Once a SEAL

Morgan Ranch #2.5

by Kate Pearce

After an eventful career as a Navy SEAL, Jay Williams returns home to Morgantown, California to take over the running of his family's bar. After being rescued from a hostage situation and barely emerging alive Erin Cooper definitely has trust issues... There's only one person who will tell her the truth. Her mystery SEAL might not know it, but he's her last chance...

Part of the SEALs of Summer 3 Superbundle. Part of the Morgan Ranch series.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Westerns, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance

Kindle Edition

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.

She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.

Reviews

[Jo-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love SEAL stories and Once a SEAL was perfect. Jay was a Navy SEAL but had to leave do to injuries so he went home to Morgantown in California to run his family's bar. He had rescued Erin when she was held hostage in Africa so when she thinks her life is in danger again, she reaches out for Jay's help. They fight the attraction they feel because this is not the time for it. Jay does keep Erin safe with the help of his friends. Then they can happily pursue to their feelings for each other.

I enjoyed this great story. It was so smoothly written, I could feel the passion between this pair. I liked how, Jay, the strong, capabile former SEAL wasn't so strong in some ways. But he did start to feel better about himself helping him feel comfortable to act on his feelings for Erin. Erin was always helping other people and causes - almost too good to be true. Her parents worried about her, as all parents do but this time her over protective parents almost ruined her chance with Jay.

If you like romantic suspense with SEALs, you've got to read this.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kate Pearce's books, especially the Morgan Ranch series, and this one is free from the author. Woo! Woo!

Erin, the daughter of a diplomat and a librarian, decides to spend the summer volunteering in Africa. The camp she is staying in is invaded by terrorists and she is captured along with two other Americans and taken away some place. She is rescued by SEAL, Navy SEAL, Jay Williams. Before been finally lifted out of the area, they spend quite a bit of time together. When a helicopter finally comes to air life them out, Jay is shot in the leg. Before being separated at the hospital they are brought to, Erin indicates that she would like to look him up in the future, but he is engaged.

About two years later, weird things start happening to Erin and she learns that her report of what happened has been altered and she tracks down Jay to confirm what she remembers. Jay meanwhile, had another injury and had to leave the SEALS. He moved back to Morgantown and is living with his mother above the family bar. His fiancee left him and he is not in a good place, so is ecstatic when Erin comes to him. He realizes that Erin is in danger again and he wants to be her hero again. With the help of Chase, Blue and Nate, will he be able to keep her safe and remain in his life?

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the novella Once A Seal: A Morgan Ranch Novella: Jay and Erin by Kate Pearce and this review was given freely.
Action packed and at times suspenseful with a touch of steam and some violence. This companion novella to the the Morgan Ranch family contains a love story that transcends years, countries and government corruption. When medically discharged Navy Seal Team Five member Jay Williams retires to Morgantown, California to run his family's Red Dragon Bar, he thinks he is on the road to recovery until the woman from his last rescue mission in Africa, American summer missionary librarian Erin Cooper, shows up looking for answers and requiring protection. Features Ruth, Blue and Chase Morgan.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This freebie is available from the author.
This novella is a mystery/thriller wrapped up in a romance with a touch of espionage thrown in. Set in Morgantown with the cowboy ranchers as a backdrop and a family bar and family run hotel. Jay as one expect is a beyond handsome hunk and the lady in distress is no clinging vine. Two years from their first stressful meeting they waste no time hopping into the sack and a guy who claims to have been celibate all that time just happens to have protection stored in his nightstand. Marines it seems are always prepared. At least they’re practicing safe sex.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once A SEAL by Kate Pearce is a great read. This is a fairly short book, perfect for those with limited time for reading. Ms. Pearce has delivered a well-written book. The characters are awesome and lovable. Jay and Erin's story is loaded with action, suspense, sizzle and humor. This quick read hooked me at the first page and held me hostage till the last. I enjoyed Once A SEAL and look forward to reading more from Kate Pearce in the future. Once A SEAL is book 2.5 of the Morgan Ranch Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book that I received from Instafreebie.

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Morgan Ranch novella.

We have a romance that is set in the town of Morgan with an ex-Seal - Jay - now running a bar, and recovering from his physical and mental issues from what happened to him on active service.

Erin was a hostage, that Jay had rescued as part of his Seal activities but believes that there was a conspiracy related to her rescue and goes to Jay to find the truth.

A nice novella (free on Kate's website) that takes you off the ranch and into political manoeuvres and Government cover-ups and secrets.

[Christina Montminy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, Erin & Jay brought the action to life in more ways than one. Former Seal Jay is called back into action when Erin a former hostage that Jay rescued seeks his help. Erin is having trouble & the only one she can trust is Jay. Erin hasn't been able to shake her feelings for Jay & is looking to see if he feels the same as well. Can they figure out who's after her & keep her alive long enough to see if Jay feels what she does? Definite recommend to read.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin is in an African nation, helping out while on her summer holiday, then a bomb drops and she hides but is captured. Jay rescues her and there is chemistry but her father removes her from hospital before she has a chance to get to know him more. Then strange things start happening, there were definitely two men in the room next to hers when she was caught, both americans, why is only one being discussed?

A great read from Kate

[Suze Prescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming little story which begins in a war zone somewhere in Africa and ends in a small town in northern California.
Jay is a SEAL and Erin a librarian. Circumstances that brought them together also keep them apart for two years until she finds the perfect excuse to seek him out.
A sweet romance with an exciting backdrop.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series from the start and this novella will be a "side" delight. Always enjoy reading about returning vets. Add that to the "hero" side, and a heroine in need, you've got a great story. Highly recommend!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. A little “thin”, but to be expected for what I’d consider a novella. Loved the dialogue - Erin and Jay definitely fun to listen to. And Erin was great at participating in her own rescues and safety. Looking forward to more of the series.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was a great addition to the Morgan series. It involves Navy Seal Jay who rescues Erin from insurgents in Africa. Who doesn’t love a rescue story? After returning to the states the suspense continues and the romance begins as Jay and Erin meet again.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but good.
Lots of action.
I liked that she was not a wimp.
I thought they were quite relatable and authentic.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book,it has an entertaining storyline and I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book 📚, as a FREE copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella. Jay and Erin’s story was a perfect escape and still featured some of my favorite characters from this series!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit different than the other Morgan Ranch books, but kept me very entertained. This one has more of a military and mystery feel and results is a suspenseful plot felt throughout the few pages.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Williams was Once a SEAL but now he is home in Morgantown working in his family bar due to being discharged after ten years of service due to injury. Erin Cooper was one of the women he rescued two years earlier in Africa and now she has come to find him to ask him a question.

Someone is trying to kill her and Jay goes in to protective mode with the help of his friends. Pride and how we think of what we are is a big part of the ego of an ex-SEAL and it almost ruins any chance Jay and Erin have of finding happiness.

This is a short novella but it was fast and exciting and full of romance.

I purchased Once a SEAL as part of an anthology.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read - I liked the hero and heroine. I admired brave she was, and kept her head in some very scary situations. I think I'm going to like this series.

Freebie from author

[Molly Lolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original review on Molly Lolly
Three stars!
This story tried to be too many things at once and fit in too many plot points for the length. What wound up happening is the story is rushed and bit of a jumble as everything gets crammed in. The characters aren’t fleshed out as well as they could have been so I wound up not connecting to any of them and wasn’t invested in Jay or Erin as individuals or as a couple. The suspense came in fits and starts and didn’t flow naturally in the story. It was interesting but I would have liked it to be laid out better so it was easier to know what was going on. I would have connected with it better. I did like how it was all wrapped up by the end of the book so I wasn’t left hanging wanting to know what happened. The romance part of the story also came in fits and starts. Erin and Jay went forward and backward in the relationship but you never got the sense they were truly together or truly felt anything for each other. Their emotions came off wooden and forced. Their joyful first “I love you”s at the end of the book didn’t fit with how they acted towards each other at any point before them. I did like the cast of characters around Erin and Jay. You can tell it’s meant to be a setup for future stories in the series. The ending is a bit rushed and leaves me wondering if Jay and Erin are going to make it long term and if they truly have feelings for each other.

[Shasta Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book* ***

This story had all the elements of a good love story. At times the POV changed every sentence and it was a little confusing. However, the story itself was relevant and real. The story of the hostage being rescued by the tough Navy SEAL and the amount of events they had to endure to get through together was a journey in itself. They both had suffered traumatic events and the only thing that deemed safe was being with each other. They were stubborn and loving in their own ways. This story reminds me of the great Navy SEAL that our country lost, Chris Kyle. I think I had pictured the Bradley Cooper version in my head as Jay's character. To all those military men and women in uniform that protect us daily, we appreciate and love you for keeping us safe. It's stories like these that I remind myself of our obligated gratitude and humbleness towards our men and women heroes. Great job, Kate Pearce!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Williams, ex Navy Seal, is still trying to come to terms with his life outside of the military. Moving back to Morgantown, California to heal from his injuries, he feels less than himself and is still living with his mother while running the family bar.

Erin Cooper, librarian and all around do-gooder, is held hostage while in Africa. She is rescued by Jay and forms a connection that she feels even two years later.

Erin seeks out Jay after disturbing occurrences lead her to believe her life is in danger. Their reconnection is immediate and sparks fly.

Jay and his Morgantown friends keep Erin safe and in the process, rebuilds his self worth and seals the fate of their relationship.

This story is the perfect introduction into the Morgan Ranch series. I can't wait to start reading them. Kate Pearce is an author who deserves praise for her story telling abilities.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first glimpse at the new series by Kate Pearce. I read this out of order but that did not take away from the enjoyment of the story.

Erin Cooper finds herself in danger once again, so she turns to the only man she knows who can help, her own personal Navy Seal Jay Williams. But, she isn't the only one who needs saving.

This is an unconventional love story for sure. But, I loved every minute of it. Great story, great characters, and plenty of action in this one! The only complaint is I wish it had been a longer story, but it was still a satisfying read!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

First official not really sure why this is labeled book 0.5 in the series when it should be 1.5 because had I read this book before Chase's I would have gotten irritated by the fact that I read them out of order.

With that said this was a good short read, but the end ... I just wish it would have ended better. It felt unfinished at the end, the HEA was there but not cemented enough I guess for me.

Overall a good book but as I said before if you read this series you should read Chase's book first because the time line will be off if don't.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella in the Morgan Ranch series. While it was short, it was well done and packed a punch. Retired Navy SEAL Jay Williams now runs his family's bar in Morgantown, California. Because of injuries, he had to leave the SEALs. A couple of years ago while he was still active, he rescued Erin Cooper from a hostage situation in Africa. Now her life is in danger and she has went to Jay for help.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished "Once A Seal" that I got via InstaFreebie and I just wanted to let you know that I really liked this story. Two injured characters who come back together after a horrendous experience to discover love. Very realistic situations that made me feel that I was right in the middle of things.

[Jennifer Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me questioning and guessing who was involved in the incident at the camp. I love how Erin went to Jay when she felt that she was in danger and how explosive their personalities were. All the way until the answers are revealed you guess at who is involved. This is a great read!

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jay and Erin had a nice chemistry. I liked the fact that Erin was smart and she wasn't fragile. This was a quick read with an interesting storyline and a few moments of suspense.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters. There were some humorous conversations with a sprinkle of sarcasm. A fun read.

[Aizzia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable short read, with fleshed out and likable characters, plenty of action and a little intrigue to keep it interesting. Will absolutely be picking up the new Morgan Ranch books when they are out as this was a nice little taster.

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked it. I liked the style, the characters and the plot.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world no one ever sees, wants to see or tells for one person it hits hard. Getting her out alive was the easier part. coming to terms with his new life wasn't, til she walked back in. AS things progressed his life got clearer. She is only just passing through.
Can't wait to read what the rest of the series entails, such a awesome beginning. Can't wit to read more. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy for a honest review.