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A Navy SEAL. A veterinary assistant. And fur babies.
She's his best friend's little sister and off limits.
He's supposed to protect her, NOT fall in love.


Jenna: Matty is back in Newport and that means I'm in trouble. He's my older brother's best friend who I've crushed on since we were kids. The yearning returns, leaving me just as awkward as I was back then.

Meanwhile, my ex has decided he wants to get back together. Never going to happen, no matter how hard he tries.

My heart belongs to one man.

Matty: An IED ended my career as a Navy SEAL K-9 handler. I'm living near the sea and trying to figure out my next move when Derek asks me to look out for Jenna.

Only she isn't his annoying little sister anymore — she's all grown up and super hot.

But every guy knows you don't hit on your best friend's little sister. No matter how strong the attraction — even when you've agreed to pose as her boyfriend to convince her ex she's moved on.

He's dangerous, though, much more than Jenna realizes.

So when our fake relationship starts to feel real, I'll protect her at all costs.

Jenna belongs to me.

Meet the DeMarchis brothers in this series by USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle.

Each book features a different brother and can be read as a standalone.

Navy SEALs, Marines, and hometown heroes encounter their most complicated missions yet when women from their pasts challenge plans for the future.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2020

725 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Carlisle

157 books594 followers
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes or quirky outcasts. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.

When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.

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5 stars
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203 (30%)
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96 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Ashleyjo.
826 reviews522 followers
August 23, 2021
Recycled same old same old.

Nothing original about plot. MMC’s childhood best friend reaches out to get him to keep an eye on his sister, who is … what else… off limits. He’s a former SEAL home on medical discharge and she’s coming out of a bad divorce with a persistent ex-husband.

When I get to 40% and realize ^^^^ that is literally the whole story surrounded by how many ways the characters can say “he’s so hot” and “she’s so hot” …. but he/she don’t want me/can’t have me.

I’m snoring at this point.
Profile Image for HR-ML.
1,274 reviews55 followers
March 24, 2021
Former Navy SEAL, Matteo, who friends called "Matty,"
was the bestie of Derek, bro of heroine, Jenna. They all
grew up together.

I liked hero Matteo, who had a mature outlook & treated
Jen with respect. But calling him Matty sounded like he
was 9 years old. Jen's ex-spouse, Roberto, stalked her
& wanted her back. But Jen did not guard her safety:
she walked places alone, when her ex tried to control her
& threatened her & indirectly Matt. Jen didn't expect Matt
to respond calmly to this provocation. Did she assume
Matt, b/c of his military hx, would try to maim or kill her
ex? Did she trust Matt? She felt the need to protect Matt?
This seemed absurd. How could Jen love w/o trust? Sorry,
I did not 'buy' the author's logic.

Matt deserved better. Ditto for readers.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2020
Matty really wants to stay unattached, but one look at his best friends snotty kid sister all grown up throws him for a loop To top it all off Derek wants him to stay close to her as her make believe boyfriend in order to protect her from her A hole ex who doesn't know the meaning of no.... How's he going to accomplish that when his libido is on the war path???

Jenna can not believe her eyes, her childhood crush looks even better than he did when he was a teenager.....Holy hotness, how is she ever going to get through looking at him, let alone be his make believe girlfriend looks like he still is her crush, but at a deeper level. She dreams of doing things to him that.........OMG should be outlawed! Thing is she can't let him take on her ex, he is too dangerous, even to a Navy Seal.

Read how Angelo and Vince's jokester baby brother deals with the girl that turned him into mush years ago with a simple kiss.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
August 1, 2020
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,095 reviews
July 16, 2020
I loved this latest page-turner, “MATTY” from the must read ‘Second Chance Navy SEAL’ Romance series! Always a new plot, and relatable H/h and secondary characters, with entertaining dialogue that grabbed me from the start! ... Matty & Jenna definitely still have chemistry, but will they get their second chance? ... I never write spoilers or copy blurbs, and even tho I volunteered to read this, it was without any outside influences. Plus I do buy kindle books whenever I am able. So yes, I honestly do recommend this to adult fans of fiction & can’t wait for more! :D
3,188 reviews27 followers
December 27, 2024
I loved Matty: Book 3 of Anchor Me. Jenna was tired of dealing with her ex, he was getting more aggressive. Her brother asks his best feigned, Matty, to watch over her. She doesn’t think it’s. Good idea, she’s never gotten over her crush on him but she knows she needs help. Matty is a protector, his career as a SEAL may be over but it’s what he knows and protecting Jenna is no hardship. He just can’t fall for his best friend’s sister, it it maybe too late. When her ex gets more aggressive, Marry will stop at nothing to keep her safe. I loved the story and the characters. Too bad Matty will break his promise to his best friend because he can’t let Jenna go. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,918 reviews116 followers
July 19, 2020
This is a fantastic series and I have really enjoyed each book but especially this one! Don’t know why but this particular couple Jenna & Matty really stuck with me and I just couldn’t put this down! A well written military suspense romance that just sucks you in from the beginning with its drama, emotions, turmoil and awesome chemistry! Great storyline, great characters, if this is your thing then this is a series you have to read!
Profile Image for Sheila.
536 reviews10 followers
July 20, 2020
Matty
Matty is the youngest of the DeMarchis brothers. The tallest but always the baby brother. Matty (Matteo) has just returned state-side and is recovering from his injuries from an IED that caused multiple fractures and soft tissue damage. He was a Navy SEAL K-9 handler but with the death of his canine partner Gunther and his injuries, Matty was medically discharged. Living with your parents can be a challenge when you are used to an active life and thirty years old is closing fast.
Derrick Coleman an old friend asks him to look out for his little sister while he is in Japan. Jenna is recently divorced. Last year her marriage had ended badly, Roberto has refused to let her leave and now is stalking her even though the divorce has been final for a few months. Jenna is working for a Veterinarian and is studying to become a Vet Tech.
Matty barely remembers a cute girl three years younger than he and Derrick but agrees to keep an eye on Jenna. Except Jenna is not a kid anymore. Matty is struck by her pretty face with large dark eyes. Jenna had crush on Matty years ago and now here he is looking sexy with a scruffy beard.
What do you do when you pretend to move in with someone but the feelings become real? Can Matty keep Jenna safe from her ex-husband?
This was a good love story of people reconnecting. Matty and Jenna help each other. I loved the characters, they seemed so real with wonderful dialog. Loved that they played UNO. Then there was there was the “Baby Shark” reference. This story does not disappoint!
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
July 29, 2020
Matty is book three of the Anchor Me series and my favorite so far. When Matty gets a call from his friend to look out for Jenna he's was expecting her to be the same annoying little sister but to his surprise, she's all grown up and beautiful. Jenna has had a thing for Matty for as long as she can remember and now that she's having trouble with an ex, Matty comes to her rescue. This is a captivating story with well developed characters and a great ending. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Grimm.
140 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2020
After returning home after an IED hit, Matty is asked by his best friend to protect Jenna from her ex-husband...by being her boyfriend. As the relationship develops between the hot Jenna, will it turn into a permanent boyfriend/girlfriend situation and will it ruin his relationship with his best friend Derek? It is a great read that has a great ending!

***I received a free copy of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.***
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
July 25, 2020
Matty (a second chance SEAL romance) by Lisa Carlisle is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number three in this amazing series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about contemporary romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,539 reviews27 followers
July 18, 2020
I loved this book the entire series set around the DeMarchis brothers has been wonderful and each time I read one that is my current favourite I have mainly read Lisa's paranormal romances but she has knocked this military suspense genre out of the park

Jenna always crushed on her older brother Derek's best friend but she knew he only ever saw her as the little sister tag along and then he left to join the military but now he is back Matty DeMarchis was a Navy SEAL K9 handler but a IED has ended his career and now he needs to decide what he wants to do He has returned to the town he grew up in and been near the sea calms him Then Derek tells him that his little sister Jenna is in trouble and Matty can't let her be in danger, what he didn't expect was that little Jenna is now a full grown woman one that knocks him off his balance. With Derek in Japan Matty decides the best way to protect Jenna is to move in with her but that puts temptation in his way Can he keep her safe and will they finally get the HEA together that they deserve You will have to read to see
6,168 reviews58 followers
July 17, 2020
This is the third book of Anchor Me Series. Matty was medically discharged from the K-9 Navy SEALS Handler when an IED exploded. He's living near the sea trying to figure out his next move with his life. His best friend has to go back to Japan so he's asked Matty to watch out for his sister as her ex-husband is still annoying her. When Matty see's Jenna again he finds out that she's all grown up. And Wow, she's hot. As they get to know each other again they realize that they care about each other. Matty moves in with Jenna as a way to protect her. There is action, romance, suspense and plenty of steam. Loved all the animals in the story they tend to steal the show. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,896 reviews20 followers
July 20, 2020
I am loving this series, and for me, this one is the best one yet! I loved Angelo and Vince but Matty is something special, he's a K9 Navy Seal Handler and is now recuperating at his parents home in Newport after he was injured while fighting for his country when he and his dog met the enemy head-on.

Whilst home he meets Jenna his best friend's sister who needs protection from her abusive ex-husband and as far as he's concerned the best way he can do that is to move in with her!
1,707 reviews12 followers
July 15, 2020
Matty is recuperating at his parents home in Newport from his injury while fighting for his country. He meets up with an old friend Derek who was his best friend but they hadn't seen each other in years. Derek was wanting his friend to look out for his little sister who was having a problem with her ex-husband and he wanted to make sure someone helps his sister since he lived in Japan and had to return. When Matty saw Jenna again they both realized that they cared about each other. Matty decided the best way to protect was to move in. This is a there story with romance, action, and suspense. I was given an ARC as a gift from the author without any obligations. I am providing an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2020
A bit naughty with a whole bunch of heart!

I have really enjoyed reading this book, the author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major characters, but the minor ones too.
Also, it caused me to lose sleep because I couldn't wait another day to read it!

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
July 14, 2020
I thought that this book was simply wonderful. I have been enjoying this series but I must say that Matty and Jenna's story is by far my favorite of the bunch. This book was just a perfect storm for me. The characters were likable, relatable and genuine. The story offered plenty of emotion, drama, heart, tension and turmoil and had a very "Real Life" feel to it. As if all this wasn't enough goodness, you also get a heartwarming collection of animal friends as icing on this already very tasty cake. This is my elective, candid review.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,217 reviews
July 16, 2020
This is a fantastic read. I didnt read the first two books involving the brothers but I'm going to now. Full of denied attraction, a cat and mouse game and emotional and physical healing this story draws you in and captivates the imagination. Wonderful characters with personalities that pop off the page. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
July 17, 2020
The third book in the Anchor Me series another well written story in this series. I want to read Jack's story. This is Jenna and Matty's story there is suspense, drama, danger, an evil ex, twists, turns, fur babies, and romance. I recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,922 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2020
I love this author. Her stories are wonderful and I fall in love with the characters every time. I look forward to many more stories from her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,519 reviews
July 9, 2020
The third installment of the Anchor Me series is a must read. Out of the three brothers, I fell in love with Matty the most.

There is a lot more to the fun loving, Navy Seal K 9 handler. Seeing how he takes to a forced civilian life was inspiring. I laughed, and when I cried, I really cried. Not putting in the why, don’t want to spoil it.

Jenna, his love interest and best friend growing up, little sis is a great character. I love her and I would so get along with her and all the animals in her life.

Mayhem ensues and the day is rescued, ‘nuff said! Read the book for the details! Can’t wait for the cousins’ stories. I read it in a couple of hours.
7,160 reviews33 followers
July 13, 2020
A rollercoaster ride of emotions in this story. It will pull on your heart strings. The characters are engaging and have amazing chemistry. This is the third book in this series. A enjoyable second chance at love.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lori.
857 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2020
My favorite one I think. I just liked Matty over his other brothers
Profile Image for Ritu.
1,327 reviews9 followers
July 10, 2020
Matty is enlisted to help Jenna with her ex-husband. Her ex has become obsessed with getting her to come back to him. However, Jenna has always loved Matty. Super good book about second chances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
109 reviews
April 25, 2021
Disappointed!

While I like the characters and the while rescue aspect the truth is the way too much detail for me when they got together. I won’t be reading any more of this writers books. Love romance but .....
3,423 reviews20 followers
June 24, 2020
Jenna & Matty

Matty was home. For good. An explosion took his life as a SEAL, damaging his leg. Now he was home rehabbing and trying to figure what was next. When a good friend asked a favor there was no reason not to help him watch for his little sister who was being stalked by her ex-husband. No problem until he saw the grown-up Jenna. The hot, grownup version of little sis was gonna be a lot easier to keep his eyes on then to keep his hands off.

How could her brother do this to her? The man she'd crushed on from being a kid and to be honest, still felt the same. She couldn't let him be around her. Still, he ex was persistent, to say the least.

I love this story. Probably my favorite in the series. The two are great together as fake boyfriend-girlfriend. The ex is all of the words they each called him. The furbabies enhance the story and the characters making it impossible not to love them. There are chemistry and steam aplenty.

I was thrilled to know there s another story to come.

Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,892 reviews47 followers
August 19, 2020
This was my first book by author Lisa Carlisle, but it won't be my last!! I loved the characters, her writing style, the fast paced storyline and most of all I love the fact that while this says it is book 3, I was able to start with this book and was fine! I didn't feel lost, I caught up quickly and best of all I now know I have two books before this to read and to most likely LOVE!

This book brings us Jenna and Matty - Jenna is a VET tech who loves animals (making her my new bestie just for this) and has recently divorced her scum bag ex-husband. Matty was hurt in combat and is home to figure out his next step in life. They have been friends since childhood and always had a spark, but flames ignite now when they are together!!

The author grabs the readers attention from the very start and NEVER lets it go! It is a whirlwind adventure that leaves the reader with paper cuts from zooming through the pages. Once you start reading this one, you won't be able to stop! It is an epic read and one that will be a re-read for sure to see all of the things that I missed as I zoomed through the pages so quickly the first time!

Add this to your TBR and move it to the top as it is an amazing read! You won't be sorry to one-click this one!

**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
1,605 reviews12 followers
January 1, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed reading Matty, I thought it to have charm, suspense and most definitely a page turning romance. I loved getting to know the main characters and seeing their story unfolding before my eyes. Author Lisa Carlisle continues to show what an incredible author, storyteller, and writer she is each book I read by her. In my opinion, she puts her all into the stories she writes for the reader’s enjoyment. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the book. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniably irresistible. I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a fun romance book to read. I can’t wait to see what will be next from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,403 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2020
Must love animals

The love of animals and childhood feelings bring these two back and closer then ever when Marty is looking for a new start and Jenna is dealing with a clingy ex husband. The military role is smaller in this story, but still present as Marty was not ready to leave the SEALS.

The writing flows well and the story is engaging. I enjoyed the focus on animals, animal rescue and animals in the military. The openness of emotions and emotional connection to animals was sweet and relatable. The story has an HEA and I appreciated the way it showed updates through time progression.

This is book three but it could be enjoyed without reading the first two books of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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