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SEAL Dearest

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Xander was a tough Navy SEAL, one of the toughest. When his tour was over, and he was sent home, he found that having nothing, or no one to come home to, was just fine with him. He secluded himself from people, from love, and kept to himself in the mountains of Bethel Maine. When the winter storm took a bad turn, he found himself struggling with his PTSD, and then to make matters worse, a wounded hiker ended up laid up in his cabin until the storm passed. She was beautiful, mysterious, but he couldn’t wait until he could get her back down the mountain and out of his life.

Bailey was a school teacher, a caretaker for her sick father, and an all-around sweet girl. She devoted her life to helping others, so it was quite the surprise when she found herself the one who needed help. Hurt on the trail, a storm blasting through violently that she’d not known about, and now this man, long golden hair, goatee and covered in scruff, was carrying her up the mountain, not down. She couldn’t remember anything, not even her name. How was she ever going to get home, and where was home?

SEAL Dearest is an 80,000 word standalone Navy SEAL romance with a HEA and no cheating.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2017

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58 people want to read

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Ivy Jordan

25 books79 followers

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5 stars
61 (46%)
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40 (30%)
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17 (12%)
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9 (6%)
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4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Patty .
1,360 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2017
Oh! This was such a sweet story. Story starts off with an ex- Navy seal named Xander finding a woman hurt on a trail near his secluded cabin. A snow storm rolls in quickly and he has no way of finding help for her.  When she awakens she cannot remember who she is or where she came from or how she came to become on the mountain. He's able to reach out to his friend Liam and have him investigate if anyone is looking for a missing woman fitting her description.  After several weeks of being together they have grown really close and then Liam shows up out of the blue. He has information saying that a woman matching her description has been reported missing and that her name is Bailey. Bailey is not thrilled with going back to the life she had before,but then suddenly starts remembering that her sick father is waiting for her alone. So Bailey has to go back no matter how hard it is for her and how much her heart breaks. She begs Xander to go with but he refuses.  Will she ever see Xander again?

The story was so sweet and sad at the same time. Xander is dealing with a lot of issues from his past in the Navy SEALs. His PTSD is extremely bad and the nightmares horrible. This is the whole reason why he is alone in the woods away from all civilization. Bailey is a sweet schoolteacher who is taking care of her father who has cancer.  The characters are wonderful. The story flows so smoothly.  

This book will grab you by the heartstrings and pull until you can't breathe.  I was hooked from the very first page and could not put the book down. It was such a heart-felt story. You could just feel the love between the two main characters and wish that everything will turn out perfect for them, when in reality it is not so easy.  This was a wonderful read, but be ready to have a box of tissues on hand.
2,301 reviews18 followers
October 4, 2017
We finally get Xander's story and why he hides himself in seclusion but now he's not in Hawaii anymore and has moved to Maine, once again into a cabin high up in the mountains where no one can easily get to. Except for Bailey, who decides to hike one day when a storm catches her off guard and Xander comes to her rescue. She hit her head which causes her amnesia, she doesn't know who she is, who's waiting for her, nothing and on top of that her leg is also banged up, making her rely on Xander for help.
The story that unfolds is one that had me in tears at times but also cheering for them as Xander tries his best to handle his PTSD for Bailey. The emotions that grow between them as he shares with her his experiences while secluded during the storm and how he deals when she regains her memories and leaves the mountain to take care of her dad....emotional. I loved how caring, understanding, loving & compassionate Bailey was and how she went after what she wanted, standing by Xander, encouraging him & accepting him just as he is.
An amazing story filled with emotions, heartache, heartbreak but also hope, acceptance and longing to want to be the best person for the one you love. Along with the steamy, sensual scenes between these two that made me sigh & swoon as well as all the emotions it brought out in me....I could go on and on of how much I loved this read and Xander & Bailey as it is my favorite from this author thus it's why that even though I received an ARC I had to buy it because it's so worth it.
Profile Image for Heidy.
420 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2017
Ivy Jordan is amazing!!!!
This is one of the sweetest, romantic SEAL books I have read lately. It warmed my heart and even brought me to tears a couple of times. Xander is an ex-SEAL who is suffering from a bit of PTSD. He just moved from Hawaii to Maine to have more seclusion from people. His cabin is up a mountain to where no one will be able to visit him. A snow storm hits and he is chopping wood and hears a moan. He goes looking for the sound and finds a woman in the snow. He takes her back to his cabin and when she wakes she has no memory of who she is or why she was in the woods. Once she begins to trust Xander they begin to grow close…real close. Xander takes care of her while she heals from her fall in the storm and he feels like she is a breath of fresh air for him. He doesn’t normally get along with people, other than his SEAL brothers, especially woman. Bailey seems to be the exception to this.
This is all new to both of them. They grow closer and end up sleeping together. Their chemistry is unbelievable and once Xander starts sleeping all night in the bed with Bailey his nightmares cease to exist. This has never happened with other woman for him. Things happen and Xander’s friend Liam shows up. They know she will have to leave soon. Will Xander go with her? Will they confess their love to one another? Can Xander deal with his PTSD and give Bailey the life she deserves? Grab this sweet romantic book, with some steamy love scenes and see if Xander and Bailey both get the HEA they are seeking?
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,149 reviews16 followers
October 3, 2017
I had no idea what I was going to be in for when I started this book. I was more than pleasantly surprised. The premise of the story was fantastic. Xander, a former Navy seal, finds Bailey in the snow with no identification right as a major storm is happening. The two are forced to stay together in the cabin while they wait for the storm to pass.

My heart hurt for Bailey. How scary would it to be to wake in a stranger's cabin with no remembrance of who you are. I just wanted to hug her. Xander, sweet Xander. A former military man dealing with his nightmares of his time in the service the only way that he knows how--by being alone. The man was beautiful inside and out. Together these two were the stuff dreams are made of.

The author did an EXCEPTIONAL job at portraying how debilitating PTSD is. I also loved Xander's friend Liam and all that he offered his friend. He knew when to push him, and also how to be protective and supportive. I would love to see a book about him in the future.

This book had fantastic steam. The only part that was a miss for me was that there was not an a typical epilogue. I wanted to see into the future. Other than that I would recommend this book.

I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for a an honest review.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
November 3, 2017
Xander, ex-Navy SEAL has come to the top of a mountain in Maine to seek the peace he desires in the solitude of nature while suffering from PTSD. Winter is coming fast and he is ready when the first big snow of the season starts. He hears moaning off in the woods and it suddenly sounds human. He finds a young woman unconscious on a trail with a head wound and takes her back to his cabin until the storm stops and he can get her down the mountain.

Over a week later it is still snowing and Bailey and Xander have gotten to know one another. Xander finds he can get a full night's sleep without the nightmares of war in Bailey's arms. Reality has to be faced when Liam, another ex-SEAL shows up and Bailey finds her memory.

The emotional level of the story is high as Xander and Bailey find a way through the problems in their lives. Friendship, caring and sharing make for an excellent look at what our men and women in combat come back to face when they can't leave the images of war behind. The strong, tough and caring man in this story has to learn to deal with his problems. Men and women with PTSD often suffer with mental issues for the rest of their lives and it is good to see that help is being offered as more and more is learned about this mental issue.
3,212 reviews26 followers
October 4, 2017
Ivy Jordan hit the jackpot with SEAL Dearest! This was an amazing and beautiful read. Xander is an ex-Navy Seal who lives alone up in the mountains. He suffers from PTSD after his time as a seal. Bailey is a school teacher who is caring for her sick dad. Convinced the weather is fine, she decides to go for a hike. Unfortunately, she gets stuck in a winter storm. While outside, Xander discovers Bailey unconscious in the snow and brings her into his cabin. When she wakes up, she has no memory and no identification. As the snow continues to fall, they begin to get closer. Xander is so used to being alone, he tries to resist but his feelings get stronger and stronger each day. Same can be said for Bailey. She is really falling for Xander. Can these two people have a future? Will Xander be able to come down from the mountain? Also, the friendship between Xander and his seal buddy Liam was very realistic. Maybe his book will be next??? One of my favorite reads of 2017!!!! I voluntarily read an ARC of SEAL Dearest.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,032 reviews154 followers
October 8, 2017
SEAL Dearest by Ivy Jordan was in no way a short or quick read. It was a read that I was excited to step into. One Navy SEAL home from life being deployed and isolated from everyone and everything. Or at least he thought so, until he finds a hiker. Not just any hiker a sweet, sexy, little teacher that happens to be wounded. One that he wants to get rid of and fast. Just as soon as the storm pass and travel safe. Oh, let's not forget we need to find out who she is and where's she from.

Bailey and Xander send much time together getting know one another and appreciating the small things. Xander's PTSD. Bailey's family obligations all come to the forefront when a future for the two comes in question. Watching Bailey and Xander navigate each other and their worlds was warming, painful, sweet, emotional read that brought to light the sobering aspect of PTST and dealing with sick, aging parents.

Be prepared for a read that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride.
Profile Image for Kőrösi.
385 reviews10 followers
October 3, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest opinions.

Ez a történet Baileyről és Xanderről szól. Xander egy ex Navy SEAL, akinek nem volt senkije, akihez hazajöhetett volna. Egyedül akart lenni, ezért felment a hegyekbe, hogy egy kis házban éljen, egyedül. PTSD-től szened és egyedül szeretne megbirkózni a tünetekkel. Egy nap óriási vihar tör ki, és a férfi az öntudatlan Baileyre bukkan odakint, az ítéletidőben, így beviszi a kunyhójába. Ha a vihar egyszer véget ér, majd leviszi a hegyről. Mikor a nő felébred, nincs egyetlen emléke sem. A valóságban ő egy tanárnő, aki a beteg apjának viseli gondját. A férfi elég tüskés modorú, de örül a nő ottlétének. Minél több időt töltenek együtt, annál jobban vonzódnak egymáshoz.

Ez egy kedves, szívmelengető történet,akit minden romantikus lelkű olvasónak ajánlok.
Profile Image for Cheryl Sanders.
2,248 reviews31 followers
October 15, 2017
This is a book in the Navy SEAL Brotherhood Romance series and it features Xander and Bailey. He found her on a mountain trail injured and unconscious. When she woke she had amnesia. They were stuck in his cabin throughout a snowstorm. The change between Bailey as a shy, unsure amnesiac and then instantly the sexy seductress amnesiac was unexpected and kind of threw the story off for a minute. After that, the story smooth out. Xander is such a great guy that carries around a lot of mental baggage from being a SEAL. PTSD is a scary thing and affects people in such a way that some CAN'T be around too many people at once. Thank God for Jackson explaining it to Bailey.

This story is full of friendship, love, and letting go. A sizzling romance that holds the heat throughout the book. I love these Navy SEAL Brotherhood Romance stories. I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for BP34.
6,307 reviews46 followers
October 3, 2017
Xander, a former navy seal became a recluse in the mountains and suffers from PTSD. His world gets shaken up when he rescues a hurt woman from a mountain trail. He has no choice but to keep her while she heals as she is suffering from amnesia. He finds that he actually enjoys having someone around. He asks his friend to find out if anyone is searching for a missing woman and he finds out that her name is Bailey and she's a teacher. As her memory returns she remembers that she is the sole caregiver for her dying dad. They both were so sweet and perfect for each other. No spoiler here, but does Xander join her back in town or do they go their separate ways. Great book and I think you'll like the ending. I received an advance copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
October 4, 2017
Xander will make you fall in love with him at the same time you're crying and wanting to help him heal. Bailey is a strong young woman who meets Xander when she's hurt near his secluded cabin. Gradually, her memory returns and their love grows, but there's still a lot more healing that is needed.

This story has all the feels. The author is amazingly skilled at drawing every possible emotion from the situations she creates, giving the reader a heartbreaking and heartwarming experience all at once. You'll find yourself rooting for this couple to overcome all the obstacles standing in their way. Brilliantly written, expertly paced, this story is everything you want in a romance book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Sharon Rudolph.
2,141 reviews
January 7, 2020
This book was not as good as the first two. The one problem I had with it was using the amnesia story again, really! She just use that storyline in the first book and used it again in the third. There were also problems with the editing. (1) Xander‘s last name kept changing, sometimes it would be Landry and sometimes it would be Lander. (2) the first time they had sex, they mention he puts on the condom, but in the next paragraphs he says he takes his jeans off! So he put a condom on when he still had his jeans on, I don’t think so.

I may or may not finish the series, I was really put off by this book. I felt like the lack of writing really dropped in this one. The story was pretty boring, It felt very repetitious from the first book.
2,535 reviews87 followers
October 4, 2017
When Bailey wakes up in a strange cabin, she cannot remember who she is or where she is from. Xander moved to Maine to escape people and just wants to be left alone. Instantly drawn to each other, they aren't sure if it's safe until she remembers who she is. Will Bailey remember? Will Xander ever leave his mountain?

LOVE XANDER! Loved Xander in SEAL's Second Chance and this book proved why. Was happy when it came down to it that Bailey was determined to help and love him any way she could. Xander proved he was more than just a mountain man and was a lot gentler than I thought he would be. Great book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
October 11, 2017
4.5 stars
Xander is an ex-Seal who has decided to remove himself from living among people to deal with his past and PTSD. Bailey is a young woman who winds up on Xander’s radar when she has an accident while hiking his mountain during an unannounced storm. There is so much emotion brought up while turning the pages and reading this story. The reader just cannot help but ache for these two people and want them to get together so that they can each heal. The question is will Bailey give up her life to live isolated on the mountain with Xander or will he break out and live in the town with Bailey? You have to read the book to find out.
I volunteered to read an arc for a review.
Profile Image for _booknerd.4ever_.
1,536 reviews11 followers
October 6, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book...

This is a sweet frustrating love story. I loved Xander and Bailey together. The chemistry was off the charts. They were well-developed for the first part of the book. Once Bailey gained her memory back both fell a little flat. I wished there had been more to Bailey's story than taking a hike, getting caught in a snow storm and falling. The plot was okay - it had more potential. Again, the characters started out well-developed. Pretty good read though. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Erin.
400 reviews
April 13, 2021
There is just so much wrong with this book I don’t even know where to start.

The Plot. Confusing.

The Characters. He apparently can’t Be near people or women and I’m not even sure if it was a pre or post war issue, it’s DOUBLE confusing.

And, The fact that she never even goes to the hospital... I just can’t with all the holes and issues. And that’s just the story. DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE GRAMMATICAL ISSUES!!!
2,075 reviews13 followers
October 2, 2017
An enjoyable book but not what I was expecting. Bailey & Xander are two lost souls thrown together by accident during a fierce snow storm. Their attraction lights up the pages of the book but reality is just outside the door. Get your tissues ready.
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest voluntary review.
Profile Image for Eva.
1,669 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2017
This story was really beautiful so many things happening I love navy seal stories and this one was no exception I was hooked from the first page to read about the love growing in stories and the trials that the couples have to go through to reach their happy ending is my idea of a story I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and it's worth reading.
Profile Image for Modern.
1,338 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2017
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review. I truly appreciated the way PTSD was presented in this book. The "cure" wasn't just brushed over or and instant fix. I also appreciated that both maintained their likes and dislikes respectfully. A wonderful plot and great characters!
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,293 reviews
October 5, 2017
I thought I was over the SEAL stories, but this one proved me wrong! Great story with great characters, a storyline that drags you into the world of Xander and Bailey and doesn't let go until the conclusion. It will pull at your heartstrings, it's sweet and sad at the same time, but oh so good. I highly recommend it! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
3,050 reviews30 followers
October 5, 2017
I knew that Xander’s story would be an absolutely awesome read...and Ivy Jordan does not disappoint! The storyline is excellent; the characters beautifully flawed; emotions constantly threatening to overflow; and the HEA? Ohmigod! You definitely don’t want miss this excellent read...1-Click today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and loved it!!)❤️❤️
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
October 6, 2017
An amazing well written book. I liked the plot and story line very much. The aspects in the story are great. The characters are strong and develops well. Xander and Bailey are a great couple and well suited. They learn from each other and help to become whole again.
A fantastic read.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Shelly Celli.
2,248 reviews6 followers
October 9, 2017
Ivy Jordan has done an amazing job with this book. Bringing out the characters' personas perfectly. Each has their own problems in life, but Bailey and Xander save each other in the best way. This is a definite must read and I'm proud to have been selected to voluntarily review this advanced reader copy.
Profile Image for Cindy Hardegree.
1,245 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2017
Xander and Bailey were perfect for each other! I loved this hot very sexy, romantic and soulful story. Excellent!! I was so glad to read an HEA that dealt with the tragedy of PTSD, it definitely touched my heart.
I received this story as an arc and voluntarily leave my review.
Profile Image for Lauryn.
107 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2018
This book is amazing!!! Xander has me worried for a little while that he was going to let every slip by, but it turned out amazing!! This series I swear keep getting better and better!! I would recommend this to anyone!!
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,015 reviews
January 17, 2021
The story was ok. The writing was terrible, so many errors. Drug instead of dragged. Toboggan is not warn on the head. “He had trimmed his beard & goatee” is that not the same thing?? There were other confusing lines too but like I said the story itself was worth all that
Profile Image for Linda Elliott.
1,597 reviews9 followers
June 22, 2021
A story with people that have real problems

Love is never an easy road and this book shows it. Does three stories included in it each have a challenge to face by the characters. The others have made the characters real and you understand their conflicts.
Profile Image for SouthernAngel.
1,618 reviews9 followers
October 3, 2017
Sweet, steamy and emotional read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2017
Another amazing book. I was blown away with the story, I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want more.....I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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