The Power of a SEAL

West Coast Navy SEALs #5

by Anne Elizabeth

With over two decades of experience, Navy SEAL Leaper Lefton is bringing his expertise to young and impressionable SEAL trainees in BUD/s. As an instructor, he knows he must prepare them for all kinds of situations--and there's a perfect opportunity for hands-on training when he spots a woman in danger in rough water. Kerry Hamilton, a marine mammal veterinarian for the U.S. Navy is beyond grateful when Leaper saves her from the rough seas, and their attraction is instant. But after everything Leaper has been through, can he truly love again? And is Kerry willing to give him the chance?

West Coast NAVY Seals Series:
A SEAL at Heart (Book 1)
Once a SEAL (Book 2)
A SEAL Forever (Book 3)
The Soul of a SEAL (Book 4)
The Power of a SEAL (Book 5)

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Suspense

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 5, 2017

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marine mammal veterinarian, Kerry, and her dolphin are rescued by a Navy SEAL, Leaper, during a training exercise for the SEAL BUD/s under his command, off the Pacific coast of San Diego.

Both Lefton and Kerry are devoted to their careers, but one chance meeting and they find themselves embroiled in an attraction that sizzles. Now they need to find a way to balance the careers that have filled their lives and relationship that could make it so much more.

The Power of a SEAL was just one of those feel good, happily ever after, sweet and true romances that we all love.

I received this ARC copy of The Power of a Seal from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Power of A SEAL" was a slow, sweet, gentle love story. Lefton was a SEAL who had been rethinking what he wants to do with his life. For the first time in his life, he's considering leaving the SEALS but he's not sure what he'd do as a civilian. In the midst of his crisis, he meets marine mammal veterinarian, Kerry. Sparks fly and they act on their attraction then have a relationship. Aaaand, that's the bulk of the book. Not a lot happens, until about the last 20% or so, when there's some action and a little mystery.

Lefton, or Leaper as he's often called, was hurt both physically and emotionally on his last field assignment. While he's recovering, he's instructing SEAL trainees. He encourages them, coaches them, and puts his heart and seal into teaching them. Whether or not they complete their training, he's going to make sure they have the cognitive, emotional and physical skills to be the best they can. Elizabeth goes overboard here, trying to show how awesome and wonderful. He was a better teacher, he cared more, he was the most ethical, blah blah bah. He was Mr. Perfect. Even as a boyfriend and love, he was thoughtful, considerate, sweet, kind, patient. At times, his dialogue sounded like a script from a couples counseling session. Do people really talk like that? No one I know does. On the plus side, he's not cold or walled off. He has emotions and mostly does a good job of owning them.

Kerry works at a local marine institute that sometimes works with the military. She's responsible for health and ell-being of the dolphins and sharks. There's a disease that's spreading amongst her dolphins and wild dolphins and she's trying to cure it. She too is almost too good to be real at times. he's supportive, encouraging, sexually adventurous and assertive, excellent at her work, neat, organized, etc.

I loved that Kerry knew what she liked sexually and didn't hesitate to ask for it or take it. She has a past, Lefty has a past, and that's not a problem for either of them. And, they had THE TALK. Yes, they actually talked about STDs, when they were last tested, and birth control. Responsible adults, a rarity in contemporary romance. Also wonderful was that they were slightly older than typical romance couple. Kerry seems to be her in mid-thirties while Leaper is late thirties or early forties. They had life experience and maturity but weren't boring. They were respectful and courteous, passionate and impulsive,

The bulk of the book is Kerry and Leaper getting to know each other and becoming entwined in each other's lives. There's not much tension, they're good together and happy together. While I enjoyed the freedom from angst, there needed to be tension between the, something besides happy times all the time. The story veered between heavy introspection, mostly from Leaper, a little work drama at both their jobs, steamy love scenes, and some action towards the end. I kept waiting for something to happen. They did have a fight near the end which had me rolling my eyes. Kerry squawks about how Leaper had overshared with her when they first met and I'm there, going "No, you don't get to fuss at for him for that when you pushed and prodded and poked him into sharing. You forced him to share when he wasn't ready, and now you're accusing him of oversharing? Oh hell, no."

"The Power of A SEAL' has some exciting moments but at heart, it's a sweet and languorous love story, full of detail about SEAL life and marine animals. Light on posturing and overbearing behavior, it was a slow, steady slide into love. It didn't rock my world, but it did brighten my day.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

After losing a team member during an OP and not ready to face his friend's death, NAVY SEAL Leaper Lefton is not fit to resume his job again but his Commander still want him back for an other assignment. This time, Leaper will play BUD/S instructor for the recruits. Seeing the newbies and being 43 makes Leaper wonder if it's time to retire. But who is he if not a SEAL ? Can he turn his back on this life he always lived ? It's not easy to stop and take time to ask yourself when you're an all or nothing kind of guy.

Leaper is at sea, training the recruits, when he see a body on the water and jump to give assistance. The woman there is not really in danger but searching for her dolphin. Dr. Kerry Hamilton is a veterinarian for the Marine Mammal Program. Leaper and Kerry have lots of things in common and they instantly click. Kerry is afraid that it's too much too fast, but they can't deny the amazing chemistry between them. She makes him feel at ease with all the inner reassessment and he makes her laugh. They have fun together and it all seems so easy and natural.


It's my first time reading this author. In fact, I've never heard about her before reading the review one of my Goodreads friend did for this book. She had me at veterinarian with a dolphin so thanks a lot Beth ! :) I'm impressed by the amount and the level of research on this book. I may not know a lot about real life SEAL but I read about dolphins and it showed that the author did too. It was more romance than suspense, even if there was more action towards the end but it never spoil the fun I had. I thought it was different and great to see more about the hero training the recruits than seeing him in action with the "usual" terrorists for example. And to see the protagonists rescuing animals in between. The hero was touching with his questionings and Kerry was the perfect woman for him. There for him but without forcing him before he's ready to open his heart. I think it's great that Leaper talked with an other teammate about his doubts and what he felt instead of keeping it all inside.

I learned this book will be the last of the series but I think it's easy to guess I want to read the previous ones now ;p

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A world-weary SEAL and a spunky marine animal vet feel the jolt from the beginning of their acquaintance, but personal struggles just might keep them from trying for something deeper. Love the author's SEALs, her detailed and authentic portrayal of their lives, and the sweet yet passionate romances she puts in her stories.

The Power of the SEAL is book five in the West Coast Navy SEALs series. Its a series that can be read out of order or standalone for the most part. There is a loose tie with book three since the two heroes were once swim buddies though the stories are completely separate.

This one had most of the excitement in the opening chapter and the rest settled into a more moderately eventful story. I enjoyed the couple and the descriptions and the romance, but I confess that I did feel that more needed to happen at times besides the passionate encounters and the introspection. I do not mean that I disliked this, but I did feel that I was left wanting more especially after the suspenseful action of the last book in the series.

Leaper and Kerry were a great couple and the book really told their romance story and all that built to a solid relationship for them. They might have felt instant attraction, but there was a lot of evidence to a build of the relationship which I liked. They are a passionate pair and hey, he's a SEAL, so that definitely had me happy.

But, I really can't think of more to say. Loved the details on their lives and their romance. I suppose its good to vary up the story styles in the series which I can appreciate.

So, all in all, this was a moderately engaging installment in a great series. I can definitely recommend the series to military romance lovers who like their romances spicy and their military storyline to feel authentic.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathryn Linke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I will admit whilst I love a military/romantic suspense title, I nearly didn't continue reading this book past the first few chapters. The pace is quite slow, and at times I found my attention to be wavering.

I found the characters of Kerry and Leaper to be quite like-able, but I really struggled to connect with them. Their attraction is instant and the chemistry and encounters they share is quite hot and steamy and believable.

As the story line progressed I quite enjoyed the action and suspense. Overall I did enjoy this title, but it wasn't a favorite for me, and I don't think I would re-read this particular title.

[Bridget Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good love story between a SEAL (Leaper) and a Vet (Kerry). It was a slow read, but a good book. A very detailed book.

[Heather 123 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF: 52% completed

This book was just....boring. The only plot that I found was bringing these two together, which happens in the first chapter. The rest is just them getting to know each other.

Love how they met...but then things get weird. So Leaper (odd name by the way) is training SEALs when he sees a woman struggling in the water. He rescues her and her dolphin (the dolphins goes on a boat?) and brings them to shore. She hugs him to thank you but then...he kisses her. Um...they've barely said more than 2 words to each other and he kisses her on the dock full of people? I felt like he took advantage of her because she was obviously still surprised over what happened.

Still I gave the story a chance but halfway through I was too bored to stay invested.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Power of a SEAL is the fifth novel in the West Coast Navy SEALs series, but it's only the second one I've read. I love Navy SEAL romances, generally, but sadly this one just didn't knock my socks off, and it gets the same rating as the earlier novel I read, 3 stars.

In this novel, 40-year-old Navy SEAL, Leaper Lefton (odd choice of name) is working in southern California as a BUD/s instructor, when he rescues marine mammal veterinarian, Kerry Hamilton, and the dolphin she's working with. The attraction between these two is instantaneous, and the major portion of this novel is about their growing relationship, but, unfortunately, the author overdoes their frequent and rather unimaginative sexual encounters. It's clear that these two characters admire each other's achievements, but I didn't feel any real connection to either of them, although I did love Kerry's commitment to the health and preservation of marine mammals, and I did like Leaper's willingness to help her--what I didn't quite fathom was the amount of his free time.

My other issue is with Leaper himself. Over the past several decades I've lost count of the number of SEAL romances I've read, and I'm well aware that BUD/s training is hard, tough, difficult and demanding, and that far more young men ring out (quit) than those who make it through. Having said that, Leaper's approach to his assigned young team was unusual to say the least, and way too Zen to be real. While he's good at his job, caring, and good to the young men in his charge, way too much time is spent on his psychological approach to BUD/s training, making most of the the novel read like a psychology textbook.

By the time the action in this novel really heats up, much of it comes out of the blue, since there was little foundation or build-up to the action/danger sequences--they just suddenly occur without so much as a clue as to the reasons why and motivation behind it. Much of it is revealed in retrospect, and it just didn't grab this reader.

As for Leaper and Kerry, they were likable characters, but so flexible in their schedules that I found the time they spent together a bit unrealistic, in large part because much of their non-sex time is spent with Leaper lecturing Kerry on his mindset and approach to SEAL training, while she spends much of her time explaining her dedication to her dolphins. While I applaud her commitment to rescue marine mammals, since it's one I share, her long diatribes on the subject helped slow the forward momentum of this story to a crawl, as did Leaper's Zen approach to SEAL team training.

I did, however, appreciate the fact that the author provided the reader with an Appendix of the sources used to create her novel, as well as for readers interested enough in the topic to gain further information and insight on the problems and issues of marine ecology.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love the genre of Military Romance but this one is quite slow paced, doesn't grab your attention at first and is very detailed. Even with that said, if you hang in there, it does get better and ends up being a sweet build-up to a HEA. This is the 5th installment of the West Coast Navy SEALs and each book is a stand alone issue and they do not have to be read in order.

Kerry Hamilton is a vet for the Marine Mammal Program and she mainly works with bottlenose dolphins. Her job and the dolphins have become her life. She finds herself and "Juliette" stranded in the ocean and being rescued by a SEAL and his trainees. Kerry is immediately attracted to the super-hot man and hopes to see him again when he returns her boat to her.
Leaper Lefton has dedicated his life to the Navy and his teammates. Numerous Special Ops tours has given him tons of experience but has messed with his mind. So, now he is training candidates for BUD/S. He is not sure what is next in his future, whether he wants to stay in the teams or not but he sure didn't think falling in love was an option for him.
Kerry and Leaper begin a wild ride of getting to know one another when they are confronted with a discovery of a lethal virus attacking and spreading among the wild and contained dolphins. As danger unfolds, terrorist begin to target the Navy and Mammal Programs, their budding relationship is put to the test to see if they both have what it takes to get their HEA.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by NetGalley

I really don’t know where to start with this story. I liked everything about it. The story, the adventure, the characters, the imagery, the research, the dolphins and sea lions , the hot sex and so much more. I may have found a new author to follow.  Even though this book is part of a series (I have to admit I haven’t read the other books) it works as a book that stands alone (but I am going to read the others because I can’t say enough about this book).

Kerry is a marine mammal vet; Leaper is a Navy Seal when they first meet the sparks fly. Chemistry is instantaneous. It was nice to see that things can happen fast in most stories you can tell that the chemistry is there but it takes half the story if not all to get the two characters together.

Each of the main characters in this story have lives that revolve around very important jobs yet Ms. Elizabeth made it to where the jobs interacted and it worked for the story and also for the Kerry and Leaper. Loved the dolphins…

There was never a dull moment in the story the action kept you interested along with all the action within the story. The story kept me entertained…I was never bored and I wanted more when it ended.  All the added touches made this book truly magical.

Ms. Elizabeth is an author to keep your eye out for. She puts heart and soul into her stories.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a contest the author had.
I liked it. It was a little slower paced than some other military based books. There was a lot of relationship building.
After Leaper loses someone on an op, he is posted as an instructor for BUDS. He is figuring out who he is going to be going forward, since the mission affected him greatly. He rescues Kerry, a vet for the Marine Mammal Program, who goes against protocol and gets herself stuck alone in open water. They have instant attraction, so they start seeing each other.
I liked that although there was attraction, there were no immediate plans to change lives just to stay together. I liked that they had to work through issues both separately and together, there was no magic pill or event to make everything better.
Part of me wants to feel that the attack at the end is really far fetched, but another part of me knows that there are enough crazy people out there that it could happen.

[Breane Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Rating

The Power of a SEAL by Anne Elizabeth

I absolutely loved this book. The cover looked interesting and I always like to read military based romance when reading contemporary romances. This is the first book by Anne Elizabeth that I have read, and had to purchase the first 4 books in this series when I finished this book. You do not need to read the others first as this is a standalone romance.

The hero, Navy SEAL Leaper Lefton is a great hero and it was really cool reading things from him perspective as well as the heroine’s. I loved the marine/dolphin information on the heroine, Kerry Hamilton’s, perspective. I learned quite a few things both SEAL wise, and dolphin/vet side.

This book had the steamy romance between the two, and a mystery/suspense side as well. The action was great.

I totally recommend this book! It rocked!

[Ayekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly this book didn't work for me. I love a good SEAL story and this wasn't it. I had a hard time relating to the characters, Leaper did not at all act like a SEAL; BUD/S instructor or not. I did like the way Kerry related to her dolphins and that was the sum total of it. For someone so "responsible" and the position she held, I found her behavior a little hard to believe. There was too much going on in the story and perhaps a more narrowed focus would have made it better.
What I did like: her appendix at the end of the book with website links and info on the things that happened in the book. These are real and important to the life and health of our oceans.

**arc from NetGalley andPublisher in exchange for a fair and honest review**

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Navy SEAL Leaper Lefton meets Kerry Hamilton, a marine mammal veterinarian, the attraction is apparent right from the start. And it will develop into a sweet relationship.

I have to admit that while I liked The Power of a SEAL, it was a bit slow moving for my tastes. Not a lot happened until near the end and my mind may have wandered a tad while reading. I did like both Leaper and Kerry, but I didn't fall in love with them or anything. If you're looking for an action-packed SEAL romance, you may want to look elsewhere. If, however, you're interested in something sweet and a bit sexy that will take you out of your day for an hour or two, then put The Power of a SEAL on your TBR list.

I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Paige Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Power of a Seal to be bittersweet as this is the last in the West Coast SEALS. I'm happy that Leaper is getting his HEA with the sweet and smart Kerrie.
I liked the way they met. they had an immediate connection and great chemistry.
I enjoyed learning more about both professionals and their inner workings. That being said in think the author lost sight and was lost in the minutiae at times.
Overall it's an enjoyable series and book.

I received a ARC for a honest review.

[Gracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't typically read books like this. However, it was a gift. I didn't have high expectations for it. It started a little bit slow but wasn't an awful book. I would probably binge read the whole series. It was cute and an easy read. Sometimes you need something light hearted and predictable. I recommend this if you are looking for something happy and light hearted. However, it didn't really hook me. I had to binge read it otherwise I would have forgotten I had it. It is a contemporary romance meets navy. That should sum it up on it's own.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read with a lot of interesting bits about SEAL training and dolphins and sea lions. The heroine is a marine mammal veterinarian working with the military dolphin/ sea lion project and the hero is a SEAL assigned to the BUD/S training of new SEALs. They meet when he rescues her and her dolphin from some wild dolphins who lured her away (the dolphin, not the heroine). He's dealing with some personal issues. She's dealing with internal department politics that wind up going to extremes. But they click at first meeting, and that element goes smoothly. It's a nice read. I liked it.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC for my honest opinion review for Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I'm disappointed that its the 5 book in the series.
Navy SEAL Leaper Lefton sees a woman in distress, but what he doesn't know is who it is.
Kerry Hamilton, is a marine mammal veterinarian, who works with dolphins. Together they must stop terrorist and build their relationship.

[Helen Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth book in the West Coast Navy Seal series is about Navy Seal Leaper Lefton as a BUD/s instructor out on one of his training sessions when he rescues mammal veterinarian Kerry Hamilton and her dolphin. There is an instant attraction between these two that quickly heats up.

As in all of Anne Elizabeth's Seals stories she shows just how much stamina and skills that a Seal has.

[Michelle Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads giveaways. What could be better than a navy seal and marine veterinarian? Two people not really looking for love or forever after. Dedicate to their jobs there is no time for romance just a quickie fling. But can these two find something in the other that will last a life time or will they both go their own ways?

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Sexy SEAL rescues aquatic veterinarian. Nice military based contemporary romance.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kathryn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I could not put this book down from page one. It met all the requirements for an outstanding read. Plenty of action, suspense and passion to satisfy everyone. Highly recommend you read this book. 5stars+

[Abigail Books Addiction · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kinda felt that this book was a tad bit predictable and boring at times. It's very insta-love/attraction but yet denying their feelings since they have been burned before. It's a bit typical to read through. Wished, there were more depth to the romance story.

[Lovely Loveday · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great romance novel that involves a sexy SEAL with a sweet love story. This book is full of love, hope, heartache, and family. Overall a great read

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 2 out of 5]

TOO slow for me. Needed more action in the middle of the book. As much as I love sexy scenes this was over kill!

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and banal.
But sweet.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to end the series

[April Robertson-Ring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun read. One of the best in the SEAL theme.

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Power of a SeAL is a good fit for readers who enjoy stories about Navy SEALs, personal growth, and the development of new relationships.

[Jessica Mantik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow moving, lots of heat with little substance.