SEALs of Honor

by Nessa Connor

These men are used to taking risks...but the biggest danger of all is headed their way.

Part One: Cole

Ex-Navy SEAL Cole Fields is back home in Texas, trying to put the pieces of his shattered life together. When he meets auburn-haired pastry chef Madeline Forrester, he feels his first glimmer of hope for the future.

Madeline can’t deny her attraction to the muscular, blue-eyed Cole. He makes her feel things no man ever has. But he doesn’t know she’s on the run ... from dangerous people who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

When Madeline’s past catches up to her, it’s more than she can handle alone. Cole’s determined to protect her -- but can he and Maddie survive long enough to build a new life together, or will a gang of vicious mobsters destroy their chance at happiness?

Part Two: Mason

Shay Benson planned to make a fresh start in Texas. Instead, she runs smack into her past -- in the form of sexy, hardheaded Mason Andrews. Even though she knows better, their rocky history can’t stop her from wanting him.

Mason, a former Navy SEAL, is now a DEA agent, and his heated arguments with Shay are his favorite pastime. The sassy, gorgeous lawyer is a spark of life in a world full of thugs and murderers. More and more, he feels the urge to keep her close … if he can trust her.

When the leader of a Mexican drug cartel on a quest for vengeance teams up with an Aryan biker gang, Shay and Mason are caught in the crossfire. Can Mason protect Shay from these ruthless criminals and show her that she belongs to him, or will he lose the only woman who matters?

***SEALs of Honor is a two-part novel with HEAs and no cliffhangers. This newly revised and updated edition was previously published as ‘Fierce Protector and Defender’ by Janine Kane.***

Genres: Romance

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2016

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author, Nessa Connor, in exchange for an honest review.

This book is divided into two parts and each part is the story of a different H/h, it is almost like an installment book, except for the different H/h. The initial plot developed in Part 1 continues and grows in Part 2. I really liked it. I am a sucker for a hot SEAL story and SEALs of Honor delivers. Romance, sex bordering on erotic and a suspense that is very, very good. All elements for an awesome book. I guess you would label this as Contemporary Romantic-Suspense. It is definitely aimed at the 20-30 something readers.

Part One - Cole
Cole is a SEAL who was wounded by friendly fire and has had to retire. In addition to rehabbing from his injuries, he is plagued with the age old question "why did I live when my buddy died?" He doesn't beat himself up over it, it is just there in his mind. He is a true hometown hero and is given the respect and female adulation for it. He is very selective when it comes to the females around him.

Madeline comes to town in a rust bucket old Pontiac. She is running from her life and has decided a change is necessary so she is staying with a childhood friend. She and Cole meet and the attraction is instant. Unfortunately her life, in the form of a dirt bag brother, Hank, had followed her and his life is in danger from drug dealers - big, nasty, killing kind of drug dealers.

Cole, being the take charge SEAL alpha hero jumps in with both feet and would like nothing more than to take brother dearest apart with is bare hands. But, that would really put the kibosh on his relationship with Madeline, so he does the next best thing and calls his former SEAL now DEA buddy, Mason and they work out a plan for Hank to be safe and for the drug dealers to be taken care of. We all know what happens to best laid plans - right?

Part Two - Mason
Mason is a former SEAL, now a DEA agent. Shay is a Public Defender who has a history with the Aryan Brotherhood and, through no fault of her own, is their Public Defender of choice. She and Mason have butted heads before, but now she desperately needs his help. The plot from Part One continues with some added twists and turns of Mason undercover with the Aryans and Shay in a whole lot of trouble. I'm not going to say anything more except that, Hank, Madeline's dirt bag brother, really does his best to mess up her life.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

Seals of Honor is actually two books in one and I would give both a solid 4.8 stars. Nessa Connor is a new author to me, having enjoyed this book I will definitely check out her other books. The first part of the book is Cole's story and the second half is Mason, his SEAL team mate.

Cole:

Cole has returned back to Sutherland Springs, Texas after being injured in Afghanistan, and he also is renovating the family home after years of neglect., but when he meets Madeline at a BBQ arranged by her best friend Trish, there is an instant attraction between them. But Cole doesn't know that Madeline has just moved to Sutherland because of her brother, Hank, who has been working with the wrong type of people.

Madeline decides to move to Texas because her brother Hank has gotten into trouble again with the Cartel. She's tired of bailing him out each time and wants to start fresh in Sutherland Springs. With Trish's help she starts working at the local bakery and finally feels like she can breathe again. But when Hank shows up in town once again he's in trouble with a delivery of drugs that was stolen from him, she turns to both Cole and Mason, his former teammate, who now works for the DEA for help. Both Cole and Madeline soon give into their feelings while trying to take down the Mexican drug Cartel. I really like this book and am glad that I was able to read it for the author.

Mason:

Mason has been undercover for years working to find out how the local Aryan Motorcycle group has connections with the same Mexican Cartel that Madeline's brother has been involved with. But in order to infiltrate the club he's had to go deep undercover and be arrested so that he can find out when and where the drop shipment of drugs fits into both the cartel and MC club fits together. However, little does he know that Madeline's friend Trish, has put her matchmaking hat on again, and when he's invited to their BBQ, he meets Shay who has recently managed to release Vincent (the Cartel's son) on a technicality. But when his snitch tells him there is a mole within the DEA department, he has to go undercover again to find out why the mole would be helping the Cartel. There is a romance between Shay and Mason but this story really deals with Hank helping him take down the powerful cartel with kidnapping and a wonderful little back story with Gilberto and Vincent (father/son drug Kingpins) that has you saying "Wow, I didn't see that coming!". I would highly recommend reading SEALs of Honor, it will have your interest from the very beginning to the end.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this audio book free of charge from the author via Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review, and I've got to say, I struggled with it. A lot. I've read and enjoyed other books by Nessa Connor, I even liked this story, it had so much potential. I wasn't sure if the problem was with the audio version or just myself and the characters. I didn't connect with the characters, I didn't feel the chemistry between them, I didn't feel invested in the story at all, I did however want to find out how it ended, so I persevered. I loved the narrator's voice, but it didn't work for me, it was possibly the way he approached the story or the Multiple points of view. Non of it meshed for me, even though some of the characters were funny and sexy

[Toni Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this book defiantly deserves better than five stars I really enjoyed it . Cole and Madeline story was just so fantastic what was the odds of an old Navy Seal being the one that saved her and her brother .. But add Mason into the thick of it all and ( fan yourself girls ) the hot ex seals what could be better .. . A must read

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really pulled into Cole’s story, the way the author bought it to light blew me away. I could feel what each man was going through from the start to finish. It is hard to not feel the guilt when you are alive and your best buddy is not. Madeline is trying hard to start over moving far away from her brother who uses her for money when he makes bad decisions. Cole’s story is exciting, thrilling as danger comes near you feel the excitement as you hold your breath waiting to see the outcome. This story does move into the part two where it is well blended and goes together great. Mason and Shay have butted heads more than once as they come together to help Madeline and her brother. Together they make a great team once they get over their issues.


I thought the author did a great job showing the tension, passion why giving you an exciting, dangerous read that keeps you on the edge. Just when you think you have it worked out a twists is thrown in. I really enjoyed this book and do plan to read it again.

[Ruth Searles · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars!
This is a very good hot Navy Seals audiobook. The book has two parts with two different couples. Cole and Madeline are the couple of the first part and Mason and Shay are the couple of the second part. I liked both hot alpha seals. This was a great story that had a good balance of romance, suspense and mystery.

This audiobook was provided to me by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchanged for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

[Julianne Redmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars

I'm going to break this down into both sections of the book and then do an overall review:

Cole/Madeline

Whoa! Can we say sweet, hot, and completely swoon-worthy?? I love the characters. Cole and Maddie were very well-written. You truly understand Maddie's struggle, her desire to help her brother and her need to leave it all behind and head to a small town. She's a hard-worker and not afraid to take a stand when she needs to, but she also learns to appreciate being cared for. Cole is...intense. Everything about him. Looks, demeanor, protectiveness...all of that could be potentially overwhelming, but the author explains everything. Not so that it's tedious and boring, but enough that you know exactly what is going on in his head and appreciate why he reacts the way that he does.

Mason/Shay

I LOVED the initial animosity between these two characters! It made the subsequent story even more exciting. Shay has her own past that has pursued her into her law career...regrets and should-have's plague her as she works to walk a fine legal line. She's a great attorney with an innate sense of justice. She wants things to be "right" but she has been forced into a precarious position by a biker gang with it's own agenda and in control of her little brother's safety. And Mason...just as intense as Cole. Smart and quick on his feet, he really keeps the story going at almost a break-neck pace. Once he understands the workings of a situation he's quick to figure out the best way that he can get justice for those involved

Overall review:

Both stories were great. They blended well together. The villains were written just as well as the protagonists and I came to loathe them. Like my skin crawled reading about Heston and his minions. The ending was completely unexpected and actually pretty awesome considering that you THINK you have known what's going on this whole time.

The only reason why it gets 4.5 stars is the writing of the dialogue. I understand that the characters will have an accent, but the way that the accent is actually written was distracting to me. But honestly that is the ONLY thing that I didn't like and it really jumped out at me. That is my personal preference and I'm sure that it doesn't bother other readers, but it did to me.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 1 is from Cole’s view and Part 2 is from Mason’s view although they both come together in one story.

Cole Fields, a former Navy Seal, was home after being injured by friendly fire. He was trying to recover not only the injury to his lungs but the loss of his friend who is also a Navy Seal, Nick Vines, who was killed in the same incident. Cole was remodeling his home and slowly becoming himself again, working out, hanging with friends and just enjoying being home again.

Madeline Forrester had driven across country to start a new life in Texas with her best friend, Trish and Trish’s boyfriend, Tyler. Trish and Tyler welcomed her with open arms and Trish even helped Madeline find part time work in a local bakery, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Cole and his friend, Mitch, were invited to Trish and Tyler’s to watch a ballgame and cookout. When Madeline and Cole meet, sparks fly. It is very obvious they are attracted to each other.

When Madeline’s low-life brother comes to town bringing trouble with him, Cole steps in to keep Madeline safe. There are some really bad guys after Hank after he messed up a drug run for these evil men.

The story continues as Mason goes undercover trying to bring down these very bad murderers and drug dealers. He meets public defender, Shay Benson, who has troubles of her own because of these bad guys and sparks fly between these two.

Thanks to the DEA, a couple of Seals with Honor and the police department these bad guys don’t know what hit them!

This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed this story. The heroes were such strong characters. They were such an alpha males, very hunky although very polite and respectful to those around them, just like men in the military usually are. Madeline was just right, not too winey, not too wimpy, just feminine enough. I didn’t like her brother because he was a jerk and was awful to Madeline. Shay was perfect for Mason as well. This story had a really good plot, and well put together. She put everything together really well at the end.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this dual story volume that takes readers into the lives of two heroic men who have given so much of themselves for their country and are now dealing with life after the military.

Cole is a charming, honourable and a fierce warrior striving to survive his debilitating injuries suffered while serving in Afghanistan. After a tragic error results in the loss of his best friend and CO, Cole returns home to recuperate and get his life back on track.

But the arrival of the friend of a friend in their sleepy little town, soon finds Cole flexing his protective muscles in a bid to shield a fragile woman from the mess her brother’s sins have brought to their doorstep.

Mason is also a retired Navy SEAL, but unlike Cole his return from duty has found him imbedded in law enforcement and the seedy underworld of illicit drug trafficking. Determined to bring the Mexican drug cartel to their knees, the last thing Mason needs is the distraction of an unforgettable woman from the past.

With danger on their tails and chemistry of the charts, this formidable couple will have to watch their backs and stay close to prevent being ripped apart forever.

Nessa Connor has penned two action-packed, passionate and intriguing stories that are sure to leave readers wanting much, much more!

[One-Click · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook - Narration, Griffin Murphy - ok all I will say about the narration is I'm glad the Audible app has 0.75X speed. He narrates REALLY fast. I switched it back to 0.75 and while at first it made him sound a tiny bit drugged, I got used to it very quickly. It then became a much more enjoyable pace to listen to. May be just my opinion, but I like to experience my books and not strain to catch all the details.

The story is good, the characters are very likable. Cole is sexy on a stick and Madeline is spunky and fun. There really is a lot of bad guys in this. A smarmy icky drug Lord family with the son being the ultimate smarm!

There are also actually two stories in this book. The second half having all the same characters but adding an antagonistic relationship between Shay and Mason. I enjoyed them too, but would have enjoyed a little more time with those two once they finally got together.

Most of the danger stems from the poor choices of Madeline's brother and he brings all the danger straight to Madeline and all of her friends. Book two continues with Shay, a public defender and her cases intertwine with the same evil that came at Madeline and Cole.

Overall, an enjoyable listen (at 0.75X speed)

I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, interesting and enjoyable story. An in depth storyline that is actually two interconnected stories in one book. How can one person cause so much trouble for so many people. The storyline that starts in the first half of the book dealing with the situations that Madeline's brother Hank puts Madeline and Cole into are continued in the second half of the book pulling Mason and Shay into the action.

Large cast of really good characters. Full of steamy romance, action, humor, plenty of twists and turns, betrayal and a little suspense. Overall a very enjoyable listen. Really like the fact that there is an actual story going on, the book doesn't just focus on the romance between the H/h.

This is the 3rd book by Nessa Connor that I have listened to and all of them have been interesting and entertaining. I need to find the time to catch up on the rest of her books.

This is the first time I have heard Griffin Murphy narrate a book. He has a nice voice. Easy on the ears. Good character voices. With a little more time he could be a really good narrator. He needs to slow down, some of the sentences run together because he is talking so fast. This throws off the flow of the story.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Shelly Celli · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were two great stories. I like the story line and characters, as well as being able to see what's going on from different perspectives. I would have like to have seen more details about the couples relationships and how they've grown and a little less of the extra details about everything else. Overall good read.

Cole has been injured overseas and has to retire from the SEAL team because of it. He settles back into his hometown and starts to work on his family house and grounds while working on getting back on track with his MMA training.

Madeline has just moved in with a friend from school and her boyfriend in Sutherland. She moved from Chicago to get away from situations with her family and to make her brother Hank finally take responsibility for his actions, find a job and get himself out of trouble.

Unfortunately, Hank has mess with the wrong guy this time. He has been ripped off and the boss wants his money or Hank's head. Hank goes to Madeline to beg for money, not knowing he was going straight to the lions den and dragging her in with him.

[Lori Vandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a two-part stand-alone book. It was well written and had an easy flow. Cole Fields, ex-Navy Seal is trying to put his life back together. He meets Madeline Forrester, and it's instant chemistry. There new found relationship has lots of obstacles, and they can't seem to catch a break. Cole's friend Mason Andrews has been helping them deal with some of the problems that keep popping up. Mason is Cole's friend, ex-Navy Seal, now DEA agent. Mason has his work cut out for him the several ongoing cases. He runs into Shay Benson, Public Defender. through a mutual friend. They don't exactly hit it off. Shay is needing a fresh start, but the past catches up. She needs help, and can only think of one person to ask, Mason. Their relationship starts off under unusual circumstances.
If you like military men, adult romance mixed with a little suspense, then you might enjoy this book. If this is the type of book that you like to read, then I would recommend that you read this story. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nessa Connor is a new author for me. I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more from her. There are two stories in this book, but they come together in one great story. Cole is a sexy Ex-Navy SEAL returning home to put his life back together after being discharged after an injury. He meets Madeline who is on the run. Madeline is torn between helping her brother and having the life that she wants. There is instant attraction between the two, but will her past catch up to her and ruin what they could have. Mason is a friend of Cole's. He is a former Navy SEAL, now an undercover DEA agent. He is invited to a barbecue at some friends house where Trish plays matchmaker. In walks Shay, a public defender, whom Mason has dealt with before. There is definitely bad vibes between the two. The couple is forced to come together after Shay is arrested for allegedly taking some drugs from the evidence room. Can Mason help clear her name, help protect her and bring down the Mexican cartel? I highly recommend this book.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Nessa Connor book, but certainly will not be my last. This is my favorite kind of book..full of suspense, romance, alpha males and good friends. Madeleine meets Cole when she moves to Texas, starting her life over. There is an instant attraction between the two, but Madeleine's past is coming to haunt her. Before the two even get a chance to have a date, Hank, Maddie's brother comes to ask for money,bringing all of his baggage and danger with him. Lucky for Madeleine, Cole and his friend Mason are on the case and are going to protect her. With all that goes down, we also get part 2 of the book where Mason gets fixed up at a party with the DA, Shea. There is much animosity between the two, so you know the chemistry is there. Just get the two together! There are some extenuating circumstances, but the romance between the two is nothing short of hot!

Griffin Murphy gives an incredible performance. He keeps you on the edge of your seat and the suspense coming. His voice is perfect for a NAVY seal book

--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole is ex seal, leaving only because of injury. I loved his character, he is built big but underneath it all is gentle, supportive and very loving. As a way to deal with frustration and to help stay fit and get his health back he has gone back to MMA fighting and training, though he only does one round win or lose until he has finished healing. Madeline has uprooted to start a new life, getting away from her family especially her brother who is a bit of a pain. With life settling you just know something has to go wrong. Drugs, guns, violence and threats as well as blooming romance and hot sex are a big part of this book. Fast paced and told in various characters there are plenty of twists and turns and a bit of mystery thrown in, helping make it an edgy read. It is also in two parts but don't panic it is all one book, it just moves slightly to Mason another character in the second part although it continues the main story. Very good I enjoyed it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good two part book, the first part featuring Cole Fields and Madeline Forrester, and the second part featuring Mason, a DEA agent, and Shay Benson, a Public Defender. Both parts take place under a continuing storyline umbrella. Cole and Mason are both former SEALs. Cole was injured in a friendly fire incident that left him medically impaired. He is on the slow road to recovery when he meets Madeline at a party hosted by friends of friends in his hometown. Mason left the team's earlier and is working for the DEA, often undercover. It becomes apparent early on that the story will portray the role of brothers in trouble, their actions and the impact they have on siblings. It also portrays the bond of brothers in arms after active service ends. And it highlights the devastation of drugs and the cartels on families, bringing it home on a personal level. I very much enjoyed this book and will be looking for more by this author.
Copy received in return for an honest review

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is actually 2 books in 1. The first book focuses on the budding relationship between Cole and Madeline. He is instantly drawn to her and cant help wanting to protect her when her brother comes into to town bringing with him a boatload of trouble in the form of a drug cartel. The 2nd part continues the story but also brings in the love story of Mason and Shay. Mason is an old Navy friend of Coles and Shay is an attorney that he has a history with. This book wraps up the the story of the drug cartel.

I did enjoy it but it wasnt the best book i have read. I felt at times the story got rushed and to me left you with a few unanswered questions. I wouldnt mind a follow up story to just get a closure on a few things. Like what was in the closet at the bike shop? what was the letter from vincent to his mom all about? how did he die in that cell all alone? other than that it was a pretty decent read.

[Jessica Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read!! Now Nessa Connor is a new author to me but boy I'm already hungry for more of her books!! I was asked if I might want to read and review this book due to the fact that I've read and reviewed similar genres of books and of course I said yes! I'm so happy I did! I can't even begin to find the right words for this book. It definitely will catch and hold your attention from the first page till the last. It's very exciting and full of yummy super delicious scenes that could get anyone's juices flowing like lava through your veins. There's plenty of action going on and very well written. I could practically feel the sand in Afghanistan. This writer did her homework and to me it definitely paid off! If you like to read about sexy seals and mma well ladies look no further you definitely must check this book out!

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, yes it was a bit long but the story was very involved, so it took a bit of telling to get it all clear. Madeleine and Cole sure haven't had an easy relationship, even from the get go there's been drama. She got away from Chicago cause of her. Father and brother but unfortunately sometimes you can't outrun what you've left. Hank sure got himself and others in a lot of trouble when he started working for Victor Heston and when his delivery is intercepted and stolen from him he ends up in a victim in a very dangerous game. Cole rings an ex Navy Seal mate who's now a DEA.agent to help with the problem and it goes on from there.

This book is full of violence, drugs, sex, romance and friendship.
I'm sure that you'll like it and I would like to encourage you to read it.

Thanks Nessa.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! SEALS of Honor is not only a hot, suspenseful military romance but also like getting two books in one. And believe me, you will WANT to get this two-part standalone!

The main characters were well developed, strong, and likable. The villains were truly despicable and villainous. Ex- Navy SEALs, an undercover DEA agent, a public defender, motorcycles, a drug cartel... This book has something for everyone! I found myself spellbound as the plot became more and more tangled. I liked that the story line was unique and kept me guessing right up to the end. The tagline says it all: "These men are used to taking risks...but the biggest danger yet is headed their way."

This is my first book by Nessa Connor, and I was truly impressed. I will definitely be looking up more books by this author. She has a new fan!

[Christine Menditto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow, this duet just sucked me in and wouldn't let go! First its two books in one and each is from the different perspectives of the two amazing Navy SEALs! Cole and Mason are awesome and have huge hearts, even if they don't always show it. Madeline and Shay, our two heroines, just brought out the protective side in each SEAL. I mean its got the all the check marks: Navy SEALs, Protective Alphas, Suspense, family drama, amazing heroines, and a happy ending! I definitely would recommend this duet of books to everyone! Just be prepared that the first one ends on a cliffhanger so you'll definitely want to start the second one right away. The only thing that got in the way of reading this book was work, ugh!

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a “two-fer” book and was very well written. I did enjoy it however other than being former Navy SEALs, I didn’t really get that SEALs connection. In both books, Cole and Mason have that ‘brother in arms’ bond however for me, that bond was about it. Not that it wasn't great to read it – it just didn’t have the overall SEAL theme that I’ve read in other books. Just a bit of info for readers. Two couples, one (what turns out to be) common threat, and a group of friends that stick together.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 - really was a great read, the story was interesting and the reader never could quite see where it was going. A great HEA, despite all the dramas!

Book 2 - was also really good and a nice update to Cole and Madison's story, but for me this took the focus of the story from Mason and Shay, having said that it all came full circle in the end.

The plot for book 2 was completely unexpected and a brilliant idea from the author.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author, I have to say it will not be my last.

This book hooks you in from the first page till the last. Who doesn't love a Man in uniform? You not only get one Hottie Navy SEAL you get two amazing reads in one book set...... This book as it all, I loved it... A really great read....

Get it today....

I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.....

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line although a little hard to follow sometimes because of switching POV too much, all and all a book I would recommend

[Sandy]

Very good read. The story Is intense and keeps you wondering the whole way through what will happen next. The love story of the couples throughout are touching and realistic.

[Tammy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the 2 stories that were in it