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Lost and Found #4
Embattled SEAL
When Preston Harper finds himself flat in a hospital bed after a botched op, he's okay with dealing with the fallout. If he dies, he's lived well past his expiration date. The only people who will notice his passing are the guys he works with at Lost and Found Investigative Service.
Then his estranged wife arrives.
Cat Harper is thankful and horrified when she's called to her husband's side. He's been shot. Again. But now that she's found him, she's going to make the most of the opportunity. If it were up to Harper, she would be out of his life completely because he thinks it's the best thing for the family.
With a little SEAL abduction (for his own good, of course), maybe she can convince him otherwise....
Then his estranged wife arrives.
Cat Harper is thankful and horrified when she's called to her husband's side. He's been shot. Again. But now that she's found him, she's going to make the most of the opportunity. If it were up to Harper, she would be out of his life completely because he thinks it's the best thing for the family.
With a little SEAL abduction (for his own good, of course), maybe she can convince him otherwise....
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First published March 28, 2015
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About the author
J.M. Madden
70 books930 followersNY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 25, 2017
OMG So damn good. Another hit for The lost and found Series!!!!!! I may write a review later.
November 1, 2015
5 Stars!! An insightful read that touches the heart and brings awareness to the plight of our veterans and their families. Chalk up another winner for J.M. Madden in the LNF series!
“The strength of the armed forces of the United States is as much about its families as it is about its combat capability.” – General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
For me, this was the most emotional book in the series thus far and quite possibly my favorite to date...very hard to choose, they've all been so good. Maybe because it centered around the military family and the effects on the spouses and children. They serve their country along with their soldier...and the toll it takes can be devastating and in many cases rips a family apart.
We first met Harper in Embattled Hearts, John and Shannon's book, and were left with so many questions about who he really was in Embattled Home, Chad and Lora's book. This gentle giant of man, and former SEAL, befriended and confided in little Mercy, Lora's daughter, from Embattled Home, and then much to everyone's surprise they come to find out that he has a wife and children of his own. Unfortunately, he hasn't seen his family in quite some time, and felt the need to distance himself from them, due to PTSD and paranoia that he suffers from.
Enter his wife, Cat, who is angry with him for leaving his family, but so desperately wants to help the man she loves and be there for him during the healing process, from the wounds he endured from in Embattled Home and from the ghosts that haunt him from his days on the battlefield. I loved her strength, determination and take charge attitude, something that came in handy when dealing with the stubborn and head-strong Harper.
It was so obvious how much Cat and Harper loved each other, and seeing them work through their issues and find common ground was beautiful to read about. Unfortunately, it's not always the outcome in the real world for so many of our military spouses and family. JM Madden writes about the reality of the situation with the hard facts, lays out the difficult road that the characters have to travel, and then gives the reader some reprieve with a heartwarming happily-ever-after...and hope, always hope!
There was major involvement with many of the characters we've come to know and love in the LNF series. It's always so special to see them all together and get a peek into the camaraderie they've formed. They appreciate belonging to something that is so similar to the bond they had with their former military families.
I have no doubt that moving forward, the author will continue to write stories that honors the military, give us the reality of the situation that is presented, and offer readers an optimistic outlook and touch their hearts!
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review...thanks J.M.
February 11, 2016
***3.75 Stars***
Wow! I think this may be the first time that I've finished a romance book and instead of my main focus being the hero, I'm left in awe of the heroine.
Cat is a leading lady that has left me speechless. She was a pillar of strength for her husband and family. She carried the load of a thousand men on her shoulders, and she did it all with determination and grace.
Eighteen months ago Harper walked away from Cat and his children. Too many ghosts from his many deployments hid in his mind and played tricks on him. His paranoia and PTSD was beginning to endanger his family, a point frighteningly brought home one night when his small son found one of his guns, so he did what he thought was the right thing...he walked away. Now he finds himself in the hospital after being hurt on a mission with LNF. The last person he expected to walk through those doors was Cat. But she was exactly what he needed.
Cat knows what it's like to visit Harper in the hospital. She's stood by his side through his many missions as a Navy SEAL, his slew of injuries and his emotional issues. Eighteen months is a long time to leave things in limbo...she's come to resolve things once and for all. She wants them to be a family again, she'll do whatever it takes....however, Harper has to want it too. Can they finally find a way to be a family again?
Cat was a woman that understood and accepted her role as the wife of a hardened Navy SEAL. Her strength was unbelievable. She would battle and fight any obstacle, whether physical, mental or emotional, for her husband, her marriage, her kids or her family.
She was so understanding of Harper. He couldn't be less than strong and indestructible in his line of work....in times when his men and country needed him, so she refused to be anything less for him when he needed her. Their time apart was difficult for her, but she wouldn't allow herself to lose faith. Only in the darkest part of the night would she allow herself a moment of doubt.
In the depths of the silence of the house when no one needed her she let herself cry. That was the only time she allowed herself to weaken.
Being around Cat again has shown Harper what a team they are. Cat was a woman that could balance out his times of weakness. She was the only woman he knew that was strong enough to help carry his load.
In the dark of the night when he didn't have to put on a front for the world, he would let her be the strong one, protecting him from the unrelenting memories.
Cat and Harper begin to reconnect and now both must decide what they must do and how far they're willing to go to keep their marriage and family together.
I really loved Cat and Harper together. It was clear from the beginning how connected and in love these characters are. And I'll say it again, I'm in awe of Cat's strength. She amazed me with her determination, patience and heart. She knew when to push, when to retreat and when to just sit and listen.
Unfortunately, a few things kept me from rating this higher.
(1) I wish we got more of a look into Cat and Harper's history. I wanted more of what their marriage was like in the beginning and definitely more of how bad it was before Harper left. Eighteen months is a long time for him to be away without much, if any, contact. How bad did it really get for Harper to walk away from a wife and children that he clearly loved and adored?
(2) The transition into "everything will be okay" was a little too easy for me. Harper's battle with his mind and PTSD was handled with a few mentions that he's been going to a counselor since working at LNF. For an author who typically handles such serious subject matter with care, Harper's treatment felt like a throwaway explanation. What issues did he discuss with the counselor? How is he coming to terms with his paranoia? What tools is he using to deal with his issues and triggers?
(3) I was distracted by the author's terminology for sex. She kept using the term "loved" instead of sex. Harper loved on Cat. At night when they loved...they loved on each other....etc. No...just no. It was distracting and awkward. Who says that? If you're being pounded into the mattress, you are being fucked my friend....and fucked good. Let's call a spade a spade, shall we?
This is a series that I've loved from the beginning, but I have to admit, I'm getting a little frustrated by all these short novellas the author is releasing. Fans of this series are trying to be patient in their waiting of finally getting a story for Duncan. My patience is beginning to wear thin. I love catching up with the men of LNF as it feels like visiting family, but I'm starting to get disgruntled with the release of these short and overpriced novellas.
February 28, 2017
EMBATTLED SEAL (Lost and Found #4) by J.M. Madden is a character driven romance that had me reading straight through the night, crying sad tears and then happy tears.
Harper Preston was a Navy SEAL sniper and nearly fatally wounded on Lost and Found’s last operation. As his boss and friend wait for him to wake from surgery, a woman shows up and takes control. She is Harper’s estranged wife that no one knew existed.
Catherine “Cat” Preston has come to Harper’s hospital bedside once again. She has always understood what she signed up for by being a SEAL’s wife. His job would always come first, he couldn’t talk about his time away and she would basically be a single parent, but 18 months ago he left his family and cut all communication thinking he was doing what was best for them. Cat disagrees and she has plans to abduct her husband and settle the future of their marriage and family once and for all.
I loved that so much of this story was told from Cat’s point of view. She loves and understands her husband. She was strong and took care of their home and children while he was away. She took care of him when he was home, so when he just left, she was devastated. She knew he was having problems adjusting to civilian life, but he didn’t communicated how bad it was and he wouldn’t go for help until LNF hired him and made it mandatory. LNF saved his life and now he wants to save his marriage.
This story delves into the mind and marriage of a military man that his country has turned into a killing machine that has seen and lived through the horrors of war. Injuries, PTSD in all its forms and the fear of accidentally hurting those he loves are discussed. The stigma, even if it is only in his own mind, of seeking psychiatric help is also discussed. I feel this book handled the communication issues between Cat and Harper realistically and with a lot of mutual love.
Another great addition to the LNF series!
Harper Preston was a Navy SEAL sniper and nearly fatally wounded on Lost and Found’s last operation. As his boss and friend wait for him to wake from surgery, a woman shows up and takes control. She is Harper’s estranged wife that no one knew existed.
Catherine “Cat” Preston has come to Harper’s hospital bedside once again. She has always understood what she signed up for by being a SEAL’s wife. His job would always come first, he couldn’t talk about his time away and she would basically be a single parent, but 18 months ago he left his family and cut all communication thinking he was doing what was best for them. Cat disagrees and she has plans to abduct her husband and settle the future of their marriage and family once and for all.
I loved that so much of this story was told from Cat’s point of view. She loves and understands her husband. She was strong and took care of their home and children while he was away. She took care of him when he was home, so when he just left, she was devastated. She knew he was having problems adjusting to civilian life, but he didn’t communicated how bad it was and he wouldn’t go for help until LNF hired him and made it mandatory. LNF saved his life and now he wants to save his marriage.
This story delves into the mind and marriage of a military man that his country has turned into a killing machine that has seen and lived through the horrors of war. Injuries, PTSD in all its forms and the fear of accidentally hurting those he loves are discussed. The stigma, even if it is only in his own mind, of seeking psychiatric help is also discussed. I feel this book handled the communication issues between Cat and Harper realistically and with a lot of mutual love.
Another great addition to the LNF series!
April 29, 2015
2.5
Lower my expectations in future. I will have to take Eeyore's advice.
I couldn't warm to either character. I just didn't care about them. Thing is, I got the first introduction book in t his series free on Amazon. I paid $4 for this SHORT book. I thought the first book was great... as was the second book. The third one was a bit of a disappointment and this one ... I won't say anymore. Go judge for yourselves.
Lower my expectations in future. I will have to take Eeyore's advice.
I couldn't warm to either character. I just didn't care about them. Thing is, I got the first introduction book in t his series free on Amazon. I paid $4 for this SHORT book. I thought the first book was great... as was the second book. The third one was a bit of a disappointment and this one ... I won't say anymore. Go judge for yourselves.
April 22, 2016
I loved the previous books with the wounded heroes, but this one left me down a little bit...
The heroine was soooooooooo very patient woman; I don't know if I could be that patient.
The hero was too stubborn and his abondoning his family and never even contacting them seemed too harsh and insensible.
When Cat suggested he got counseling for his PTSD, he flat out refuses, but after running away he gets it by himself. He resolves many of his problems, but still doesn't contact his family...
This behaviour was not heroic for me. It was just cowardly and egoistical.
What if something happened to Cat or the children? How could he leave them to themselves?
That was a big fat NO for me! I didn't feel his love for them... I'm really sorry...
The heroine was soooooooooo very patient woman; I don't know if I could be that patient.
The hero was too stubborn and his abondoning his family and never even contacting them seemed too harsh and insensible.
When Cat suggested he got counseling for his PTSD, he flat out refuses, but after running away he gets it by himself. He resolves many of his problems, but still doesn't contact his family...
This behaviour was not heroic for me. It was just cowardly and egoistical.
What if something happened to Cat or the children? How could he leave them to themselves?
That was a big fat NO for me! I didn't feel his love for them... I'm really sorry...
June 4, 2017
Very sweet story. Madden does a good job of painting the lives and loves of these war-injured men, and their daily battles. I really enjoyed being part of Harper and Cat putting their marriage back together.
If I had one complaint, it would be that I wanted more. The book was short, and everything fell into place for the couple with little effort. It was all just all a bit too easy and pat getting their marriage and lives put back together. Still, it was another very enjoyable book in a really good series.
If I had one complaint, it would be that I wanted more. The book was short, and everything fell into place for the couple with little effort. It was all just all a bit too easy and pat getting their marriage and lives put back together. Still, it was another very enjoyable book in a really good series.
April 7, 2015
2 - 2.5 stars
If ever a book needed to be a full book and not a novella, it is Embattled Seal. This could have been fabulous. I love me a second chance story but sadly this was so rushed to cram it all into a novella, I didn't get much of their back story. So, I finished this not really knowing either of the characters, therefore not connecting with them and was left wanting and needing so much more. This story was too big to be a novella.
A real disappointment as I have loved the rest of the books in the series. A lot of money for not much of a book :(
If ever a book needed to be a full book and not a novella, it is Embattled Seal. This could have been fabulous. I love me a second chance story but sadly this was so rushed to cram it all into a novella, I didn't get much of their back story. So, I finished this not really knowing either of the characters, therefore not connecting with them and was left wanting and needing so much more. This story was too big to be a novella.
A real disappointment as I have loved the rest of the books in the series. A lot of money for not much of a book :(
April 1, 2015
Every time I read another book in this series I'm left speechless. Harper's story was no different.
June 24, 2015
3.5 RATING- I love this series and this book was an enjoyable read. The only reason I rated it 3.5 is that I don't love second chance romances so it just wasn't my favorite story line. That being said, I liked both characters, the heroine especially seemed strong and capable. I felt for the hero and his struggles as a wounded warrior. The dynamics between the two characters was believable and I thought the story really showed how many sacrifices military spouses make and how much they have to take on when their significant other is called away.
Overall, a nice addition to the series. Looking forward to reading the next one.
March 29, 2015
The Lost and Found series has always been about the men that served their country and came out on the other side not quite the same as they went in, either from injuries or PTSD. This time around we get to see the strength of a wife of a Navy Seal who has stood by her man for over 14 years and been there through every injury no matter where she had to go to support him.
Even though Harper Preston walked away from his wife and kids over a year ago for their own good – according to Harper – when he is injured on a mission for LNF, Cat wastes no time in rushing to his side in the hospital.
Cat’s ready to dig in and make her man see that no matter what problems Harper may have, either physical or psychological, that she wants to be by his side. It was a nice change getting to see things from the wife’s POV and how that kind of love can bring a man who’s been lost in the horrors of war in his mind back to seeing that he can work on those issues while also having the love and support of his wife and kids.
Even though Harper Preston walked away from his wife and kids over a year ago for their own good – according to Harper – when he is injured on a mission for LNF, Cat wastes no time in rushing to his side in the hospital.
Cat’s ready to dig in and make her man see that no matter what problems Harper may have, either physical or psychological, that she wants to be by his side. It was a nice change getting to see things from the wife’s POV and how that kind of love can bring a man who’s been lost in the horrors of war in his mind back to seeing that he can work on those issues while also having the love and support of his wife and kids.
July 25, 2016
I received this as a freebie at RT15.
I liked this book. The majority of the book is the interaction between the husband and wife. She has come to Tucker's bedside after he was shot in the last book. They haven't seen each other in 18 months because he walked out on her and their kids.
Cat takes him to a house she's rented for two weeks so they can try and put their marriage back together. She tells Tucker this is the last time she'll fight for their marriage, but he's not very cooperative until he finds the divorce papers she brought just in case things didn't work out.
I like that Embattled Seal was just about a husband and wife working on their issues without an unnecessary mystery or other plot line to get in the way. That's not to say that I would put up with the choices Tucker made during their marriage the way Cat did or that I didn't think that Tucker was selfish and took Cat completely for granted. I think he's a jerk who treated his wife like a booty call and a security blanket over the 14 years of their marriage. It wasn't until he saw the divorce papers that he realized Cat wouldn't be somewhere vaguely in his life waiting for him to decide to return.
I liked this book. The majority of the book is the interaction between the husband and wife. She has come to Tucker's bedside after he was shot in the last book. They haven't seen each other in 18 months because he walked out on her and their kids.
Cat takes him to a house she's rented for two weeks so they can try and put their marriage back together. She tells Tucker this is the last time she'll fight for their marriage, but he's not very cooperative until he finds the divorce papers she brought just in case things didn't work out.
I like that Embattled Seal was just about a husband and wife working on their issues without an unnecessary mystery or other plot line to get in the way. That's not to say that I would put up with the choices Tucker made during their marriage the way Cat did or that I didn't think that Tucker was selfish and took Cat completely for granted. I think he's a jerk who treated his wife like a booty call and a security blanket over the 14 years of their marriage. It wasn't until he saw the divorce papers that he realized Cat wouldn't be somewhere vaguely in his life waiting for him to decide to return.
December 30, 2017
3.5 stars
I was so looking forward to Harper's book. Of course I was shocked at the end of Embattled Home when .
Not sure how this one would go. How it went was emotional and sad. While I can understand Harper's decisions on some level, I do not agree with them. So I had a hard time forgiving him. His wife Cat was a far better woman that I could ever be. Maybe if it was just his wife, I could have forgiven easier. But
Again, I understand his safety concerns. But his refusal to get help and instead No way could I get past that in a week.
I would not necessarily call Cat a doormat. She was a tough woman. But I had a very hard time identifying with her. Nonetheless I admire her devotion and patience.
I think the author's writing is getting stronger and deeper. Look forward to reading more!
Please bring on Duncan!!!!
I was so looking forward to Harper's book. Of course I was shocked at the end of Embattled Home when .
Not sure how this one would go. How it went was emotional and sad. While I can understand Harper's decisions on some level, I do not agree with them. So I had a hard time forgiving him. His wife Cat was a far better woman that I could ever be. Maybe if it was just his wife, I could have forgiven easier. But
Again, I understand his safety concerns. But his refusal to get help and instead No way could I get past that in a week.
I would not necessarily call Cat a doormat. She was a tough woman. But I had a very hard time identifying with her. Nonetheless I admire her devotion and patience.
I think the author's writing is getting stronger and deeper. Look forward to reading more!
Please bring on Duncan!!!!
June 24, 2015
I read it some days ago and I forgot to put a review :(
THe book was really good. But I think that Harper Preston is guilty to abandonment of his family. I can understand his fears, they were terribile but he could look for help and instead he decided to go and leave his family behind him.
That's bad. I don't know if I would have been so ready to forgive and forget as his wife did.
THe book was really good. But I think that Harper Preston is guilty to abandonment of his family. I can understand his fears, they were terribile but he could look for help and instead he decided to go and leave his family behind him.
That's bad. I don't know if I would have been so ready to forgive and forget as his wife did.
November 27, 2022
Loved this one!
April 7, 2015
Embattled SEAL was a touching installment in Madden's Lost and Found series. I've been looking forward to Harper's story since learning more about him in Embattled Home.
The timing of this book's publication was perfect; it coincided with my 23rd wedding anniversary to my Marine. Thankfully, my Marine has never left me behind, nor has he faced the same horrors as Harper. But, that doesn't mean I couldn't relate to much of what Cat Preston faced as the wife of a military man.
Cat and Harper's story celebrates the strength of military wives, draws attention to the fears of military men, and reminds both how each strengthens the other.
As always, I look forward to more Lost and Found stories to come.
The timing of this book's publication was perfect; it coincided with my 23rd wedding anniversary to my Marine. Thankfully, my Marine has never left me behind, nor has he faced the same horrors as Harper. But, that doesn't mean I couldn't relate to much of what Cat Preston faced as the wife of a military man.
Cat and Harper's story celebrates the strength of military wives, draws attention to the fears of military men, and reminds both how each strengthens the other.
As always, I look forward to more Lost and Found stories to come.
April 7, 2015
This one really tugged at my heart strings. I loved how Cat forced her way back in to Harper's life, that she was giving him one last change to see if things could work. What I really loved about Cat is that when she went to Harper she had prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best. As bad as the last year and half had been for them, the time apart was good for them as a couple and family in the long run. The time allowed Cat to find a career she loved, gave Harper time to sort his head and the kids to know their dad really loved them!
I found the reaction of the LNF guys to be funny. They all knew there was more to Harper, but could never get him to admit things. Cat and family will be just as accepted as Harper, a good thing.
I found the reaction of the LNF guys to be funny. They all knew there was more to Harper, but could never get him to admit things. Cat and family will be just as accepted as Harper, a good thing.
April 9, 2015
J.M. Madden has become one of those authors for me that I absolutely have to read as soon as the book comes out.
Once again, I was amazed at how involved I got in the storyline of the book.
I loved getting Harper's story and although his injury was upsetting, he had the backing of a good woman. Cat was strong and supportive and the perfect match for Harper. I was drawn into their story and loved getting to catch up with men and women at LNF.
Truly a tender and touching book.
5 STARS
Once again, I was amazed at how involved I got in the storyline of the book.
I loved getting Harper's story and although his injury was upsetting, he had the backing of a good woman. Cat was strong and supportive and the perfect match for Harper. I was drawn into their story and loved getting to catch up with men and women at LNF.
Truly a tender and touching book.
5 STARS
October 19, 2025
Interesting dynamic, with a very trusting h and insular/traumatised H. His latest injury was the final chance to save their marriage. Loved how the patient h set her final boundry. Great ending.
January 9, 2021
I love books about married couples and this one was awesome! I wish the story was a bit longer so we could spend more time with this family and delve more deeply into their issues, but what we got was pretty enjoyable nonetheless.
Like the 2nd book in the series, this installment for me was a romance lover's romance. Lots of heartfelt emotions, sweetness, TLC, love making and just enough angst between the couple to keep things interesting.
I hope I can be as patient, loving, kind, understanding and as supportive a wife as Catherine.
She accepted her husband for who and what he was, and never held it against him. What a gift to Harper. This is why they say your success depends on who you choose to be your life partner. Catherine gave Harper room to fulfill his calling. They were truly a team. She was a comrade herself because both she and Harper had a role to play. Each of them understood clearly that role and lived up to it with panache. Neither of them whined about the hand they were dealt. They just dealt with the shit, even if they wished things were different. That is courage. That is strength.
A lot of women in her situation would have bailed donkey years ago, filled with resentment and spitefulness, but not Catherine. These are the type of women I like to read about.
The only dent in their armour came when .
I really loved the dynamic of this couple. They complimented each other so well, filling out each other's strengths & weaknesses. That doesn't mean things will be easy or ideal for them all the time, but they make it work. They make Lemonade.
Like the 2nd book in the series, this installment for me was a romance lover's romance. Lots of heartfelt emotions, sweetness, TLC, love making and just enough angst between the couple to keep things interesting.
I hope I can be as patient, loving, kind, understanding and as supportive a wife as Catherine.
She accepted her husband for who and what he was, and never held it against him. What a gift to Harper. This is why they say your success depends on who you choose to be your life partner. Catherine gave Harper room to fulfill his calling. They were truly a team. She was a comrade herself because both she and Harper had a role to play. Each of them understood clearly that role and lived up to it with panache. Neither of them whined about the hand they were dealt. They just dealt with the shit, even if they wished things were different. That is courage. That is strength.
A lot of women in her situation would have bailed donkey years ago, filled with resentment and spitefulness, but not Catherine. These are the type of women I like to read about.
The only dent in their armour came when .
I really loved the dynamic of this couple. They complimented each other so well, filling out each other's strengths & weaknesses. That doesn't mean things will be easy or ideal for them all the time, but they make it work. They make Lemonade.
August 26, 2018
If you haven't read the 3rd book - Embattled Home - this review may contain SPOILERS for you so - SPOILER ALERT for EMBATTLED HOME (Lost and Found #3).
We meet Harper in book 3 of the Lost and Found series - Embattled Home - as he helps to protect a mother and daughter from harm. Harper gets injured and as his co-workers fret about him in the hospital, someone totally never known about shows up, shocking the co-workers.
Okay, onto my review for Embattled Seal. And I'll also give a spoiler warning just in case, but honestly, I think I have to, just a little this time.
We find out that Harper's demons and fear that he'd harm his loved ones kept him away from them for a long time. That world he left behind comes to the forefront when he's injured and the wife his current world didn't know he had, shows up to support him and find out where their family stands.
She helps him deal with the hospital staff and then because of his injuries, rents a house for two weeks so he can heal and they can discuss where to go from here.
This story shows just how much both Harper and Cat struggle with their own insecurities but how they both fight to overcome them, together. It shows how much finding LNF was a godsend for Harper and it shows how it's not just his wife that Harper has to make amends to.
Okay, that's my review.
Let me tell you now that I don't want this LNF world to ever end. I find myself getting so emotionally involved in each story and rooting for both the guy and the girl of each story. Luckily, there is still Duncan's story and then some novellas and spin off series' so I'm good for a bit.
We meet Harper in book 3 of the Lost and Found series - Embattled Home - as he helps to protect a mother and daughter from harm. Harper gets injured and as his co-workers fret about him in the hospital, someone totally never known about shows up, shocking the co-workers.
Okay, onto my review for Embattled Seal. And I'll also give a spoiler warning just in case, but honestly, I think I have to, just a little this time.
We find out that Harper's demons and fear that he'd harm his loved ones kept him away from them for a long time. That world he left behind comes to the forefront when he's injured and the wife his current world didn't know he had, shows up to support him and find out where their family stands.
She helps him deal with the hospital staff and then because of his injuries, rents a house for two weeks so he can heal and they can discuss where to go from here.
This story shows just how much both Harper and Cat struggle with their own insecurities but how they both fight to overcome them, together. It shows how much finding LNF was a godsend for Harper and it shows how it's not just his wife that Harper has to make amends to.
Okay, that's my review.
Let me tell you now that I don't want this LNF world to ever end. I find myself getting so emotionally involved in each story and rooting for both the guy and the girl of each story. Luckily, there is still Duncan's story and then some novellas and spin off series' so I'm good for a bit.
March 10, 2020
I listened to the audio version of this book. This book started out as being more about Cat and her inner strength and fortitude than it was about Harper. I had to admire Cat's patience, persistence, and determination to keep her family together.
Harper seemed to heal pretty quickly given the description of the severity of his injuries. All of that picking up and carrying he was doing was pretty surprising.
I'm not sure if it makes sense or not, but Harper and Cat had a great connection, but it felt like the chemistry was a little off. Maybe it is the whole situation of working a returning soldier back into regular life. They understood each other completely, but I didn't pick up the chemistry until almost the end.
That was something that surprised me about Harper. He and Cat were so immediately in tune to each other in the hospital, he had to understand that she would appreciated a phone call, even if it was from someone else telling her he was alive, functional, and getting help.
If I had read this book first, I would not have had any positive thoughts about what Harper did in regard to his family. That is not to say that it wasn't a crap move on his part, but, after reading about him in the previous book, Embattled Hearts, it provided more insight into his character.
I think that the further I get into the series, the better the books get. I enjoy the camaraderie and brotherhood between the vets at LNF. I find that I always enjoy the narration. I'm looking forward to Duncan's book.
Harper seemed to heal pretty quickly given the description of the severity of his injuries. All of that picking up and carrying he was doing was pretty surprising.
I'm not sure if it makes sense or not, but Harper and Cat had a great connection, but it felt like the chemistry was a little off. Maybe it is the whole situation of working a returning soldier back into regular life. They understood each other completely, but I didn't pick up the chemistry until almost the end.
That was something that surprised me about Harper. He and Cat were so immediately in tune to each other in the hospital, he had to understand that she would appreciated a phone call, even if it was from someone else telling her he was alive, functional, and getting help.
If I had read this book first, I would not have had any positive thoughts about what Harper did in regard to his family. That is not to say that it wasn't a crap move on his part, but, after reading about him in the previous book, Embattled Hearts, it provided more insight into his character.
I think that the further I get into the series, the better the books get. I enjoy the camaraderie and brotherhood between the vets at LNF. I find that I always enjoy the narration. I'm looking forward to Duncan's book.
September 24, 2017
4.5 bumped to 5 Military Family Stars. This book continues right where Embattled Home ends. Harper has just been shot and has been rushed to the hospital in the hopes of saving his life. Within 24 hours a woman walks into his room like she owns the place and announces she is his wife. What??? Chad and Duncan never knew Harper had a wife!!! They have their doubts, but those are soon allayed and Harper is entrusted to her care. Now comes the hard part of putting their family back together.
This book focuses on the devastation that the families of our wounded vets suffer. I am from a military family, although I wasn't born yet when Dad served. I have so many family members who are military, a few of them career military. While the family doesn't suffer the intense adrenaline rush and danger their soldier does while deployed, they suffer in other ways that no one can imagine. It is the strength of the family that allows the soldier to do what they do so well. This book highlights the highs and lows of the military family and it does it beautifully. So far, this book is the best of the series!
This book focuses on the devastation that the families of our wounded vets suffer. I am from a military family, although I wasn't born yet when Dad served. I have so many family members who are military, a few of them career military. While the family doesn't suffer the intense adrenaline rush and danger their soldier does while deployed, they suffer in other ways that no one can imagine. It is the strength of the family that allows the soldier to do what they do so well. This book highlights the highs and lows of the military family and it does it beautifully. So far, this book is the best of the series!
April 25, 2018
I obtained this free e-book as part of a boxed set from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Sometimes the wounds that eat at you are not visible to others. Preston Harper is an ex Navy Seal Sniper working at LNF Security when on a protection detail he is wounded and airlifted to a hospital in Amarillo, Texas. Imagine his co-workers surprise when a woman barges into the ICU claiming to be his wife.I obtained this free e-book as part of a boxed set from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Sometimes the wounds that eat at you are not visible to others. Preston Harper is an ex Navy Seal Sniper working at LNF Security when on a protection detail he is wounded and airlifted to a hospital in Amarillo, Texas. Imagine his co-workers surprise when a woman barges into the ICU claiming to be his wife.
April 22, 2019
Wow! Wow! Wow! While I loved Preston Harper (or Harper Preston - read the book's intro), it was his wife Cat who stole the show for me. Her strength, love, and belief in her marriage and family was a direct insight to the thousands of military wives who hold down the fort while the spouse is away. Not only that, Cat was a woman who was willing to do what it takes to accept the injured SEAL in this case and continue to fight for what she believed in - marriage and family. Great read!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
August 7, 2024
This series is an amazing tribute to veterans and to the men and women they served with. It covers real life issues in relation to the injuries suffered, including but not limited to loss of lives, loss or disfigurement of limbs, scarring, PTSD, etc. These books are REAL in the way that main characters finding people and more importantly relationships where they are accepted without for who they are on outside and having the real them inside being noticed and/or nurtured.
October 4, 2017
3.5⭐️ This was great getting answers about Preston that were raised in the last book. I didn't really think I'd like his wife when she rocked up at the end of Embattled Home, but she was awesome.
There were some terribly convenient bits, but I liked it overall enough that it was easy to overlook.
Can't wait to finally read Duncan's story!
There were some terribly convenient bits, but I liked it overall enough that it was easy to overlook.
Can't wait to finally read Duncan's story!
February 23, 2020
It takes being shot to mend Preston Harper's marriage. The LNF crew are shocked when Harper's wife shows up at the hospital. He's never said a word to any of them. He's had so many demons to work through that it was possible he could never go back to his famiky without endangering them. Well Cat Harper has had enough and it's time for her man to put up or shut up. He'd better choose wisely.
February 8, 2021
Harper and Cat
This was so intense and when Harper got injured, I had tears. Surprises along the way to a very satisfying happy ending. Gah, this series grabbed me and hasn't spit me out yet. Stand alones with each couple, but so much better read as a whole series, brings more depth to each journey.
This was so intense and when Harper got injured, I had tears. Surprises along the way to a very satisfying happy ending. Gah, this series grabbed me and hasn't spit me out yet. Stand alones with each couple, but so much better read as a whole series, brings more depth to each journey.
September 12, 2023
It takes a special woman
SEALs may be the strongest on all counts, but it takes a woman soft on the outside and three times as strong inside to smooth out all that alpha. As protective, loyal and determined as he is, she must be more so he can function on all fronts. That is Cat to Harper. It just took him a minute to feel it.
SEALs may be the strongest on all counts, but it takes a woman soft on the outside and three times as strong inside to smooth out all that alpha. As protective, loyal and determined as he is, she must be more so he can function on all fronts. That is Cat to Harper. It just took him a minute to feel it.
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