Fate is twisted, and karma's a bitch. Maybe destiny will give us a second chance.
I've been best friends with Skye since we were ten years old. She was my life. We did nearly everything together.
Until graduation night. The night I f'cked it all up.
Escaping to the Navy, I found a new home with the SEALs. Then tragedy struck, and I lost it all, again.
Now I find myself face-to-face with the woman I've tried so hard to forget. But it seems I've made it impossible for her to stop thinking about me. I left a brown-haired, brown-eyed reminder.
Her secret. My son.
A powerful reminder of how love can overcome all. A reminder that I have someone who needs me. Almost as much as I need him. And Skye.
I won't give up. This time I'll give it all I've got. I'll protect my new family as fiercely as I protected my country.
I just didn't realize I needed to protect them from me.
Alice Ward is the bestselling author of dozens of hot and steamy contemporary romances. She’s an amazingly prolific writer, releasing a new book almost every single month. Her books are widely read, especially by women and any other lovers of the romance genre. My Stepbrother, My Lover, was her first smash hit.
SEAL'd Heart by Alice Ward has romance, angst, despair, guilt, and love as emotions prevalent in this story. Jake and Skye are suddenly back in each other’s lives after tragedy tore them away from each other. They’re vastly different from the young people they were years ago, but the past has formed a deep bond between them. The story takes part in the present and flips back to 6 years previously when the three friends were about to graduate from High School. Jake, Skye and Trey are best friends. Jake and Trey are in love with Skye but they make pact of never crossing that line with her but that line was crossed when Jake and Skye have a sexual moment and hook up and that marks the moment in which everything in their lives falls apart. Trey dies and Jake joins the Seals leaving a heartbroken Skye carrying his son and she is alone with the two men she loved gone. 6 Years later, Skye’s son, Jagger, gets lost at a Beasts’ baseball game which is where Skye runs into Jake. Jake is an ex- Navy SEA:L who has ptsd and seeing Skye really brings back a lot of memories. So much damage has been done, and they both have scars and baggage. The chemistry between them is still there and still very real. There is a lot of angst and passion still between Skye and Jake. Jake has to learn how to be a father to a son he didn’t know he had by Skye when he left her all those years ago and Skye has to learn how to deal with the abandonment and pain from him leaving her. Jake is not your average x Seal, he is dominant, very alpha and is a billionaire playboy with tons of expensive adult boy toys that he likes to play with and he is still in love with Skye. This was a full length stand-alone novel that deals with some real life issues like PTSD and single parenthood . I loved Skye and her perseverance to get thru to Jake to show him that he was still a good man even though he had some things that were hurtful and painful to her and at times he came off as a jerk. They were flawed yet their love was beautiful and complex. And Jagger was adorable. What a great 2nd chance love story!!!
My Rating: 4.7 stars ***** "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book, SEAL'd Heart by Alice Ward.
I have so many wonderful thoughts flying through my head about this book, I don't know where to begin. I have read SO MANY books over the years and loved most of them. Some so amazing I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life. Books that touch my heart in a special way. SEAL'd Heart is one of those books. But it's actually more than that. It is THE #1 book, top of the stack of those books. This book had me hitting pretty much every emotion. Nana Steele had me cracking up for sure. But Jagger had me in stitches! I absolutely adore that little boy! I want to pluck him out of the book and keep him. But what had me shaking the bed, like an earthquake, with laughter (at 4:30 in the morning, hoping not to wake my husband) was, "Sh*t Happens"!!! You'll have to read the book to know what I'm talking about. I've seriously gotta check out Alice's other books. This book is obviously a standalone but, from a review I saw, I get the idea that there are other books connected to this one by certain characters (Nana Steele and The Beasts). As good as this one is, I can't imagine those being anything other than incredible.
Jake has recently been honorably discharged from the Navy SEALs and every day is a tremendous struggle constantly fighting his inner demons. He has been living with a crushing amount of guilt for quite some time. Then one day, the clouds part and the sun is shining. While at a baseball game, Jake runs into his childhood best friend Skye. The joy is short lived and the guilt returns when Jake discovers that while he was in the Navy, Skye had his baby boy, Jagger, and is raising him by herself (with the help of her cousin). Skye was very shocked when she saw Jake at the baseball game and also scared that he would figure out that Jagger was his but she was also releved that he would now know. Jake wants to be a part of Jagger's life but is scared that he is not good enough or will end up doing more harm than good by being around him. Skye hopes he also wants to be in her life as well but fears he doesn't want her. Can Jake let go of the guilt and have a healthy relationship with his son? Does he want more than a co-parenting relationship with Skye?
Before I begin this review, let me say that I will still NEVER read Alice Ward's "Beasts Baseball series" novels because most reviews indicated that those stories are filled with dirty man whores and bed hopping sluts. However, this novel was great. It had a beautiful story that combined elements of romance with sadness, humour and family fun ! It was fabulous to read a story that really was heartwarming. These two characters truly loved each other forever but because their third best friend Trey was also in love with Skye, Jake forced himself to hide his feelings. I didn't like the fact that Trey ruined things for them by basically begging Jake to let him have a chance with Skye. But Skye loved Jake and only cared for Trey in a brotherly way. Trey's tragic death ruined Skye and Jake's chance to be together because the latter felt guilty and left to join the SEALS. He didn't know Skye was pregnant. When they meet 6 years later, Jake is a broken man, suffering from PTSD and still filled with guilt and self hate. But the joy that Skye and little Jagger brought into his life gave him hope. It was beautiful to see how love blossomed again between Jake and Skye. Jagger's antics provided a LOT of humour. That was one super funny kid ! The author really showed some beautiful scenes with the three of them as a they bonded. The epilogue was wonderful, even though the child birth scene was a little too graphic. If Alice Ward writes more novels like this, I will read them but I will repeat my assertion to NEVER read her older slutty books.
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Can fated hearts work through years of guilt in order to find each other again?
SEAL’d Heart is a contemporary romance that follows Jake, a recently-retired Navy SEAL, and Skye, his long-time crush and mother to the son he didn’t know he had.
Jake and Skye have known each other since they were ten. The two of them, alongside their friend Trey, had a sort of love triangle all through high school. Then an accident happens and ruins everything Jake and Skye had planned for their futures. Jake enlists in the Navy, but not before accidentally getting Skye pregnant.
Six years later, Jake returns from Afghanistan, suffering from PTSD and planning on channeling his billions into a veterans support fund before ending his life. But then Jake runs into Skye at a baseball game, and unexpectedly runs into his son, Jagger. Skye and Jake reignite their relationship, and Jake works on becoming the father that Jagger always needed. Jake has issues to work through, though, and he’s going to have to prove to himself that he has the strength of a Navy SEAL if he’s going to keep his family together.
Alice Ward used a lot of familiar elements in SEAL’d Heart: orphan billionaire playboy with expensive toys like private planes and a dominant personality who has a psychological issue that the has to work through if he wants to win the girl. Sound familiar? Well, Ward might have used similar elements, but she did so in a way that made Jake likable and understandable. Jake was dominant, but not overbearing. He cared so much for Skye that he was willing to go to extremes to protect her and Jagger. Ward seamlessly worked Jake’s PTSD into the plot; no character should be perfect, but Ward used Jake’s issues to make him stronger rather than flawed.
SEAL’d Heart is a sweet romance with just enough drama to keep you hoping that Jake and Skye (and Jagger) will get their happily-ever-afters.
I love Alice Ward’s books her writing in impeccable. There is something for everyone in this book, romance, angst, despair, guilt, and love.
Jake, Skye and Trey are best friends. Jake and Trey are in love with Skye but they make pact of never crossing that line with her. Jake and Skye have a sexual encounter and hook up and everything in their lives falls apart.
Trey dies and Jake joins the Seals leaving a heartbroken Skye carrying his son.
Jake has dealt with a lot from his parents passing to his friend and then leaving Skye. But he is not your typical SEAL he is a billionaire alpha male.
Jake and Skye run into each other at a game where Jagger, her son gets lost. Jake is dealing with PTSD and seeing Skye brings a lot of memories rushing back. Jake has to learn how to be a father to a son he didn’t know he had by Skye. She in turn has to learn how to deal with the abandonment and pain from him leaving her.
I just loved Jagger and the story with these people had me in a grip. Must admit that I also was in tears and was about to jump out of my chair at one point. This book has romance, guilt and love all rolled up in one. Truly a book that I appreciated and felt grateful that I got to read. Loved that the characters were flawed, because that made the so relatable Yet again Alice Ward makes a wonderful story. I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review, but everything I write is my own opinion.
This is by far one of the best books by Alice in my humble opinion. Its so well written, and is the love story of Jake and Skye. It gave me broad range of emotions while reading it, and i definitely recommend it to be read by others. I couldn't put it down, and I fell in love with their story. I voluntarily reviewed this book as an arc, and I was truly captivated!
Along with the repetitious sex scenes, this story was heart-breaking and raw. Broken promises, jealousy and betrayal destroyed three life long friendships. Both Jake and Trey promised they would never cross the line with their best friend, Skye, but somebody did and it ended in a heart-breaking tragedy. Can true love overcome the overwhelming guilt and depression?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Another AWESOME book by Alice Ward. This story will pull you in right away and won't let go until the end. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves SEAL romances.
ARC review for honest review. This story story of how Jake is not dealing with his PSTD ,but he's trying to get to know his son and old friend and lover plus deal with the death of their friend from the past Trey. I also like how strong Skye is with him. Awesome story
This is one book that gripped me from the beginning to the end, there were tears, laughter and tingles from the many steamy scenes. Alice Ward tells a story of an ex SEAL, Jake, who has lived with guilt his entire life....when his parents died, when his best friend died, when he left the only woman he loved and when he survived a mission and many others didn't. Skye grew up with Jake and Trey and has loved Jake for a long time, watching him hook up with every girl he comes across and secretly wishing it was her. Trey and Jake made a pact that neither of them would go for Skye so it wouldn't ruin their friendship and when Trey confesses to Jake that he wants to be with after they graduate because he loves her, Jake grins and bears it giving him permission when secretly he has been in love with her too. That night changed the fate of 3 people when Skye and Jake give into their passion and were seen by someone who shouldn't have known. Six years later Jake and Skye run into each other again with her son, when he has confirmation that Jagger is his, Jake wants to be part of his life and ultimately Skye's. But the guilt of his past weighs heavily on him and he suffers from PTSD as well, he doesn't believe his is good enough for either of them. Will he forgive himself and move on? An amazing amazing story about love and trust, about guilt and forgiveness, about letting go of the past and living in the present, about looking towards a future and deserving happiness. The story is told from both POV's with flashbacks when they were teenagers and along with the steamy steamy scenes, as well as a story with so much emotion and turmoil that made my tears flow endlessly, a young boy that made me laugh and an epilogue that had me laughing out loud with tears in my eyes and made me snort laugh....I had to buy this book even though I received an ARC to not only show my support to this author but because it was that amazing and worth more than 5+++++++ stars.
What can I say about this book, apart from I loved it!!
Jake Truman, wealthy ex SEAL, is attending a New York Beasts baseball event to discuss investing money in a housing initiative for veterans. He is still traumatised from his time in the military, obviously suffering from a form of PTSD, when he comes across a young boy who has been separated from his mother. He agrees to help Jagger find her and discovers that she is in fact his old friend Skye Crawford who he last saw six years ago. He met her and Trey in high school when he went to live with his uncle after his parents had died. They all became very close until tragedy struck and the group was split.
Skye has been struggling to bring up her son (with the help of her family) and keep up her studies and hopes one day to be a psychologist. Jake starts asking questions about Jagger's father and it slowly dawns on him that it could possibly be him. Both Jake and Skye are damaged and scarred by their pasts. Although both are lost souls, they want to come together but are scared that it will all go wrong and both are wary of taking the next step. Skye is scared of being deserted and rejected again and Jake is carrying a lot of guilt that threatens to consume him. Meanwhile, the tragedy that lingers in their past threatens to come to the surface again and destroy any chances they may have of a reconciliation. Can they both get past this and have the HEA that I desperately wanted for them? Can they learn to trust one another again and move on?
The story is told from both Jake and Skye's point of views, with regular flashbacks to the events that led up to their separation. The characters are interesting and the chemistry between them sizzles especially during the intimate moments. The book was so well written and realistic, that I was living their story with them and I felt their pain as if it was my own.
Loved it, but can Alice Ward top it? Oh I do hope so.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review for it.
This has to be one of my all time favorite books! There were so many things I loved about it; the depth of the characters, the fact that they were flawed, the romance, Jagger! I loved that they were so real it was like I knew them.
The situations they faced and how they handled or reacted to them was at times funny, sad and at times heartbreaking. I just can't get over how realistic this book was. The very real issue of PTSD was handled in such a brilliantly poignant way as well, it wasn't glossed over or swept under the rug and he wasn't miraculously healed either. I never felt like I was being hit over the head with it but neither was it just brought up once then never to be heard of again. Perfection!
The romance between Skye and Jake hit just the right notes as well I thought, especially given their history and the fact that they have a son together. Their chemistry was off the charts but it was rooted in the long standing history they had with each other. I will say that I'm so glad I was at home when I finished this book, I was in stitches I was laughing so hard. I mean really, "Shit happens"! Omg...seriously dying!!
This was a full length stand-alone novel but because it was so good, so realistic and I loved it so much, it wasn't long enough for me. But honestly, even if it had been 1,000 pages it still wouldn't have been long enough for me, that's how good it was! I'm so sad that it's over, but I know that I'll read it again and again. This one goes to the top of the keep stack to be treasured over and over.
Thank you so much Alice for writing such a fine book that I will enjoy for many years to come! This was definitely my favorite from you. I have my fingers crossed that we'll get to hear from Cadence sometime in the near future! Pretty please!?
Another fabulous read by Alice Ward. Jake and Skye have been friends ever since they were young and Jake moved into his uncles house after his parents died in a car accident. Trey was also their best friend. Both boys were in love with her and she was in love with Jake. Jake and Trey had a pact that neither of them would make a move on Skye due to their friendship. When graduation comes and they are out celebrating, Trey tells Jake that he would like to make a go with Skye. Since Jake is leaving to tour Europe, of course he says yes. As the night goes on, Trey leave the party because he isn't feeling well and one thing leads to another with Jake and Skye. They profess their love to each other and they go to Jake's tent and they have sex twice. Unfortunately, Trey comes back and unzips the tent to find the two of them. He leaves and they go after him but it's too late, he gets into a car accident and dies. They both live with the guilt and go their separate ways. Jake to the Navy and Skye was supposed to go to school and ends up pregnant. She doesn't tell Jake since he told her to pretend he doesn't exist and never reaches out to contact her. Jake goes to the Beasts stadium to meet one of their players wanting to help with Veterans. When he finds a small boy who lost his mommy he offers to help. When Jagger finds his mommy and she turns around, it's Skye. Is Jake Jagger's son? Can they move on from the loss of the last 6 years? When you love so deeply does it really go away? I can tell you this book is full of so much it sucks you in from the beginning. Since I'm not that reviewer to give the story away because if I did, you wouldn't want to read it. You will so not be disappointed when you do. It's well written, the characters are great and theirs really an underlying message within the book. I loved it. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
Skye had grown up with two guy best friends that did everything together, but what or I should say who Skye really wanted and loved was Jake, but he never made a move on her growing up but it was a known fact that their other best friend Trey was in love with Skye so it was a love triangle. Skye one day got what she really wanted well partially she got one night with Jake which ended in disaster, but one that ended with a small miracle. Jake has always loved Skye but never went for her because he didnt want to break his best friends heart like that so he went after all the other girls besides the one he wanted until he did and it ruined everything.
What I enjoyed most about Seal'd Heart is watching how these 3 kids grew up together and the close bond they all shared but one that wouldnt last once once Skye had made up her mind on who she wanted and love and the other she loved only as a friend, I love how once Jake was back in the picture all he wanted was to make both Jagger and Skye happy but safe from his past and always putting them first and his wants last.
This is another fantastic book by Alice Ward you can never go wrong with her books as they get you hooked and wanting more. This book has Skye a teenager who knows what she wants but feeling she would never have him ever in her life, but knowing she would never go after her other best friend and give him false hope, Jake a man who messed it all up one night and gone the next to figure out what he would do with his life to make himself a better man, never expecting to see Skye again but glad they had run into each other again to have a second chance at love. If you like stories like this, then Seal'd Heart is a must!
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this story we have Jake, who was a US Navy Seal's and also a billionaire. Jake's parent's died in an accident when he was a child. He was raised by his uncle, and has never wanted for anything.
Jake is at the Beast's ballpark to have a business meeting. Jake has PTSD. He was having some flash back problems during the ball game, and was headed out. On his way out he see's a little boy who is clearly lost. The little boy who steals the story, is Jagger, who is about 5 / 6 yrs old. Jake asks Jagger who he is here with and he says his mom. Jake & Jagger being walking through the crowd to find his mom. When Jaggar see's her he takes off, Jake tries to keep up with him. However, he loses him through the crowd again. Jagger run's right to his mother, who is none other than someone from Jake's past.
Skye is Jagger's mother. Skye & Jake grew up together, always best friends. However, they haven't known each other for the last 6 yrs. They were always two pea's in a pod growing up.
Skye just completed her bachelor's degree in psychology and wants to continue with her master's degree and on for her PhD.
Skye & Jake have some past history to work through. They haven't seen each other in 6 yrs when Jake left for the Navy boot camp. Skye realizes that Jake has PTSD and he needs professional help. Jake states he doesn't need it. But, when a trash truck back fires and Jake dives to cover Jagger at the play ground he does realize he needs help, more than what he has tried to get.
I received this book for free to Give My True & Honest Review
What can I say, Alice has written one heck of a beautiful, emotional LOVE Story & what a story it is. But I warn you to be prepared for all the different emotional pull you will get& that you more than likely need some tissues on hand. The 3 main characters shill friends from a very young age, Skye, Jake & Trey. The 3 of them were together in sum & out of it. Jake came to town when he was 10 to live with his Uncle after the death of his parents (they left him billions) Both Trey & Jake were in love with Skye & she was for Jake, though both Jake & Skye hid it, it was only Trey's feelings were known. When it came to where they were going to go after graduation both Skye & Trey wanted to go off to college whilst Jake was going off to travel round Europe mainly to get away from having the memories of Skye & not being able to touch her. But this 1 night Trey asks Jake can they break their deal about neither of them touching Skye what with Jake not being around. But this 1 night changes the paths the 3 of them had planned what with Jake being away.... I would love to carry on saying the words I'd love to spill but I would say too much & spoil it for you but what I've said is letting you know how close the 3 of them are but it's what happens after graduation where my heart was either racing with excitement, 😁hot with the love scenes, Alice has described 😚😚😚 or either crying with laughter ���😂 out crying with sadness 😢😢😭 BEAUTIFUL
There was so much here in this book. I like that it's tied in a little with the Beasts' storyline because that truly set the tone for a book that had an insane amount of feels, lots and lots and lots of steam, addressed real issues, and brought amazing individuals together. This book is made up of all kinds of win.
Jake is so very broken and sees nothing good in himself that deserves affection, redemption, or forgiveness. Skye is healing and doing her best for Jagger. Jagger is precocious, funny, incredibly intelligent, and keeps both Skye and Jake focused on what's important. As a family they're normal, they struggle, disagree, and also enjoy life together.
The issue with vets is a real struggle and there's a lot here that barely scratches the surface of what they go through. I love that Jake isn't a big, bad, Navy SEAL alpha where the focus is hard abs and bedroom skills. Well, of course that's there too, but what's real is that this is a man who struggles and aches before the biggest scare ever makes him see what needs to be done. That and Skye, anyway. With her love and support along with Jagger and therapy he finds his hope.
Overall, I loved this story because it was so raw. The characters were raw and not just tortured and dramatic, but struggled with real pain. How they gained their perspective and worked things through was captivating. It was a pleasure to read and review this ARC from the author.
Seal'd Heart by Alice Ward is an amazing read! There is romance, angst, despair, and above all love in this story. As ten year olds Jake, Skye, and Trey are best friends. As they grow up both Trey and Jake fall in love with Skye but make a pact to never cross that line with her. Graduation night emotions run high and Jake and Skye give into their feelings. Their night together serves as a catalyst for everything falling apart in their lives. Trey dies and his death cause a rift between Skye and Jake. Jake joins the Navy leaving a heartbroken Skye pregnant with his child. Six years later Jake and Skye are suddenly thrust back into each other's lives. During a baseball game Skye's son Jagger gets lost only to be found by Jake. Jake suddenly learns he has a son he didn't know about. Jake begins to bond with both his son and Skye. I love that this book deals with PTSD. After so many losses Jake suffers from PTSD which cause some issues in his reconnecting with Skye. Alice Ward did an amazing job of weaving Jake's PTSD into the story where instead of being a flawed character it made Jake a stronger character. You can't help but be drawn into Jake and Skye's story and want them to help each other heal. Can two people meant to be together work through years of guilt and hurt to find their happily ever after? Pick up Seal'd Heart to find out!
OH my gosh!! What twists there were in this story. I really, really enjoyed this book. The story takes part in the present and flips back to 6 years previously when the three friends were about to graduate from High School. Somethings happened one night that laid the way for a partial reunion 6 years later. There is our gorgeous hero an ex- Navy SEA:L who has ptsd and he gets a surprise when he visits a base ball game. For those of you who have read other books by Alice Ward, one of her wonderful characters Nana makes an appearance. The emotions swing are very high as misunderstandings, doubts and confidences are brought forth. There is humour in the story and little Jagger is an all out cutie stealing everyone's heart. We come full circle and our HEA emerges like a crescendo. Alice Ward's writing skills are exemplary. She weaves a story around truly likeable, and fallible characters that you grow to like/love as you turn the pages. A book that I really didn't want to finish as I knew I would then have to wait for her next book to be published. I whole heartedly recommend this book :)
and Skye have known each other most of their lives, but after one life-changing night they thought they would never see each other again. When Skye’s son, Jagger, gets lost at a Beasts’ baseball game, Jake and Skye are suddenly back in each others’ orbits. So many things have changed, so much damage has been done, and they both have scars and baggage. They’re vastly different from the young people they were years ago, but the past has formed an unseverable bond between them.
This is a story about facing down demons, overcoming tragedy and loss, a second chance romance and the most freakin’ adorable five year old boy ever! I loved Jake and Skye’s story but I’m head over heels for precocious, hilarious Jagger! This book is worth the read for Jagger alone, but there’s so much more to it! Once again, Ms. Ward spotlights our amazing war veterans and the difficulties they face as they deal with the impact of serving our country and the struggles that haunt them upon returning to civilian life. This is an uplifting, inspirational, motivational book wrapped in a heart wrenching, steamy romance with just the right amount of humor sprinkled throughout. It’s full of pain, heartache, passion and hope that draws the reader in from the first page. You’ll experience a full array of emotions with the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. You may feel a bit bi-polar, wanting to cry one minute and finding yourself laughing out loud the next, as you embark on this incredible journey with Jake, Skye and Jagger, but it will cause you to reflect and leave your heart full when you reach the last page. Definitely worth the read - don’t miss this one!
Seal'd heart by Alice Ward is an amazing 5 star read. On the outside Jake Truman has everything, good looks and billions of dollars in the bank but Jake is carrying a lot of guilt for things that happened in his past. His parents died when he was 10 years old and when he moved to live with his uncle he became best friends with Skye and Trey, the 3 of them were really close despite their differences. When Jake heads off to the Navy after their friendship is torn apart his life is changed but not for the better. Skye Crawford is a single mother working 2 jobs and going to school training to be a psychologist, when she runs into Jake at a Beast's baseball game, after not seeing him in 6 years old feelings come rushing back but she's keeping secrets that are about to be found out. I have yet to read an Alice Ward book that wasn't amazing and this book is no different,the author has a way of pulling you right into the story that before you know it, the housework isn't getting done because you need to find out what happens in the story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
When Alice Ward releases a new book you just know it is going to be good but his one....well this one I have to say is my favourite so far and I LOVED the Beasts of Baseball Series! Once I sat to read this one, a couple of pages in and I knew I wouldn't be stopping until I had finished it!
Jake is a man running from the hurt he has experienced, not only in the Navy but also his childhood. A chance encounter with Skye, his best friend he left behind after a fateful encounter as teenagers , leads to revelations about not only his journey through life and the hardships he has faced but also those of Skye, the girl her left behind. Alice guides us through the ups and downs of this story in such a way so that the issues tackled are done so in such a sensitive manner. There is love and joy abound in this book but there is also such grief and loss too and Alice manages to reel us in and keep us hooked until the very end when the HEA unfold in the right way.
I look forward to seeing more form these characters and can't wait to see how Alice manages to top this one!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.
Excellent read! I was so attached to these characters that I hated for the book to end. You go through every up and down imaginable with this one. You have the strong bonds of friendship, love, forgiveness, rage, anger, guilt, denial, acceptance, jealousy, second chances, and redemption all rolled up into a fabulous book. I was torn up a couple of times while reading this. Then, to top it all off, I had to leave for a couple of hours right when I was about thirty pages to the end. I about died. I was actually nervous about the ending. I wanted one thing, feared another, and worried about what else might actually happen. Shew! The trio of musketeers from age ten through high school share a wonderful relationship that I can relate to as if I knew them. I really liked Trey, loved Jake, and thought Skye was a strong woman. Add Jagger to the mix, just for fun. He was adorable. The very real issues involving PTSD were handled very well. Your heart really went out to Jake for what he was going through. I was thrilled with the character development. Very well done. The epilogue made me cry for the realness of it.
Heartache, humor, and redemption… I loved it...5+stars!
Seal’d Heart is the story of second chances that had my heart aching for Skye and Jake.
Childhood friends, Jake, Skye, and Trey were very close friends up until the end of high school when tragedy pulls all of them apart. Death, survivor’s guilt, heartache, a secret baby and then six years of separation with Jake and Skye dealing with their kind of mental anguish over what’s happened in the past.
I won’t rehash the plot, because it’s been reviewed quite thoroughly, but know, that just when I read a book by Alice Ward, I’m thinking it’s her best work. Then, she writes another, and I’m literally blown away because the story is engrossing, has great characters that pull at your heartstrings, and it’s intensely emotional.
Seal’d Heart has a wonderful plot that is filled with intense emotion, humor, forgiveness and redemption. I love the epilogue that just brings everything full circle, and gives you an euphoric and satisfying ending for Jake and Skye. Well done, Ms. Ward.
I received and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
2 stars. This was just not good for me. This book is told in flashbacks from the past and scenes from the present. This is Jake and Skye's story. Growing up and throughout high school, Jake, Skye and Trey were a trio of best friends. One night, Jake and Skye move their friendship to another level, but tragedy strikes, causing Jake to blame himself and leave town. Now, 5 years later, Jake is a former SEAL with PTSD. He runs into Skye at a baseball game and is shocked to see he has a 5 year old son. They somehow work through the pain of the past and come together as a family.
Overall, I just did not feel this book. I didn't feel the emotions or chemistry. The dialogue and fights between the couple were over dramatic. I was bored and annoyed a lot. I even skimmed the sex scenes. The Jake from the past was a manwhore jerk. I didn't see how anyone could even like him. The 5 year old talked hippies, nerds, HBO, and other things that 5 year olds don't talk about. I just felt like the book needed editing bad. Not to mention that this is one of those books that ends at 22%, while the rest is "bonus". No, thanks.
Jake, Skye and Trey are best friends. Jake and Trey are in love with Skye but they make pact of never crossing the boundaries with her. Unfortunately Jake and Skye hook up and that marks the moment in which everything falls apart. Trey dies and Jake joins the seals leaving a heartbroken Skye carrying his son. Years later when Jake is suffering from his past issues, trying to get back on track with his life, he accidentally gets the chance to meet Skye and his son. Fate has surely played a great trick on them but this will be the occasion to reconnect and restart from their breaking point. It will take all their strengths to patch up their relationship and get rid of their past but with love, their journey towards happiness is surely guaranteed. An amazing book written with such soulfulness that made my heart melt. This is a detailed story of a man devastated by his past and the woman whose been his entire world. Overwhelming and intense, I highly recommend this book to all those readers that believe in second chances in life.
Wow – this is an epic love story, beautifully told in both present day and in the past, both stories weaving seamlessly with each other to first build suspense and then to answer those questions, little by little. This was probably the most brilliant part of this book – the way the author gave just enough of the past history to enhance the current story, while hinting at what would eventually be fully revealed at just the right time to fit with the present time. It’s a story of a love that’s come full circle, how patience and forgiving oneself is a better path to happiness than trying to outrun the pain of past mistakes. The plane trip was one of my favorite scenes; it was steamy hot yet sensitively done. The birth scene was probably the best birth scene I’ve read yet – very authentic and hilarious yet full of love. I not only highly recommend this book, I recommend anything Alice Ward has written. This author is a true master at her craft. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.