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Alpha Ops #3
The SEAL's Second Chance
The third in the Alpha Ops novella series that features an alpha Navy SEAL and the girl he thought he'd lost forever.
In high school, basketball star Charlotte Stannard and Navy SEAL Jamie Hawthorn were everything but lovers. They shared a ruthlessly competitive spirit and relentless drive, but Charlie, afraid of the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy at seventeen, drove Jamie away. But now Jamie's back in town for the banquet to honor the basketball coach, and finds Charlie, newly home from a successful career in the European leagues and coaching the girls' team. The flames between them are hotter than ever, but Charlie believes Jamie just wants what he couldn't have when they were kids. Jamie's not just playing to win. He's playing for Charlie's heart, forever.
In high school, basketball star Charlotte Stannard and Navy SEAL Jamie Hawthorn were everything but lovers. They shared a ruthlessly competitive spirit and relentless drive, but Charlie, afraid of the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy at seventeen, drove Jamie away. But now Jamie's back in town for the banquet to honor the basketball coach, and finds Charlie, newly home from a successful career in the European leagues and coaching the girls' team. The flames between them are hotter than ever, but Charlie believes Jamie just wants what he couldn't have when they were kids. Jamie's not just playing to win. He's playing for Charlie's heart, forever.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
12 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Anne Calhoun
52 books656 followersAfter doing time at Fortune 500 companies on both coasts, I found myself living in the suburbs of a small Midwestern city. The glamour of various cube farm jobs had worn off, so I gave up making a decent living to take Joseph Campbell’s advice and follow my bliss: writing romance.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 72 reviews
March 29, 2016
4 stars. Review posted March 29, 2016
My favorite quote ^^^^^^^^ was a direct hit to my heart.
Jamie Hawthorne, an active-duty Navy SEAL, has twenty-six days left of Operation Buzzer Beater. He's back in Lancaster to convince his high school love, Charlie Stannard, to give them a second chance. While he's had hook-ups, there was only one woman he's been in love with, the right one he's been waiting for: Charlie. Though Charlie has had other goals. Growing up under difficult circumstances in a poor neighborhood, she never wanted to end up like her mother. Charlie wanted to succeed with her life, having a good education and good grades and, eventually, playing pro ball which she did with plenty of accomplishment. Now, after coach Gould had a heart attack right before school started, an unexpected opportunity arose for Charlie. She started working as a teacher and a basketball coach in Lancaster. In honor of coach Gould they host a banquet, and as chances would have it, not only Charlie but also Jamie are going to attend said banquet. For what do they play now? After all, long-distance relationships are very hard to nourish and maintain. And, more importantly…
What is their best game? Read The SEAL's Second Chance and you'll find out.
This is the third and final installment in Anne Calhoun's novella series about hot men in uniform. Each short story can be read as a standalone, but I suggest that you check out the entire series because the first novella is the weakest.
My friends and followers who are familiar with my reading passions know that I've been a huge fan and supporter of Anne's work for years already. She just does it for me again and again and I'm unapologetically candid and straightforward about it. The way she writes erotic scenes is exactly how I want to experience them in real life also because, to me, this is more than simple fiction. It's very relatable. Also, I always enjoy her mature and wonderful writing.
“Stretched,” she said. “Sensitive. Different from last night. Like you rasped all my nerves with steel wool and now you’re stroking them through honey. Sweet and tingling and hot and so good. Jamie. So good.”
This third installment was surprisingly emotional - it made me shed a few tears.
“Jamie,” she said weakly. “It’s just infatuation. You want what you never had.”
“You’ve spent too much time with teenagers and playboys,” he said. “Real men don’t operate that way. Is that really how you see yourself? Forgettable? Like I’d want you less because we’ve had sex? I want you more. I want you always, forever, in my bed, in my life, in my heart. I will never stop wanting you. I accepted that a long time ago.”
Another direct hit to the chest, rattling her to her foundation. She fell back on the one thing she knew for sure: long-distance relationships don’t work. “I live here. You live in Virginia Beach. What about that?”
“You said it yourself. There are a dozen ways to stay in touch now.”
“That’s fine for friendship. It’s not enough for love, for a relationship to really succeed.”
“We’ll make it work.”
“How do you know? You’ve never really tried to have a relationship with a woman while you were on active duty.”
“Because the only woman I want a relationship with is you.”
“I’ve tried. It’s never worked,” she countered.
“It’s never been me.”
Once again Anne delivered another well-written story; it provided some teasing and humorous moments also.
“Can I get a ride to the Met?” he asked.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Your parents, your brother, and eight of your former teammates were here, and you’re asking me for a ride?”
“They left me,” he said, grinning shamelessly at her.
“What about your SEAL teammates? What happened to no man left behind?”
“The motto doesn’t cover cocktail parties at garden clubs,” he said seriously. “Then it’s every man for himself.”
I love me an engaging second chance romance and even though it's "only" a short story, it didn't impair my reading enjoyment at all. As a nice bonus, Anne included a couple sweaty basketball scenes. Yum.
I'm super excited to get my hands on Anne's next book which is a full-length novel and is due out coming May. The heroine, Eve Webber, is loosely linked to The SEAL's Second Chance. And Jamie's brother, Lieutenant Ian Hawthorne, is going to make an appearance in Under the Surface as Eve's contact. I wonder if Ian is going to get his own story told at some point?
Bottom line, The SEAL's Second Chance is proof that even short stories can leave their mark. A mark that will linger awhile and touch your mind and heart. I hope you're considering giving this series a go. It's worth it.
Recommended read.
Ranking
The SEAL's Second Chance 4 stars
The SEAL's Rebel Librarian 4 stars
The SEAL's Secret Lover 3.5 stars
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
My favorite quote ^^^^^^^^ was a direct hit to my heart.
Jamie Hawthorne, an active-duty Navy SEAL, has twenty-six days left of Operation Buzzer Beater. He's back in Lancaster to convince his high school love, Charlie Stannard, to give them a second chance. While he's had hook-ups, there was only one woman he's been in love with, the right one he's been waiting for: Charlie. Though Charlie has had other goals. Growing up under difficult circumstances in a poor neighborhood, she never wanted to end up like her mother. Charlie wanted to succeed with her life, having a good education and good grades and, eventually, playing pro ball which she did with plenty of accomplishment. Now, after coach Gould had a heart attack right before school started, an unexpected opportunity arose for Charlie. She started working as a teacher and a basketball coach in Lancaster. In honor of coach Gould they host a banquet, and as chances would have it, not only Charlie but also Jamie are going to attend said banquet. For what do they play now? After all, long-distance relationships are very hard to nourish and maintain. And, more importantly…
What is their best game? Read The SEAL's Second Chance and you'll find out.
This is the third and final installment in Anne Calhoun's novella series about hot men in uniform. Each short story can be read as a standalone, but I suggest that you check out the entire series because the first novella is the weakest.
My friends and followers who are familiar with my reading passions know that I've been a huge fan and supporter of Anne's work for years already. She just does it for me again and again and I'm unapologetically candid and straightforward about it. The way she writes erotic scenes is exactly how I want to experience them in real life also because, to me, this is more than simple fiction. It's very relatable. Also, I always enjoy her mature and wonderful writing.
“Stretched,” she said. “Sensitive. Different from last night. Like you rasped all my nerves with steel wool and now you’re stroking them through honey. Sweet and tingling and hot and so good. Jamie. So good.”
This third installment was surprisingly emotional - it made me shed a few tears.
“Jamie,” she said weakly. “It’s just infatuation. You want what you never had.”
“You’ve spent too much time with teenagers and playboys,” he said. “Real men don’t operate that way. Is that really how you see yourself? Forgettable? Like I’d want you less because we’ve had sex? I want you more. I want you always, forever, in my bed, in my life, in my heart. I will never stop wanting you. I accepted that a long time ago.”
Another direct hit to the chest, rattling her to her foundation. She fell back on the one thing she knew for sure: long-distance relationships don’t work. “I live here. You live in Virginia Beach. What about that?”
“You said it yourself. There are a dozen ways to stay in touch now.”
“That’s fine for friendship. It’s not enough for love, for a relationship to really succeed.”
“We’ll make it work.”
“How do you know? You’ve never really tried to have a relationship with a woman while you were on active duty.”
“Because the only woman I want a relationship with is you.”
“I’ve tried. It’s never worked,” she countered.
“It’s never been me.”
Once again Anne delivered another well-written story; it provided some teasing and humorous moments also.
“Can I get a ride to the Met?” he asked.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Your parents, your brother, and eight of your former teammates were here, and you’re asking me for a ride?”
“They left me,” he said, grinning shamelessly at her.
“What about your SEAL teammates? What happened to no man left behind?”
“The motto doesn’t cover cocktail parties at garden clubs,” he said seriously. “Then it’s every man for himself.”
I love me an engaging second chance romance and even though it's "only" a short story, it didn't impair my reading enjoyment at all. As a nice bonus, Anne included a couple sweaty basketball scenes. Yum.
I'm super excited to get my hands on Anne's next book which is a full-length novel and is due out coming May. The heroine, Eve Webber, is loosely linked to The SEAL's Second Chance. And Jamie's brother, Lieutenant Ian Hawthorne, is going to make an appearance in Under the Surface as Eve's contact. I wonder if Ian is going to get his own story told at some point?
Bottom line, The SEAL's Second Chance is proof that even short stories can leave their mark. A mark that will linger awhile and touch your mind and heart. I hope you're considering giving this series a go. It's worth it.
Recommended read.
Ranking
The SEAL's Second Chance 4 stars
The SEAL's Rebel Librarian 4 stars
The SEAL's Secret Lover 3.5 stars
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
March 18, 2016
I just loooove a second chance romance done well! The Seal’s Second Chance is not only done well, it’s done right!
In high school, they only met on the court for their one-on-ones and never made it past third base. Charlie has always been driven. Driven by the fear of making the mistakes of her mother, Charlie refuses to do anything that would jeopardize her chances for a scholarship and an education to get her out of the home she is in. That includes letting her guard down and her heart prevail where Jamie Hawthorn is concerned.
Years have passed since high school. Jamie, a navy seal home on leave, has one thing in mind. Getting Charlie back on the court. Hearing she has moved back and is now teaching and coaching at their old high school, Jamie is on a mission. He will finally win and keep the heart of the girl that he has always loved.
The Seal’s Second Chance is as sweet as it is sexy. I grinned, laughed, and awed my way through it. Charlie and Jamie have a wonderful chemistry that will have you speed-reading ‘til the end. It’s a fun read that any second-chance-romance fan will absolutely love.
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In high school, they only met on the court for their one-on-ones and never made it past third base. Charlie has always been driven. Driven by the fear of making the mistakes of her mother, Charlie refuses to do anything that would jeopardize her chances for a scholarship and an education to get her out of the home she is in. That includes letting her guard down and her heart prevail where Jamie Hawthorn is concerned.
Years have passed since high school. Jamie, a navy seal home on leave, has one thing in mind. Getting Charlie back on the court. Hearing she has moved back and is now teaching and coaching at their old high school, Jamie is on a mission. He will finally win and keep the heart of the girl that he has always loved.
The Seal’s Second Chance is as sweet as it is sexy. I grinned, laughed, and awed my way through it. Charlie and Jamie have a wonderful chemistry that will have you speed-reading ‘til the end. It’s a fun read that any second-chance-romance fan will absolutely love.
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March 23, 2016
3.75 Stars
Review to come closer to release date
Review to come closer to release date
June 6, 2016
4 -
I've loved you since I was seventeen...
Stars!
I have enjoyed every novella in this series so far. Anne Calhoun was an author new to me prior to starting the first novella, and what started out as a good read with the first story, went to really good with the second, and great with The SEALs Second Chance.
All three novellas have been relatively quick reads, but Jamie and Charlie’s reconnection after so many years apart was my favourite, but not by much. But everything seemed to just come together perfectly for them in their story.
The first full length book of the Alpha Ops series is up next, with Under The Surface, you a briefly introduced to Eve Webber in this novella but not so much as to know what kind of woman she is or what story she has to tell, so I am looking forward to getting my teeth into her story next.
I have enjoyed every novella in this series so far. Anne Calhoun was an author new to me prior to starting the first novella, and what started out as a good read with the first story, went to really good with the second, and great with The SEALs Second Chance.
All three novellas have been relatively quick reads, but Jamie and Charlie’s reconnection after so many years apart was my favourite, but not by much. But everything seemed to just come together perfectly for them in their story.
The first full length book of the Alpha Ops series is up next, with Under The Surface, you a briefly introduced to Eve Webber in this novella but not so much as to know what kind of woman she is or what story she has to tell, so I am looking forward to getting my teeth into her story next.
July 29, 2019
***4.25 Stars***
Oh this was soooo good! A second chance, friends to lovers romance between the mayor's son who's now a decorated Navy SEAL, and the girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's back to coach the high school's basketball team after a very successful pro-basketball career.
What did I love about this book the most? THE PINING!! Oh the pining was delicious.
Jamie's loved Charlie since high school and now that they're all grown up, he's come back to town to finally take his chance and fight for the woman he loves.
"I want you always, forever, in my bed, in my life, in my heart. I will never stop wanting you. I accepted that a long time ago."
Charlie has always had feelings for Jamie, the boy who came down to the other side of town to play some one-on-one basketball with her on the dingy court between their houses. Charlie grew up watching her mom depend on men for all her needs, including her self-worth, and she refused to turn into that...so she kept Jamie at a distance. But seeing him again after so long...
She wanted. She wanted with the desperation of the girl she'd been, and with the knowledge and passion of the woman she'd become.
But those fears still linger. She looks at her mom and sees everything she doesn't want to be. She's worked so hard to make something of herself. But, Jamie has always had a piece of her heart...and now being around him again, he's slowly taking more and more.
"Charlie. Look at me."
Her heart climbed into her throat as she obeyed, swamped with swirling emotion. Desire. Vulnerability. Fear. Joy. She looked at him, both desperately afraid he would see what she felt, understand it, and just as desperately afraid he wouldn't.
For only being novella length, this book packed a punch....both emotionally and erotically. Anne Calhoun can write some erotically charged sex scenes that are equal parts passion and intimacy. Jamie and Charlie set my kindle on fire.
The only disappointment I have is the ending. It's a very tentative HFN. Do I feel like these two will stay together? Yes. Do I feel like it won't be easy? Yes. With Jamie still being on active duty, their future is uncertain and the long distance will be tough.
I wish the book would have ended with at least a little bit of a concrete plan for these two. Dropping the mic on just the promise of giving their relationship a shot feels so incomplete.
I haven't seen who the MC's are later in the series, but I'm hoping that Jamie's brother (the town cop) gets a book! I really liked him....and I'm also hoping we'd get a glimpse of Jamie and Charlie in there too.
Read
April 6, 2016DNF @20%.
I enjoyed the first two novellas, but this one is not for me. I didn't like/couldn't connect with Charlie, the heroine, and the sports aspect is just not my cup of tea.
A copy was kindly provided by Swerve via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the first two novellas, but this one is not for me. I didn't like/couldn't connect with Charlie, the heroine, and the sports aspect is just not my cup of tea.
A copy was kindly provided by Swerve via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Hot, sweet, sexy as all hell. The SEAL's Second Chance was one deliciously romantic romp. So. It's been ten years since Jamie and Charlie have seen each other-- she's been rocking the sports world as a pro basketball player and he's a Navy SEAL--but they're both home for an awards ceremony and Jamie? He's ready to make up for time lost. Charlie's had his heart since they were kids in high school but nothing ever came of it but now? Oh yeah, he's gonna get his girl and he's gonna keep her too. *nods* Just has to convince her first.
I loved these two. They grew up on different sides of the track but they had a common bond with basketball. Something that still pulls them together. I loved their little bit of history for them. Their competitiveness and the fire in both of them. And I just liked them. They were fun and sexy and knock out good people.
And the heat simmering between them...scorching! Calhoun knows how to bring the hot and steamy and make a girl squirm. And these two totally made me squirm.
I really liked that while there were steamy bits and funny bits the serious ones were also touched on. Her upbringing which still weighed on her and his career in the SEALs as well. It made them feel real and just tugged at the heart.
All in all, Calhoun can rock a novella. The SEAL's Second Chance ended on more of a HFN kind of thing but it was still satisfying and dreamy. Can't go wrong with that. I do hope there will be another novella in the series--his brother maybe? with a little bit of an update on these two down the line. If you're looking for a sweet steamy afternoon read this is definitely it.
May 8, 2016
ARC received for review
Meh. Nothing extra. I was expecting so much more from a SEAL especially with the hint of a drug bust his brother needed help on..Then nothing happened and big hole left. Charlie was just blah.
Meh. Nothing extra. I was expecting so much more from a SEAL especially with the hint of a drug bust his brother needed help on..Then nothing happened and big hole left. Charlie was just blah.
April 6, 2016
Publication Date: April 5, 2016
" A copy of this book has been provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review"
4 "Play your best game or don't play at all" Stars!
This is the third novella in the Alpha Ops series.
Jamie Hawthorn is an active duty Navy SEAL at home on leave for a month to try and convince "the one that got away" to take a shot on him.
Charlie Stannard has always considered herself the kid from the wrong side of the tracks whose "only way out" was through hard work and a scholarship playing basketball. Nothing, or no one was going to stop her from reaching her goals.... not even Jamie Hawthorn, "the one" she gave up.
This was a fantastic short read.
Damn, Anne Calhoun can write some sexy-time scenes!
I can't wait to read more books in this series!
Totally Hooked!
April 6, 2016
A second chance/reunion romance with a hero in pursuit theme? Yes please!
This story of Jamie, an active Navy SEAL spending a month of leave at home wooing Charlie, the girl who stole his heart in high school hit all the right buttons for me. They grew up on opposite sides of the tracks, but met in the middle at an old basketball court, evenings spent together battling on the court, and experiencing all those feelings of first love. It's been ten long years apart, during which Charlie went on to an illustrious basketball career and now coaches the high school girl's team in the same poor area where she grew up and succeeded in making something of her less than ideal circumstances. Her feelings for Jamie were just as strong back then, but she refused to let him in too deeply, for fear of it derailing her determination to better herself. Jamie grew up on the right side of the tracks, with a police officer father and all the opportunities in the world. Choosing to follow a military path came naturally, but he's been waiting for years to see Charlie again, and he's not going to miss this opportunity to prove to her that they still have a chance together.
Charlie is a wonderful character as a strong, caring mentor and coach. She beat the odds to pull herself out of a disadvantaged and emotionally challenging childhood to make something of herself, and she's determined to show the girls she coaches that they can have anything they set their minds to. Her feelings for Jamie are complex, especially now that he's shown up in her life again. She was so sure that he was the one thing she could never have, and she still believes that, even as her heart aches with that knowledge. He's here for a month, in part to honor the retiring high school basketball coach as a guest speaker at a banquet, and she'll play that game with him again, the one that leads finally to the bedroom even knowing there is an end date. But Jamie's plans are long term, and when Charlie realizes this it takes everything in her to put her faith in him. Their love scenes are sexy and emotional as they finally give in to all those feelings that they've held back for years. Midway through the story, I couldn't see how there could be a happy ending for them, with Jamie stationed far away and Charlie firmly rooted in their home town. Well, the author cheats a little bit there, because we only get a happy for now ending in this novella length story. We're left with the promise that they are both on the same page and not going to waste any more time not being together but the details are left to the imagination. There is a very brief cameo of the guys from the first two stories in this series (Jamie's retired Navy teammates) and equally interesting, there is a lead in to the series that will follow this one which is also set in the city of Lancaster (and looks to feature Jamie's brother Ian in a starring role at some point, as a police officer there). In summary, a delightful sexy novella with very likable characters and a sweet second chance at love. 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
This story of Jamie, an active Navy SEAL spending a month of leave at home wooing Charlie, the girl who stole his heart in high school hit all the right buttons for me. They grew up on opposite sides of the tracks, but met in the middle at an old basketball court, evenings spent together battling on the court, and experiencing all those feelings of first love. It's been ten long years apart, during which Charlie went on to an illustrious basketball career and now coaches the high school girl's team in the same poor area where she grew up and succeeded in making something of her less than ideal circumstances. Her feelings for Jamie were just as strong back then, but she refused to let him in too deeply, for fear of it derailing her determination to better herself. Jamie grew up on the right side of the tracks, with a police officer father and all the opportunities in the world. Choosing to follow a military path came naturally, but he's been waiting for years to see Charlie again, and he's not going to miss this opportunity to prove to her that they still have a chance together.
Charlie is a wonderful character as a strong, caring mentor and coach. She beat the odds to pull herself out of a disadvantaged and emotionally challenging childhood to make something of herself, and she's determined to show the girls she coaches that they can have anything they set their minds to. Her feelings for Jamie are complex, especially now that he's shown up in her life again. She was so sure that he was the one thing she could never have, and she still believes that, even as her heart aches with that knowledge. He's here for a month, in part to honor the retiring high school basketball coach as a guest speaker at a banquet, and she'll play that game with him again, the one that leads finally to the bedroom even knowing there is an end date. But Jamie's plans are long term, and when Charlie realizes this it takes everything in her to put her faith in him. Their love scenes are sexy and emotional as they finally give in to all those feelings that they've held back for years. Midway through the story, I couldn't see how there could be a happy ending for them, with Jamie stationed far away and Charlie firmly rooted in their home town. Well, the author cheats a little bit there, because we only get a happy for now ending in this novella length story. We're left with the promise that they are both on the same page and not going to waste any more time not being together but the details are left to the imagination. There is a very brief cameo of the guys from the first two stories in this series (Jamie's retired Navy teammates) and equally interesting, there is a lead in to the series that will follow this one which is also set in the city of Lancaster (and looks to feature Jamie's brother Ian in a starring role at some point, as a police officer there). In summary, a delightful sexy novella with very likable characters and a sweet second chance at love. 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
June 4, 2017
Nice little story about a second chance at love. I've always been a sucker for these kinds of stories. Charlotte and Jamie were high school sweethearts who went their different ways; Charlie to play pro basketball, and Jamie to join the Navy and become a SEAL. Ten years later, Charlie is back in their hometown; and Jamie, who is on a thirty day leave, is determined to pick up where they left off as teenagers and build a future with Charlotte.
This was an enjoyable story, sexy and well written as Anne Calhoun is known for; but something was missing for me. I never got a clear enough handle on Charlotte and Jamie to have a lot of empathy with them. There was little backstory, with the book starting in the present; so when when the leads quickly jumped into bed and into a relationship, it was so fast it was jarring. Just when the relationship started to go somewhere, boom it was over at 80%.
Good story, well written, but far too short. There just wasn't enough there to build a real story on, and it left me disappointed and unfulfilled.
This was an enjoyable story, sexy and well written as Anne Calhoun is known for; but something was missing for me. I never got a clear enough handle on Charlotte and Jamie to have a lot of empathy with them. There was little backstory, with the book starting in the present; so when when the leads quickly jumped into bed and into a relationship, it was so fast it was jarring. Just when the relationship started to go somewhere, boom it was over at 80%.
Good story, well written, but far too short. There just wasn't enough there to build a real story on, and it left me disappointed and unfulfilled.
March 22, 2016
I found this one to be very cute. I liked that Jamie let Charlie know what he wanted, that she was it for him. But I think the best part of this one was how Charlie's girls told her what was important, more than what she had been trying to teach them.
September 24, 2016
A very quick read, but as with all things Anne Calhoun, really well done. I loved that she approaches the story from new angle - it's not the usual SEAL meets girl story, or even the usual SEAL character. Like the others in this series, Jamie is a vibrant, real character, not the usual flat trope. And Charlie is a strong, successful woman - a little brittle, but loving...highly recommend this whole series.
May 5, 2016
3.5 Friends to Lovers Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Swerve | SMP Romance via NetGalley
Genre: Adult Seal/Military Romance Novella
Part 3 in a new series
My The Seal's Second Chance Review . . .
I was so excited for this one as it had many elements that I adore.
1) Anne Calhoun
2) Friends to lovers
3) A sexy seal.
This series is definitely getting better and better but sadly I didn't fall for Charlie. I liked so many elements of her. Strong career woman but I'm never a fan of stubborn 'you could do better than me' heroines. Sure, I understand why she is the way she is and it totally makes sense but I find this particular trait makes the heroine come across more weaker than they actually are.
Jamie knew Charlie wasn't like her mother. But did Charlie?
What I did love was Jamie Hawthorn and his determination to make right of something that never happened. Since they were kids Jamie has loved Charlie, but they both had dreams and ambitions. Charlie wanted out of that town and the last thing she wanted was the potential to get pregnant and cause her to lose out on her dreams. So when she had the choice of Jamie or her future she picked her future. Even though Jamie had his own dreams he has always regretted never being able to fully love Charlie.
"Fuck the odds. You'd rather quit than fail?"
At first Charlie decides to give in but keeps a large wall around her to prevent her from falling for Jamie. Sadly Jamie didn't get that memo. With Charlie her past and fears are running her present life. Because of her fears she's also projecting these beliefs onto her students.
Thankfully her students and Jamie see the possibility of what if otherwise Charlie's world would have been quite lonely and unfulfilling.
"You either bring the best game you've got, or we don't play."
I did quite like this story but again I was left wanting more from the story. It did have all the elements that I love about Anne's writing but not enough. I believe these stories within this series so far would have benefited from being longer so we could have had more of a build up with the characters, that we could have loved them more. This story as well had a few timeline errors that again I hope were fixed within the final copy if not then it could throw you off a bit but not enough to ruin the story.
November 5, 2023
I typically love second chance but I don’t love military and there was a slight bit of copaganda and the whole thing felt rushed, not her best work.
April 4, 2016
Afrodyt's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
In what appears to be the final novella in Calhoun's Navy SEAL series, we meet Jamie Hawthorn and the teenage love of his life, Charlie Stannard. Both were incredibly talented and competitive athletes on the basketball court. After high school, Charlie moved on to a successful collegiate and pro career overseas but she never truly got over her high school sweetheart. Jamie went on to become a Navy SEAL and travelled the world being a hero. After 10 years apart they find themselves back home to attend the retirement banquet of their beloved high school basketball coach. They quickly rekindle their romance, only now they are both seasoned adults and they are eager to make up for lost time.
Of the three books in this novella series, this is the only one that felt to me like it truly deserved to be a full length novel. These characters had so much depth and I wanted to probe deeper in their early relationship and the time they spent apart. I wanted to watch them grow deeper in love and face some of the obstacles that were clearly ahead of them. But I didn't get that and it's a bit frustrating. The heroes and heroines from The SEAL's Secret Lover and The SEAL's Rebel Librarian all make a brief appearance in this novella, but it truly can stand alone. It's not a knock against Anne Calhoun's writing when I say this story left me wanting. But it did. It left me wanting so much more.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
In what appears to be the final novella in Calhoun's Navy SEAL series, we meet Jamie Hawthorn and the teenage love of his life, Charlie Stannard. Both were incredibly talented and competitive athletes on the basketball court. After high school, Charlie moved on to a successful collegiate and pro career overseas but she never truly got over her high school sweetheart. Jamie went on to become a Navy SEAL and travelled the world being a hero. After 10 years apart they find themselves back home to attend the retirement banquet of their beloved high school basketball coach. They quickly rekindle their romance, only now they are both seasoned adults and they are eager to make up for lost time.
Of the three books in this novella series, this is the only one that felt to me like it truly deserved to be a full length novel. These characters had so much depth and I wanted to probe deeper in their early relationship and the time they spent apart. I wanted to watch them grow deeper in love and face some of the obstacles that were clearly ahead of them. But I didn't get that and it's a bit frustrating. The heroes and heroines from The SEAL's Secret Lover and The SEAL's Rebel Librarian all make a brief appearance in this novella, but it truly can stand alone. It's not a knock against Anne Calhoun's writing when I say this story left me wanting. But it did. It left me wanting so much more.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
March 29, 2016
Charlie (Charlotte) used her skills on the basketball court to get herself out of the future she didn't want. From the wrong side of the tracks so to speak she had to fight to get what she wanted out of life. Ten years later she is a successful ex professional ball player and a college graduate and teacher. Back in her old hometown her high school friend Navy Seal Jamie Hawthorn is back for a month on leave. As teenagers they had a thing for each other she couldn't allow to go to deep. Jamie is back to get her to finally get her in his life for keeps. That pretty much sums it up. Watching them get there and toss around old feelings and see if those feeling are still there was a fun to watch. Charlie has to figure out if she can let old fears go and embrace something she needs and wants. It's interesting to see two characters who are both athletic and see the guy just dive right in and do things many guys wouldn't bother with. Loved when he takes her purse and briefcase and carries them in the house for her. I enjoy novella length books but man when they are good like this one i really itch to make them longer. There is so much room to expand this one. In checking into this author i see there are actually two full length novels that seemingly belong to this series coming up later this spring and fall. I am excited to see how this author uses all those extra pages that come with a full novel length book.
April 28, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Young love. Sometimes, there is nothing sweeter. I loved this book because while it was basically a second chance romance, the main characters have already evolved and developed so much that it really feels like a new romance for both of them, at least, that's how it is for me. The thing about Ms. Calhoun is that while the stories she has in this series are made up of simple, ordinary characters, she is still able to create a solid, rich, and very much alive story for each character that it's easy to imagine them in real life.
The heroine is this story is probably my favorite out of the three. She's an independent woman (not that the other two weren't), she worked hard on her success, she knew how to make sacrifices, and she knew how to look and give back. I have enjoyed all three novellas in this series, and I would love nothing more than to read more books from Ms. Calhoun again.
Young love. Sometimes, there is nothing sweeter. I loved this book because while it was basically a second chance romance, the main characters have already evolved and developed so much that it really feels like a new romance for both of them, at least, that's how it is for me. The thing about Ms. Calhoun is that while the stories she has in this series are made up of simple, ordinary characters, she is still able to create a solid, rich, and very much alive story for each character that it's easy to imagine them in real life.
The heroine is this story is probably my favorite out of the three. She's an independent woman (not that the other two weren't), she worked hard on her success, she knew how to make sacrifices, and she knew how to look and give back. I have enjoyed all three novellas in this series, and I would love nothing more than to read more books from Ms. Calhoun again.
March 27, 2016
An awesome second chance story that's packed with humor, emotion, and all the feels for a great romance. It's a quick light read that's perfect for a lazy afternoon read.
Jamie and Charlie (Charlotte) were high school sweethearts but but Charlie's determination for something better than her mother had has her pushing Jamie away. Now she's achieved her dream of a professional basketball career in Europe and is back home coaching the local high school team. Jamie is back in town as well to honor his old coach who is retiring. He's made the military his career and is now proud to be a SEAL but he never forgot the girl who stole his heart all those years ago. The attraction between them is as strong now as it was then and he's determined to get her to finally give them the chance they both deserve.
Definitely a book I recommend.
Jamie and Charlie (Charlotte) were high school sweethearts but but Charlie's determination for something better than her mother had has her pushing Jamie away. Now she's achieved her dream of a professional basketball career in Europe and is back home coaching the local high school team. Jamie is back in town as well to honor his old coach who is retiring. He's made the military his career and is now proud to be a SEAL but he never forgot the girl who stole his heart all those years ago. The attraction between them is as strong now as it was then and he's determined to get her to finally give them the chance they both deserve.
Definitely a book I recommend.
July 19, 2016
Wow....wow....wow! What an incredible book! Who wouldn't want a guy like Jaime fighting for them????
Jaime has been in love with Charlie for as long as he can remember. They secretly dated in high school before going their separate ways (him to the Navy and her to college and Europe). It's been ten years, but now Jaime is back and he is determined to win Charlie over.
Charlie has her own doubts: she never believed she was good enough for him and the fact that he is still active with the SEALs adds to her worry. How can she possibly make something long distance work with him?
A wonderful short story that can easily be read in one sitting. Despite the shortness, the author gives each character amazing depth and makes the reader feel as if we are right there with Jaime and Charlie.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
Jaime has been in love with Charlie for as long as he can remember. They secretly dated in high school before going their separate ways (him to the Navy and her to college and Europe). It's been ten years, but now Jaime is back and he is determined to win Charlie over.
Charlie has her own doubts: she never believed she was good enough for him and the fact that he is still active with the SEALs adds to her worry. How can she possibly make something long distance work with him?
A wonderful short story that can easily be read in one sitting. Despite the shortness, the author gives each character amazing depth and makes the reader feel as if we are right there with Jaime and Charlie.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
April 22, 2016
I enjoy Anne Calhoun's writing and continue to do so with this book. Unfortunately, the relationship falls a little flat for me. I do not feel the sizzle and the passion I normally do. Maybe it is because I'm a little cynical about how this relationship will work out. Jamie seems to be very optimistic that they can work with a long distance relationship, but Charlotte makes it clear from the beginning that she does not want one. I feel like he is not listening to her. It's a conflict and I want them to have their HEA, I'm just not sure it will work.
March 26, 2016
4.5 Stars! A short but potent read! Cahoun can really bring the hot, but her writing is so much more than that. Deep emotion and life lessons abound in this story of two driven individuals who...separately... have loved each other forever. But, are they willing to fight for what it takes to be in love...together... forever? Can be read as a standalone. No cliffhangers.
March 24, 2016
Cute! Not a word you would necessarily use with a seal right? But this story is a cute a day story that will leave you with hope in your heart and love on your mind. With the right person love can withstand.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2016
The second chance at romance helped the plot development as this is a shorty. So even if things happened fast, it's truly the conclusion to a decades long courtship between Charlie & Jamie. Lots of love and quite tender. I also love that it all started and ended in the basketball court.
Want to read
March 21, 2016Bummer....I didn't get an ARC. :(
April 28, 2016
Loved the writing! Great characters and I loved the yearning. Too short though.
September 26, 2017
A solid second chance romance, that I wish had been deepened just a bit more. I wanted to see him adoring her more, wanted to see what she loved in him particularly.
I liked Charlie, liked all the basketball stuff and the coaching stuff. I liked the dress shopping bit too. The sex scenes have a lot of heat, and an undertone of tenderness. It wraps up very quickly and without resolving a core obstacle for the lovers, so I can't say the ending fully satisfied me.
Trigger Warnings
I liked Charlie, liked all the basketball stuff and the coaching stuff. I liked the dress shopping bit too. The sex scenes have a lot of heat, and an undertone of tenderness. It wraps up very quickly and without resolving a core obstacle for the lovers, so I can't say the ending fully satisfied me.
Trigger Warnings
July 27, 2017
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Each of these Alpha Ops books seems to get better and better. Charlie and Jamie are high school sweethearts who get the chance to see each other as adults and it's only a matter of time before things get hot. The love scenes are steamy and yet there's plenty of heart in this novella. Well done Calhoun!
Each of these Alpha Ops books seems to get better and better. Charlie and Jamie are high school sweethearts who get the chance to see each other as adults and it's only a matter of time before things get hot. The love scenes are steamy and yet there's plenty of heart in this novella. Well done Calhoun!
August 26, 2017
I liked this novella but felt like I wanted more from Jamie and Charlie.
I would have liked to see Charlie face her past treatment of Jamie a bit more. That said, it bothered me a lot more than it bothered Jamie.
I did love his steadfast love for Charlie and her eventual acceptance of it.
A sweet story. I hope we get to see more of them in the rest of the series.
I would have liked to see Charlie face her past treatment of Jamie a bit more. That said, it bothered me a lot more than it bothered Jamie.
I did love his steadfast love for Charlie and her eventual acceptance of it.
A sweet story. I hope we get to see more of them in the rest of the series.
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