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Navy SEAL Fairy Tale #1
Once Upon a Time
We all have that one person we never get over.
The one person who haunts your dreams, crushing your soul when you wake up and realize they're gone.
The one person whose name is tattooed forever across your heart, like the clashing kaleidoscope of tattoos that run down his arms.
The one person who with you wish you could have had that magical fairy tale ending.
For me that was Connor McLean.
My brother's best friend.
I've loved him my entire life.
And I've been the invisible sidekick. The pesky little girl with fluffy hair and gangly legs.
I always thought I'd grow up and he'd finally see the real me. That he'd watch the little girl blossom into a woman worthy of his love.
But he left.
Connor joined the SEALs and broke my heart.
So, when I see his familiar swagger across the bar. When his cocky smirk makes my heart flutter, I know this is my chance.
It's wrong to deceive him. To pretend I don't know him. But I need him to give me one night. One chance to see that I'm not a little girl anymore.
However, my secret is nothing compared to the one Connor has been holding all these years. The one that could tear us apart before we ever have a chance.
*** Author's Note:***
This book was originally published as “The Woodsman’s Baby” in June of 2017. The truth is, this novel never really fit into the woodsman world very well. The characters you meet, including the hero, are all people featured in my Fairy Tale SEAL series. That’s why I have republished and rebranded this book to fit the proper series. If you purchased or read this book under the title “The Woodsman’s Baby” please note that this is the same story.
The one person who haunts your dreams, crushing your soul when you wake up and realize they're gone.
The one person whose name is tattooed forever across your heart, like the clashing kaleidoscope of tattoos that run down his arms.
The one person who with you wish you could have had that magical fairy tale ending.
For me that was Connor McLean.
My brother's best friend.
I've loved him my entire life.
And I've been the invisible sidekick. The pesky little girl with fluffy hair and gangly legs.
I always thought I'd grow up and he'd finally see the real me. That he'd watch the little girl blossom into a woman worthy of his love.
But he left.
Connor joined the SEALs and broke my heart.
So, when I see his familiar swagger across the bar. When his cocky smirk makes my heart flutter, I know this is my chance.
It's wrong to deceive him. To pretend I don't know him. But I need him to give me one night. One chance to see that I'm not a little girl anymore.
However, my secret is nothing compared to the one Connor has been holding all these years. The one that could tear us apart before we ever have a chance.
*** Author's Note:***
This book was originally published as “The Woodsman’s Baby” in June of 2017. The truth is, this novel never really fit into the woodsman world very well. The characters you meet, including the hero, are all people featured in my Fairy Tale SEAL series. That’s why I have republished and rebranded this book to fit the proper series. If you purchased or read this book under the title “The Woodsman’s Baby” please note that this is the same story.
- GenresMilitary Fiction
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2018
137 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Eddie Cleveland
57 books938 followersEddie Cleveland is an Amazon bestselling author who, after over a decade of military service, took a chance on his dream and wrote his first book. Since publishing his debut novel in 2016, he has soared to the top of the best-seller list several times in multiple categories. Now Eddie is living his passion of writing full time.
His characters are so realistic you'll wonder if you've known them your entire life. These aren't just interchangeable, faceless men. These book boyfriends will seize a piece of your heart forever. Each book drags you into a world of lighthearted laughter, heart wrenching romance and sizzling sexual tension that holds you captive until the last word.
After leaving the military, Eddie found his perfect place by the sea—a small East Coast town. Now, he's living his dream with the love of his life, their adorable little girl, and their goofy golden retriever, who reminds them that life is better with wagging tails and slobbery kisses.
His characters are so realistic you'll wonder if you've known them your entire life. These aren't just interchangeable, faceless men. These book boyfriends will seize a piece of your heart forever. Each book drags you into a world of lighthearted laughter, heart wrenching romance and sizzling sexual tension that holds you captive until the last word.
After leaving the military, Eddie found his perfect place by the sea—a small East Coast town. Now, he's living his dream with the love of his life, their adorable little girl, and their goofy golden retriever, who reminds them that life is better with wagging tails and slobbery kisses.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 24, 2018
Her crush came back 💞
Once upon a time Charlotte loved Connor...but he left to become a Seal. Fast forward to his return to his hometown. Connor isn't quite the same man after his time as a Seal. Charlotte knows who he is the he sits down but she doesn't let on who she is. Great romance, great character driven story. Marcus adds drama and healing. Very hot book with lots of heartwarming scenes.
Once upon a time Charlotte loved Connor...but he left to become a Seal. Fast forward to his return to his hometown. Connor isn't quite the same man after his time as a Seal. Charlotte knows who he is the he sits down but she doesn't let on who she is. Great romance, great character driven story. Marcus adds drama and healing. Very hot book with lots of heartwarming scenes.
November 8, 2018
Love this book
Just like the other books in this series, "Once Upon a Time" is an awesome little slice of life & love in America, facing your demons, and coming through stronger than when you began. I highly recommend reading this book, then continuing the series, with Ryan Rogers as your guide, you can't go wrong.
Just like the other books in this series, "Once Upon a Time" is an awesome little slice of life & love in America, facing your demons, and coming through stronger than when you began. I highly recommend reading this book, then continuing the series, with Ryan Rogers as your guide, you can't go wrong.
February 13, 2019
Worse story line
That was not a good story line. Couldn't even finish because it was not planned out. when I read the story line I thought it would have been great. The beginning is good but that is it. If I could I would give this I stars. I've never wrote such a bad review before I feel bad almost
That was not a good story line. Couldn't even finish because it was not planned out. when I read the story line I thought it would have been great. The beginning is good but that is it. If I could I would give this I stars. I've never wrote such a bad review before I feel bad almost
October 23, 2018
DESTINY AIDS IN THE CAPTIVATING FAIRY TALE ENDING!
A spellbinding romantic read that lures you into the lives of Connor and Charlotte and keeps you turning pages until the conclusion. Deep-rooted emotions tug your heart-strings, family drama, mouth-watering seductive scenes wow you while gripping suspense and action leave you a bit anxious. There is, of course, a well-deserved heavenly happy ever after.
Connor an ex-Navy Seal has come back to his hometown after fourteen years and his new residence is a cabin set deep in the Willamette National Forest. His emerald eyes hold you captive and his herculean build is quite impressive. Connor does have a distressing past that still haunts his memories. Charlotte has sass, is quite the beauty and has had a girly crush on Connor; her brother's best friend since childhood. Fantasy dreams still plague her nightly hoping one day Connor would be hers. When they meet again Connor is bewitched by her stunning smile leaving him feverish setting his sunless world on fire. They both have to conquer the obstacles to secure their happily ever after.
Mr. Cleveland's gift for writing has combined a bit of reality and fantasy to make this a most remarkable story. The characters come alive with clever dialogue, and the back stories of Connor and Charlotte give you insight into their personalities. Connor is definitely an alpha male but his compassionate side shines in this story. The relationship between Connor and Charlotte is at first a bit rocky; they sport fabulous chemistry and their love is genuine. Finding this to be a most gratifying read and loved it so much; {of my own volition without any stipulations, I reviewed an advanced copy and purchased the book when it was titled The Woodsman's Baby. Without hesitation, I recommend this read.
A spellbinding romantic read that lures you into the lives of Connor and Charlotte and keeps you turning pages until the conclusion. Deep-rooted emotions tug your heart-strings, family drama, mouth-watering seductive scenes wow you while gripping suspense and action leave you a bit anxious. There is, of course, a well-deserved heavenly happy ever after.
Connor an ex-Navy Seal has come back to his hometown after fourteen years and his new residence is a cabin set deep in the Willamette National Forest. His emerald eyes hold you captive and his herculean build is quite impressive. Connor does have a distressing past that still haunts his memories. Charlotte has sass, is quite the beauty and has had a girly crush on Connor; her brother's best friend since childhood. Fantasy dreams still plague her nightly hoping one day Connor would be hers. When they meet again Connor is bewitched by her stunning smile leaving him feverish setting his sunless world on fire. They both have to conquer the obstacles to secure their happily ever after.
Mr. Cleveland's gift for writing has combined a bit of reality and fantasy to make this a most remarkable story. The characters come alive with clever dialogue, and the back stories of Connor and Charlotte give you insight into their personalities. Connor is definitely an alpha male but his compassionate side shines in this story. The relationship between Connor and Charlotte is at first a bit rocky; they sport fabulous chemistry and their love is genuine. Finding this to be a most gratifying read and loved it so much; {of my own volition without any stipulations, I reviewed an advanced copy and purchased the book when it was titled The Woodsman's Baby. Without hesitation, I recommend this read.
March 1, 2020
Per the author this novel never fit into the woodsman world very well. The characters are all people featured in his Fairy Tale SEAL series so he renamed the book The Woodsman's Baby to Once Upon a Time.
This was one of my least favorite books from this author. I felt that he made girls in general look dumb. The book wasn't so bad where I couldn't finish it but I did skip parts just so I could get through it.
This was one of my least favorite books from this author. I felt that he made girls in general look dumb. The book wasn't so bad where I couldn't finish it but I did skip parts just so I could get through it.
November 4, 2018
Sweet, sexy romance
Other than the happily ever after, I'm unsure which fairy tale this book relates to. That's a minor quibble, as the story is still Eddie's signature mix of sweet and spicy, a loving romantic tale with plenty of heat and a touch of drama.
It's a quick read to breeze through, well written and cleanly edited. There's a bit too much emphasis on Charlotte's skin color after she was introduced, as if the reader may forget that detail. An example of the writing:
"Charlotte leans into me, her breast brushing against my hand as her lips tenderly press against mine. I let go of the album and it drops to the floor as I scoop her up from the sofa and pull her into my lap. Wrapping my arms around her, my tongue presses against her lips and they open for me. I can taste her desire, the fire that never stopped burning for me, her desperate need. I know it all too well, it’s the same things I’ve been feeling since the night we went home together. Since the night destiny and fate danced through our lives and brought us back together."
Other than the happily ever after, I'm unsure which fairy tale this book relates to. That's a minor quibble, as the story is still Eddie's signature mix of sweet and spicy, a loving romantic tale with plenty of heat and a touch of drama.
It's a quick read to breeze through, well written and cleanly edited. There's a bit too much emphasis on Charlotte's skin color after she was introduced, as if the reader may forget that detail. An example of the writing:
"Charlotte leans into me, her breast brushing against my hand as her lips tenderly press against mine. I let go of the album and it drops to the floor as I scoop her up from the sofa and pull her into my lap. Wrapping my arms around her, my tongue presses against her lips and they open for me. I can taste her desire, the fire that never stopped burning for me, her desperate need. I know it all too well, it’s the same things I’ve been feeling since the night we went home together. Since the night destiny and fate danced through our lives and brought us back together."
November 5, 2018
The writing had detailed descriptions...almost too detailed in some places. There were some parts where I just wanted a simple line and it was way too over-complicated. I may be judging it a little harshly because the book I read immediately prior was from an author that had a simplistic approach to descriptions but, currently, I'm not digging the imagery overload. Sorry.
Also, I think too much time was spent on imagery that the characters were forgotten. Other than the immediate relationships between characters, I know next to nothing about them and that mildly annoys me. It was briefly mentioned that both main characters feel isolated and lonely when they are apart and that Connor feels left behind by his SEAL brothers, but that was very briefly covered and I would have much preferred a deeper delve into Connor and Charlotte's characters than the superficial and brief overviews provided.
Also, I think too much time was spent on imagery that the characters were forgotten. Other than the immediate relationships between characters, I know next to nothing about them and that mildly annoys me. It was briefly mentioned that both main characters feel isolated and lonely when they are apart and that Connor feels left behind by his SEAL brothers, but that was very briefly covered and I would have much preferred a deeper delve into Connor and Charlotte's characters than the superficial and brief overviews provided.
February 25, 2019
Great characters
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Connor retired from being a Seal and returned to his home town. He is out with a buddy at a local bar and finds a woman there to be very attractive to him. He buys her a drink and ends up going home with Charlotte. He thought the place looked familiar but he was drunk and ignored his misgivings. In the morning he learns that Charlotte is the little sister of his former best friend. The next morning they are awakened by Marcus, his childhood best friend. Connor did something to Marcus and Marcus starts fighting with Connor. Charlotte has loved Connor since she was little which is why she didn't identify herself. How can this rift be fixed so she can be with Connor? Wonderful characters that you really feel for. Good storyline and a hea. Eddie Cleveland is a very talented author and I have read most of his books and loved them all.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Connor retired from being a Seal and returned to his home town. He is out with a buddy at a local bar and finds a woman there to be very attractive to him. He buys her a drink and ends up going home with Charlotte. He thought the place looked familiar but he was drunk and ignored his misgivings. In the morning he learns that Charlotte is the little sister of his former best friend. The next morning they are awakened by Marcus, his childhood best friend. Connor did something to Marcus and Marcus starts fighting with Connor. Charlotte has loved Connor since she was little which is why she didn't identify herself. How can this rift be fixed so she can be with Connor? Wonderful characters that you really feel for. Good storyline and a hea. Eddie Cleveland is a very talented author and I have read most of his books and loved them all.
November 24, 2018
Awesome story !
I love military love stories and this one is great 👍! I absolutely loved the chemistry between Charlotte and Connor ! WoW those are some🔥scenes between them lol . Eddie Cleveland is one of my all time favorite authors . I cried so hard when I thought Marcus was going to put his sister out of his life after he found out about her and Connor . But I knew Connor would never let her go after he found her again . Can you imagine someone loving someone for fourteen years and never letting that love fade ? Charlotte loved Connor her whole life and until he came home after his time in the Corps was over he never saw her . Well she was just a teen when he left but in a way she kept him alive because he promised her he'd come home and he did . He just wasn't expecting her to be the love of his life !
I love military love stories and this one is great 👍! I absolutely loved the chemistry between Charlotte and Connor ! WoW those are some🔥scenes between them lol . Eddie Cleveland is one of my all time favorite authors . I cried so hard when I thought Marcus was going to put his sister out of his life after he found out about her and Connor . But I knew Connor would never let her go after he found her again . Can you imagine someone loving someone for fourteen years and never letting that love fade ? Charlotte loved Connor her whole life and until he came home after his time in the Corps was over he never saw her . Well she was just a teen when he left but in a way she kept him alive because he promised her he'd come home and he did . He just wasn't expecting her to be the love of his life !
October 28, 2018
Once upon a time
Great story. I've already read the other fairytale stories and now this one, the start of it all, completes the group. It totally fits why Eddie Cleveland gave this a series, title & cover makeover. I agree it wouldn't have fit in the Woodsman group (I've read the first two but hadn't gotten to the third before its makeover. Glad I procrastinated 😉)
Connor & Charlotte's story is beautiful, sexy & oh so romantic. They struggled a bit but came out on the other side to their HEA. Highly recommend this and the rest of Eddie's fairytale stories. Time well spent.
Great story. I've already read the other fairytale stories and now this one, the start of it all, completes the group. It totally fits why Eddie Cleveland gave this a series, title & cover makeover. I agree it wouldn't have fit in the Woodsman group (I've read the first two but hadn't gotten to the third before its makeover. Glad I procrastinated 😉)
Connor & Charlotte's story is beautiful, sexy & oh so romantic. They struggled a bit but came out on the other side to their HEA. Highly recommend this and the rest of Eddie's fairytale stories. Time well spent.
October 24, 2018
Touching & emotional
This is a touching emotional story about a teenager crush of a young Lottie (Charlotte) . Turns out when you find your soulmate it is just meant to be. Love will find a way. It is full of emotional ups and downs. Found this book to be a real page turner following the ups and downs from both Connor and Charlotte relationship from both angles.
Well worth a read.
This is a touching emotional story about a teenager crush of a young Lottie (Charlotte) . Turns out when you find your soulmate it is just meant to be. Love will find a way. It is full of emotional ups and downs. Found this book to be a real page turner following the ups and downs from both Connor and Charlotte relationship from both angles.
Well worth a read.
October 27, 2018
Good Stuff
This was a well written story with just enough drama and sexiness to keep you entertained to the very end.The writer keeps you captivated on the couple and the young attraction they had to the adult love that they know is possible.I love that the heroine is not a pushover and stands up for herself as well as her man.My only thing is I would have loved to have gotten a better look into Marcus.Overall this is a good story.
This was a well written story with just enough drama and sexiness to keep you entertained to the very end.The writer keeps you captivated on the couple and the young attraction they had to the adult love that they know is possible.I love that the heroine is not a pushover and stands up for herself as well as her man.My only thing is I would have loved to have gotten a better look into Marcus.Overall this is a good story.
October 28, 2018
Conner and Charlotte, the classic trope of the little sister in love with her brother's best friend. Conner broke Charlotte's heart when he left their hometown to join the Navy but now he's back. Can they have a future together? There are some doubts and bumps in the road, for sure. To find out if Charlotte and Conner find their HEA, pick up Eddie Cleveland's newest release. Romantic scenes interwoven with steamy, off-the-chart sexytimes scenes make for a story not to be missed.
December 1, 2018
Good book
Eddie knows how to heat things up. Sometimes love is meant to withstand any obstacle and in this story it does. When Connor comes back from his stint in the Seals he runs in to the one person who has loved him since she was little. Charlotte has loved Connor since she was a young girl and now she has a chance to show him. And show him she does.
Eddie knows how to heat things up. Sometimes love is meant to withstand any obstacle and in this story it does. When Connor comes back from his stint in the Seals he runs in to the one person who has loved him since she was little. Charlotte has loved Connor since she was a young girl and now she has a chance to show him. And show him she does.
May 12, 2019
Quick
Connor and Charlotte 's story was a quick read. The storyline was interesting. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was sizzling the pages. I wanted a little more from this 32 year old Navy SEAL though. For me, I wanted Connor more in line with his SEAL persona. Charlotte needed to work a little harder to get the man after identities were figured out.
Connor and Charlotte 's story was a quick read. The storyline was interesting. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was sizzling the pages. I wanted a little more from this 32 year old Navy SEAL though. For me, I wanted Connor more in line with his SEAL persona. Charlotte needed to work a little harder to get the man after identities were figured out.
July 13, 2025
This was a cute dual perspective story, his and hers. There are some typos in this book, nothing terribly egregious, but I caught them. This story has its steamy moments, there is storyline and character development. I found this to be a worthwhile read. I left this on my TBR for years because I thought it was a fantasy book, it's just normal post-deployment story. Second-chance love, except they never tried anything before he delayed because she was way too young. It's a brothers best friend, off limits brother drama, seductress, he won't remember me, oopsie story. Quite impressed they could fit so much in so few pages.
November 6, 2018
Loved it
Eddie has done it again. Another quick read that keeps you wondering what will happen between Lottie and Conner. In the end their love wins and all things come together like they were meant to.
Eddie has done it again. Another quick read that keeps you wondering what will happen between Lottie and Conner. In the end their love wins and all things come together like they were meant to.
December 3, 2018
Wonderful story
Connor and Charlotte made a perfect couple. Marcus started off as a problem for the couple but he realized Connor was the right man for Charlotte. Great author. I recommend this story to everyone.
Connor and Charlotte made a perfect couple. Marcus started off as a problem for the couple but he realized Connor was the right man for Charlotte. Great author. I recommend this story to everyone.
January 3, 2021
Ohhh, Eddie Cleveland.
When Eddie gets inspired, there is no stopping him. Charlotte and Connor's story was so amazing!!. Laughed and cried.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
When Eddie gets inspired, there is no stopping him. Charlotte and Connor's story was so amazing!!. Laughed and cried.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
October 31, 2018
3.5 stars.
Originally I was frustrated with Charlotte who kept changing her mind and playing with Connor’s emotions. He was so patient and just kept being persistent. It was a quick, funny read.
Originally I was frustrated with Charlotte who kept changing her mind and playing with Connor’s emotions. He was so patient and just kept being persistent. It was a quick, funny read.
December 8, 2018
Good book
This book was excellent it had a lot of drama and I love that room as it has family fighting family confusion excellent excellent in and excellent
This book was excellent it had a lot of drama and I love that room as it has family fighting family confusion excellent excellent in and excellent
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews