted to return to rekindle the love she’d shared with Gabriel Carter.
Now she has to support him through the loss of his best friend. But maybe, if she returns, they’ll be able to clear up what happened years ago and reclaim the love they’ve lost.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Short Stories, Romantic Suspense

71 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2015

About the author

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.

J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.

Reviews

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars! Another insightful installment in this eye-opening series!



In this novella the author deals with the issue of veteran suicides, a heartbreaking all too real issue that is plaguing our military service members.

Sometimes the cry for help comes too late. The story begins at the funeral of a fallen comrade and let me tell you, it broke my heart. Former lovers, Gabe and Julie, find themselves back together under the worst of circumstances and the picture the author paints is gut-wrenching. I can't get the image out of my head.

I wish that Gabe would have given Julie the benefit of the doubt when it came to the circumstances that broke them apart. Life is so precious and they wasted so much time. However, Gabe realizes the err of his ways and sets things right immediately, no contemplating, he grabs onto Julie and isn't going to let her go. Just in time too, because his life is about to change dramatically and she will be the strength that he needs to move forward.

The story was a little short, but the author still delivers her message and gives another military couple the happily ever after they so desperately need. I love this series!

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. Not my least favorite either. I just don't love their history. Plus I am just not sure the hero is really ready for a relationship. I think Julie is carrying it.

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series, I loved Gabe and Julie. This (to short) novella delves into the reality of dealing with service members mental illness, suicide, and the aftermath. Very emotional. I wish the story went a bit longer giving us a glimpse of Gabe and Julie's transition into the Lost and Found family fold.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 Stars***

This one's a hard one to rate. If I'm judging on the romance alone...solid 4 stars. If I'm judging the book as a whole, hmmmm about a 2.5. So, I'm gonna meet kind of in the middle and give it a 3.5 because the romance did hook me.

First off, I need to say this book should come with a trigger warning for suicide. I find it careless that there isn't one.

Okay, with that out of the way, let's jump in.

Julie and Gabe had some wonderful emotional chemistry. I really believed in their love, their history, their friendship, just everything. There was a tenderness between them that I really appreciated.

The book starts with Julie coming back to town after the death of Gabe's best friend and teammate. He also happens to be a really good friend of hers since he was a major part of her life when she was dating Gabe.

The first half of this book is emotionally packed. Julie is trying to come to grips with the shocking loss of a friend, along with all the emotions and memories (both good and bad) that are flooding back from her time with Gabe.

Gabe is kind of in shock. His best friend took his life and between the grief from the loss and the guilt from not seeing the signs, he's kind of a zombie. But all of a sudden Julie is at his side and a whole new batch of feelings are thrown into the mix...longing, regret, confusion, and love.

The evolution of their second chance really pulled at my heartstrings. It's clear from the first time they're on page together that these two deeply love each other and that their breakup was an unnecessary pain.

So herein lies my biggest issue with this book. I really wasn't a fan of the fact that a dead man was cast as the villain causing Gabe and Julie's breakup, while also being used as an example of the mental health issues within the military community. The combination felt.....wrong. That's the best word I can come up with.

If you want him to be the villain? Fine. Have it be because he was a selfish asshole. You want to address mental health in the military? Go for it. But be respectful about it. Don't frame it in a way where you can make a character a villain and then use it as an opportunity to be preachy about the issue. This whole thing rubbed me the wrong way.

Also, the circumstances of the last 25% of the book. INSERT HUGE EYEROLL. It was unnecessary and forced drama (don't worry, not relationship drama), and a cop out to tie this story into the Lost and Found series.

So, as you can see, mixed bag of feelings. The romance I liked, the rest of the book......meh.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. J.M.'s military stories are always very emotional but the subject matter she tackled in this one and how she had her main characters deal with it was – I just cant think of the right word – but it makes you FEEL!!

Trying to describe this book in a normal review would give away a lot spoilers. I'm just going to say this was a heartbreaking reunion story with shocking revelations.

Its short, and I always feel the endings to these are a bit abrupt but it still packed a huge emotional punch. Another great addition to the Lost and Found series..

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I love this series. I couldn't wait to read the next book. The plot was everything I expected from the author. HOWEVER . . . and this is a biggie . . . I can't believe she cut it off like she did. There was really no conclusion to the story in my opinion. The characters deserved a longer book. The readers deserved to know more about what happened to this couple and in a satisfying manner. I feel cheated! There could have been more about Butter' s suicide, more particulars or maybe he could have been involved in something that would have added to the suspense. Gabe might have been shot on purpose by his teammate. Something to lengthen the book and give us some kind of closure. So are we just to assume Gabe and Julie live happily ever after? Are we to assume Gabe finds success in his new job? And what of Julie? What about their relationship?

Even though I felt slighted in this case and it seems as though the couple's story had no clear ending but rather were left hanging, I gave it five stars. The writing itself was excellent. The characters were the type you want to know more about. And while the plot started out interestingly enough and didn't quite meet my expectations, I still enjoyed it very much. Just wasn't expecting it to end so soon.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm very torn with this one. With how this one opened I hated that a service person felt the only way out was to kill himself. It's a very real, big problem out there today. But as the story went on and we learn a bit more about Butter I found myself not liking him and even thinking of him as the "bad guy". I feel like he betrayed his friend with his actions, that he betrayed his country and those that depended on him in their missions by keeping secrets of where his head was at. I thought it was telling that everyone told Julie and Gabe to take advantage of Butter being gone to give their relationship a go again. While I hate the reason why, I do like that Gabe and Julie are getting a fresh start in a new place, one where they can build new memories without the ghost of Butter.

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little (very) short story. I'm a sucker for second chance love stories. As always, Madden brings the trials and tribulations of our military warriors to life, and what happens when a mental or physical issue brings an untimely end to their time in the military.

It is not necessary to have read any of the "Lost and Found" series to enjoy this read. In fact, it's the perfect story to introduce the reader to this wonderful, heartwarming series about the lives of 'wounded warriors' after their military career ends, and the next phase of their lives and loves begin.


Thank you to Christina for the loan...

[Siobhan Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this tale of old loves reconnecting after the death of a friend. And it was a bittersweet reunion because the friend who'd died was the source of the original conflict. Ms. Madden's storytelling is such a pleasure to read and she makes the characters really come alive with all their flaws and foibles. This was a great addition to her Lost & Found series.

[Aislinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very clunky beginning and badly paced. The beginning of the book largely consisted of attempts to shoehorn in connections to the Lost and Found series and my eyes quickly glazed over. The couple actually get back together at about 50% and the rest is Gabe dealing with an injury he sustains.

I also wasn't convinced by the portrayal of Butter's mental health issues.

[Ola · Rating 1 out of 5]

REALLY wanted to like this story because j.m. madden writes some great military romances, getting 5 stars from me a bunch of times, but sorry, this one had nothing going for it, in my opinion :( i still hope more people check out this author's works, she's not one you wanna miss out on.

[Abra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally speaking, I am not a fan of second chance at love stories. I particularly dislike when the block to the relationship is gone, but the party who left doesn't bother to look the other one up despite harboring a secret love and wish to get back together. There's a random meeting and the leaver is suddenly desperate to get back together with their former love.

This book is not like that.

This is a story about three people. Reclaiming the Seal starts with the hero, Gabe, and heroine, Julie, meeting for the first time since their breakup at the funeral of the third person in the story, Butter. Butter is ever present in the story and its crux. Julie is a nurse at Walter Reed Hospital and Gabe and Butter are Navy SEALs. Much to everyone's shock, Butter commits suicide. Gabe is devastated. He and Butter were partners throughout training and are partners now as well as close friends, spending most of their free time together.

There is a dark stigma attached to mental illness and the military is no exception to this, even now. People don't speak up and get the help they need due to the fear of being exposed and losing their jobs. This short book explores how this problem affected the lives of three people and I really enjoyed it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and this is a great addition. This novella touches on a real issue some of our veterans are dealing with.

Out of a tragedy came the opportunity for a second chance at love.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

A quick read that touched on a lot of emotional issues, suicide being one. I love this series but feel like this short tried to cover too big ground in too few words. I'm talking life changing events.

The jumps in time frame and the way some of the story was told in flashbacks made me feel disconnected from what should have been a hell of an emotional story. Something JM is more than capable of writing.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this awesome series, but I was surprised to find many typos.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Enjoyable and sweet story of ex-lovers who come together to mourn the loss of a friend.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really touched me... I hope we get to see more Gabe & Julie in other LNF tales. I was a little frustrated by the shortness - not enough time to explore Butter's issues. I understand that sometimes saying less adds way more weight to it... but, I felt that his story was undertold. I didn't like him as a character - yes, I got he had deep & real problems... but he was obviously receiving some sort of treatment... and the fact that he had multiple prescriptions... are there no cross & check systems? The same happened with Max in an earlier story. To me, it seemed that Butter always had problems... but rather than support his treatment, people around him enabled him. Sad.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series, and this was a great little addition! I am a sucker for second chance romances, and this one definitely packs a punch. This story has a tragic start (Ms. Madden sheds light on the realities of life in the military) but it brings a couple back together after a painful separation. I really enjoyed their romance, and it felt different than your average love story. 5 stars!

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe and Julie had been a couple until their friend, Butter thought it would be better if she was with him. Her and Gabe broke up and she moved.
They are now back trying to resolve their feelings for each other and dealing with loss. When their future plans change, will they change plans together?

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was tough tto read because it highlighrs tge tragedy of so many service personnel and vets taking their own lives. This time it was a SEAL. He'd had problems that even his best friend wasn't aware of. If one good thing comes out of all of, Gabe and Julie rekindle their love. They end up in Colorado as part of the LNF family.

[MaryD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intense subject- what the people left behind after someone they love commit suicide. Fairly nice balance of plot & romance


Note: Downside (to me)-As with all the books in this series, there *are* explicit scenes. I skip them.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two Navy Seal swim buddies have been friends for years and they meet this girl at a bar and they all become friends. But then Gage and Julie become more and butter feels he's been left out, but had delusions she was his girlfriend. Things get out of hand. Pretty side circumstances.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.M. Madden gets me every time with one of her stories. I'm ashamed that I fell upon this Kindle World novella accidentally in my pre-purchases and had forgotten to read it. Great story once again.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in epub format on my Nook.

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Likeable characters and a decent plot. The twist with the best friend was depressing. Barely tied to the lost and found books.

[Alison Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this series. Sad to be coming to the end of them

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the person you knew for so long ends up being an armor made to hide from those who can change their life.

If you are a follower of J.M. Madden books you know some stories or aspects she just does not touch on or HAVE NOT touched on. Well this book has hit another level of goosebumps reality. Gabe and Julie story has it's HEA but the journey and the truths reveal in getting there will leave you feeling some type of way.

Reclaiming the SEAL, felt as if it was someone's story. A rehashing on what they experienced with the mix of friendship and love and how even though you know a person, you never really know them. My heart ached for Butter even though I wanted to dislike the role he played it was hard because his struggle was unimaginable and deeper than the eye could see. True friendship forgave but the hurt will always be there for all parties that knew and kept their opinions until the end. This was a great story and just WOWED me with the depth of the psychological impact it punched.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL will forever and always be a SEAL

I love when characters from previous stories show up in a new book because it gives the reader time to catch up with them. Max receives a text from another SEAL Team member that is very cryptic, but he doesn't recognize the phone number. So he manages to get a hold of the commander of DEVGRU. Unfortunately, Butter, has committed suicide and Max and Lacey fly to Virginia to attend the funeral. However, their friends, Julie and Gabe, the news is very sad. Once lovers, they meet again at the funeral for their best friend, Butter. Hard questions are brought up of why he would do this because the three were inseparable up until 18 months ago. While cleaning our Butters apartment, they discover medication for mental issues that would have taken him off the team's.

Will Julie and Gabe find their way back to each other? When Gabe is injured during a training exercise, Gabe has to make a tough decision but I believe it will benefit the List and Found agency in the future.