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SEALs in Paradise #32

Hot SEAL, Independence Day

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Navy SEAL who wants nothing to do with commitment, is forced to protect his neighbor and her unborn baby when her past comes calling.

Jack “Mars” Marsten lives in an apartment he never made a home. He made the mistake of marrying right out of boot camp to his high school sweetheart. When his wife left him during BUDS training, he vowed never to marry again. No entanglements.

Period.

Diedre Anne Tyler is pregnant and hiding from her ex-boyfriend who beat her when he found out she was pregnant. She told him she’d lost the baby, even though she hadn’t. She left him, changed her name to Anne Smith and is hiding in an apartment next door to a cranky Navy SEAL who barely says hello. Which is just as well. The fewer people who know her and where she is, the less chance of her ex finding her.

Until he does…

When trouble comes calling, Anne hides in her neighbor’s apartment. Jack wants nothing to do with the woman but can’t send her back to deal with her problem on her own. Stuck with the woman, he’s now responsible for keeping her alive until her baby is born. How hard could that be? Harder than he originally thought when he finds himself falling for the pretty mother-to-be. No-commitment Jack sinks deeper into his own kind of trouble where Anne is concerned.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2021

150 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Elle James

498 books1,215 followers
Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,491 reviews496 followers
June 13, 2021
Hot SEAL, Independence Day by Elle James
SEALs of Paradise series #32 (multiple authors). Part of the Brotherhood Protectors series as well. Hank and Sadie and Swede have small roles in this book but it can be read as a stand-alone. Military (on leave) clean romance.
Jack is taking a vacation and going to Montana to fish. By himself. He’s looking forward to the solitude and quiet. Until a desperate woman needs his help and protection. Maybe solitude isn’t exactly what he wants anymore.

Fast moving romantic suspense. Anne has a strong determination and doesn’t want to be a burden or owe anyone. After spending time with Anne, Jack feels responsible for Anne and as they spend time alone in the Crazy Mountains, their feelings turn to more.
Let love grow. Sweet and warm.

The women are always strong but battling uneven odds while the men are protective and then loving in thesemulti-connected series. Romance and happily ever after rules the day.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,578 reviews29 followers
June 18, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation

Hot SEAL, Independence Day by Elle James is book 32 in the SEALs in Paradise series by various authors. This book is also a crossover with the Brotherhood Protectors series by Ms. James.

Navy Seal, Jack Marsten is ready for his time off the grid after his last deployment. Peace, quiet, fly fishing in a small cabin in the Montana Crazy Mountain owned by Hank Patterson of the Brotherhood Protectors, who is also recruiting him once he is ready to leave the service. Little does Jack know that his life is about to change….

Diedre “Anne” Tyler, pregnant and on the run from her abusive ex boyfriend, living in the same apartment building as Jack. When her ex finds her she escapes to Jack apartment, stows away in his truck and Jack takes her to Brotherhood Protectors.

What happens next…cross country ride, action, anger, troubles, romance brewing, and lots more…another awesome read!!
3,546 reviews14 followers
June 22, 2021
Hot SEAL, Independence Day is a spectacular romantic suspense by Elle James. Ms. James once again weaves a tale of intrigue and romance that kept this reader glued to her kindle from start to finish. Jack leaves his SEAL brothers and heads out for two weeks of fishing in Montana, with a side trip to Vegas. Anne has been on the run from her ex but he's caught up to her. She slips into her neighbor's apartment and hides. Jack finds Anne when he gets home and allows her to stay as for the whole 2 weeks he's gone. Jack and Anne's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I loved this book from cover to cover and look forward to my next book by Elle James. Hot SEAL, Independence Day is part of the SEALs in Paradise Series and the Brotherhood Protectors Series but it can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
June 18, 2021
Jack 'Mars' Marsden is looking forward to two weeks leave. He's heading to Montana where Hank Patterson has offered him a fishing cabin. It will be just him and the fly fishing he's been wanting to try, peaceful and quiet.

Dierdre Anne Tyler had finally escaped her abusive boyfriend. She's managed to stay off the grid, using only her middle name and waitressing for only tips she did manage a small apartment. Unfortunately her ex is a hacker and finds her, probably using the cameras around the city. Her escape plan has her climbing over to her neighbors balcony and hopefully hiding inside his apartment.

Jack isn't home when Anne enters his apartment, when he arrives she hides in his closet. Unfortunately hunger hits her while he's in the shower and she sneaks to the kitchen to check out the fridge for something to satisfy her cravings. Finding pizza she gets back to her hiding spot only to get sick, the pizza not sitting well due to her pregnancy. She barrels into Jack as she runs to the bathroom. Quite frankly she is lucky he didn't shoot her.

While Jack gets why she's in his apartment as she explains her situation, he doesn't know why she won't accept at least a little help. He doesn't particularly care for the surprise of her stowing away in the back of his truck.
His first stop is Vegas and he figures that's a good place to leave Anne. That is until her ex shows up and actually manages to wound him as well as destroy his truck. No way is he going to let Anne deal with this alone, he'd get her to Montana and Hank and the brotherhood protectors would keep her safe.

Anne has managed to keep her pregnancy a secret but Sadie figures it out almost right away. With most of the Protectors on assignment, it's decided that Anne would accompany Jack to the fishing cabin. It's way off the grid with a satellite phone the only way to communicate.So no way for Derek to find them.

I love seeing Hank, Sadie and some of the protectors, they really do have most of the answers.

A page-turning read with a slow build relationship, fun, action and some sizzle.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
565 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2021
Anne Tyler lost her parents while in college. Her parents were older when they found out the were pregnant with her, but provided a good example of forever love. After losing her parents, Anne was alone in the world. She had to sell her family home, drop out of college and go to work. While waitressing at the local cafe, Anne meets her boyfriend. At first, he filled the hole that the loss of her parents left. After convincing her to move in with him, he became verbally and physically abusive. She tried to escape, but was not successful. When she finds out she’s pregnant, she KNOWS she has to escape for the sake of her unborn child. It was during the escape that she finds herself using an alternate name and renting a tiny apartment next to Jack.

Jack Marsten is on a two week vacation from his last deployment as a Navy Seal. He wants nothing, but peace and quiet. He has plans to spend a day or two in Vegas gambling, before heading up to Colorado to fly fish. Hank Patterson, of the Brotherhood Protectors, has offered him his cabin in the mountains for his escape. His plans are quickly changed when he discovers a stowaway—aka Anne…

This story had a little bit of everything….suspense, stalking, abuse, bear attacks, fishing, and Brotherhood Protectors to the rescue! I loved that Anne didn’t “instantly” trust Jack. It made the story more believable and realistic. I found Jack’s grouchy attitude endearing because he just wanted peace and quiet. What he got was so much more. I also enjoyed seeing Hank and Swede. Jack’s fan girling was hilarious—couldn’t wait to tell the guys he’d met a movie star (Sadie). Truly enjoyable! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Profile Image for Denise .
932 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2021
“Hot Seal, Independence Day” is a cleverly positioned book that melds the worlds of the ‘Hot Seals’ and the ‘Brotherhood Protectors.’ It’s done so smoothly that you needn’t have read any of the books in either series in order to enjoy this one. If you are familiar with those series’ you may recognize a few of the secondary characters in this story.

Jack has been in the Navy for 14 years. He was married right out of high school and his wife left him before he even finished SEAL training, so he doesn’t have a very high opinion of relationships being able to survive the stresses of military life and the physical separations brought about by deployments. He’s content with his life however, and after a couple of back-to-back overseas assignments, he’s ready for a couple of weeks of solo fishing. Anne is hiding out in the apartment building where Jack lives, renting the apartment across the hall from him under a false name while she hides from a vicious, abusive ex-boyfriend. When things go sideways for her, she flees her apartment and hides out in the one across the hall. It’s nonstop danger and action as Jack at first unknowingly helps her, and then becomes determined to help her. I don’t want to say much more about the plot, but I can assure you that Anne is a strong, fierce character and Jack shows himself to be a stellar human being, not just a very capable military man.

After all the great action I thought the conclusion came a little suddenly. I wish we could have seen a bit more time up the two of them together developing their relationship. Even so, I really did enjoy this book and I definitely recommend it as a good, quick read.
2,305 reviews18 followers
June 15, 2021
When Jack aka Mars needs a break from people, he books a vacation at Hank’s cabin in the mountains in Montana. He wants solitude, just him and the fish and no other souls around him. That gets interrupted when Anne stows away in his truck as he heads to Montana and finds her just as he gets to Vegas. He can’t have her roaming the streets, she has no money, no where to go and needs to stay under the radar so her abusive ex can’t find her. Anne is terrified for her life and will do anything to survive , even trust Jack to get her to safety and goes with him to Hank’s place to get protection and a plan to take her ex down. When in Montana both are having second thoughts, he doesn’t want to let her go and she only trusts Jack.....will he stay and keep her safe.
A good read with some suspense and great characters. I liked Anne’s resilience and independence, wanting to make it on her own but also realizing that it’s OK to get help when needed. Jack was a loner and even though he was reluctant about Anne, she grows on him. They were good together and I really liked the ending but I missed the intimacy, didn’t need any graphic descriptions, just enough to know Anne was over her abusive past and able to move on fully with Jack.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
6,559 reviews27 followers
June 16, 2021
This is a crossover story that spans both the hot seals multi author world but also crosses into Elle's own brotherhood protectors world. A fast paced read that will keep you engaged until the last page the story flows well and was a fun read
Jack "Mars" Marsten has just finished back to back deployments with his Seal team and he is looking forward to some time alone He has seen members of his team fall in love and though he is a little jealous he knows that isn't the life for him He doesn't believe that you can have a relationship while you are an active Seal look at how is wife had walked away while he was in Buds. Then his new neighbour arrives in his home trying to escape from her abusive ex he tells her she can stay in his home while he heads to Montana to go fishing little does he know that she has stowed away in his car. When the danger threatening Anne escalates he intends to hand her over to the care of the brotherhood protectors but with no body available she becomes his to care for Soon the attraction between these two is growing but when danger threatens not Anne but Mars things come to a head Before he knows it Mars is claiming not only Anne but the child she is carrying as well
Profile Image for Angela.
8,769 reviews123 followers
August 23, 2025
3.5 - 4 Stars

Hot SEAL: Independence Day is a novel in The Brotherhood Protectors Series by Elle James - it is another crossover between the Brotherhood Protectors and SEALs in Paradise series....
This series is a great blend of romance, action, and suspense. These books introduce us to a team of former military heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting others, all while navigating their own personal battles.
Ms. James’ characters are definitely the heart of this series, and each protector is uniquely crafted, with a mix of strength, vulnerability, and charm. Their camaraderie and loyalty to one another also creates a sense of family that adds an extra element to the stories/series.
These plots are fast-paced and packed with twists, cleverly blending high-stakes danger with heartfelt romance. Whether it's a SEAL turned cowboy, or a sniper finding love amidst chaos, each book delivers a satisfying mix of adrenaline and emotion. Elle James also weaves in themes of redemption, trust, and healing, making the series not just entertaining, but also heartfelt.
With gripping storylines, endearing characters, and just the right amount of heat, this is a series that will leave you eagerly reaching for the next installment.
Happy Reading…
3,580 reviews42 followers
June 13, 2021
This stand alone book gives you the story of Navy SEAL Jack/Mars Marsten and Diedre/Anne Tyler.
Jack has already been burnt by a short lived marriage when he was young, and vows to stay single, at least until after he leaves the Navy. Looking forward to his two weeks vacation, Jack just wants peace and quiet while fishing . Thanks to Hank Patterson of Brotherhood Protectors, he’ll be able to do just that when he stays at Hank’s cabin in Montana.
Anne is trying to survive after her ex almost beat her to death when he found out she was pregnant. Able to escape , she has little money and is trying to stay under the radar. When her ex finds her, Jack saves her.
Little did either know that from that moment on both their lives would change forever. Would it be enough to have Jack change his beliefs about love and marriage? What about the baby?
This was another engaging story in the series and by this author. It was also a reminder that domestic abuse is very real. Many times the victim feels trapped inside and outside of the relationship. More help should be available for these individuals.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
190 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2021
What a great book and so aptly named. This IS a story of Independence, both for our heroine Anne, and our hero Jack, aka “Mars”. On the run from her hacker boyfriend-who has tracked her down, Anne has to take a drastic measure and pull a spiderman move (while pregnant) and escape through Mars’ apartment, which is abutting hers. What she doesn’t expect is for him to be coming home from leave at the same time. Hilarity ensues. But what is a SEAL to do but play the hero to the damsel in distress….This involves a trip to visit some old friends- Hank and some of the protectors- who will fight with Mars to keep Anne safe. The reason I say it is independence day for Anne and Mars is because both of them had/have issues both physically and mentally caused by “abusive” exes. This book is their journey to healing - as well as just a rip roaring survival adventure! I loved it. A HEA to make everyone happy. My only complaint is that it should have been longer- I would have loved to just get…more… But I think I say that about all of Elle James’ books:-) I would highly recommend all her Brotherhood Protector’s Series. I received an ARC for my honest review.
162 reviews
June 16, 2021
Ms James has done it again, bringing us an action packed, edge of your seat story which was impossible to put down,
Jack, a Navy Seal who pretty much shuns commitment after his ex wife left him after Buds Training. After his last mission, he needed a vacation to decompress to go fly fishing in Montana and staying at Hank Patterson's cabin.
Deirdre Anne Tyler who is a victim of domestic abuse is in hiding from her ex and to keep her unborn child safe. When her ex appeared at her apartment she ran next door to Jack's place to hide. Jack came home to finish preparing for his trip when he found Anne. He offered her to stay for a couple of nights until she can find a safer place. While driving to Vegas, he noticed that Anne hid in his truck. He would take her to Montana and she will be on her own. Her ex is crazy and is great hacker. Thinking that they were safe for one night in Vegas, her ex appeared. Luckily Jack showed up in time before her ex could hurt her further. He can't take the chance with both their lives and have asked Hank to help.
Will they be safe from her ex and the outside elements. You will have to read to find out. I loved it so such I purchased this book.
2,931 reviews17 followers
June 13, 2021
Jack learned the hard way that Navy SEALs should never marry, and even though his happily committed team mates are doing their best to play matchmaker he is determined to stay single. Diedre Anne Tyler is pregnant and on the run from her abusive ex boyfriend. When her ex finds her, even though she is calling herself Anne Smith, she stows away in her neighbors truck when he leaves for his vacation. He can't believe it, first she broke into his apartment and now here she is, a stowaway in his truck. When her boyfriend manages to track her to Las Vegas Jack realizes his solitary vacation has turned into a mission to protect a woman from a violent criminal.
Well written, compelling, and in my opinion, realistic characters. Wonderful interactions between Jack and Anne. His initial reluctance to get involved, and then his determination to protect her make this a must read. Action, violence that may be triggering for some readers, unexpected twists, and a happily ever after. I loved this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,909 reviews27 followers
June 14, 2021
A quick read that provides suspense! I was truly intrigued by Jack our alpha hero. Come on how many books have you read where the guy tells the girl, you can have the couch, not my bed. I was so used to the norm, my jaw dropped. It was a more realistic to me. What Anne went through was horrible, finding her way out took strength and determination. Kudos to her. It was wonderful to see Hank, Swede and all. I love books that cross over and give a nod and a mention to other characters you have grown to love, and this hits all the sweet spots. When Jack asked Anne to stop apologizing I wanted to smack him on the back and say well done. I had trouble reconciling this strong determined women who basically rescued herself, with her constant apologizing and not letting people help. There is excitement, suspense, and you feel their friendship and love develop. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
2,371 reviews13 followers
June 16, 2021
5 Stars
I purchased a copy of the military adjacent novel Hot SEAL: Independence Day: A Brotherhood Protectors Crossover Novel (SEALs in Paradise book 36): Jack and Anne by Elle James and this review was given freely.
A gripping fast paced working-vacation romance. This novel begins with a couple of awkward first meetings which are followed by lots of drama and action, some irony, a fair amount of violence and a sweet romance with a heartwarming ending.
Longing for quiet and to regroup after concurrent missions, Jack “Mars” Marsten has a final meal with his Seal team 7 family and prepares for his solitary two week fly fishing trip at The Brotherhood Protector’s boss Hank’s isolated cabin in the woods of Montana only to have his plans changed and his vow for no relationship until after he completes his twenty year term challenged when his pregnant new neighbor Deidre “Anne” Tyler’s abusive cyber stalking ex seeks revenge.
18+ for violence.


726 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2021
I just love military heroes!
Jack is getting ready for his quiet vacation in an isolated cabin up in the mountains. Only to be
thrown off course by a woman he finds hiding in his closet. He doesn’t really want anything to do with her. He got burned once. He prefers to hang out with his teammates. They always have each other’s backs. But she’s scared and needs his help.

Anne Smith is running from her ex- boyfriend. She finds herself in her neighbors apartment. He’s got an attitude but he seems trustworthy.
That’s the only reason she hides in his truck when it’s time for him to leave on his trip. Surely her ex can’t find her there.?
The further they travel the closer they become. Neither are prepared for the feelings they stir within each other.
With her ex got on their trail could it ever work out?
“I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
Profile Image for Lisa.
381 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2021
Loved Jack & Anne

Elle James wrote yet another awesome book with Independence Day. First off, neither people in the book are in any rush to be involved with anyone again due to past relationships. Jack “Mars” Marsten is a SEAL about to go on leave and going to visit Hank Patterson of the Brotherhood Protectors, who he served with, to spend some time at a cabin on his property to fly fish and be alone. Just before he leaves he finds his neighbor Anne hiding in his home. He finds out she hiding from her abusive ex. He reluctantly says she can stay while he’s gone. Then she stows away, afraid the ex will find her and he, again reluctantly, takes her to Montana. He realizes she needs protection and takes her to Hank. There are twists and turns that Elle is famous for, and it kept me turning the pages, I couldn’t out it down. Such a great book!!
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,567 reviews
June 17, 2021
Woohooo another fantastic crossover with the Brotherhood Protectors and Hank Peterson book. Anne Smith aka Diedre Anne Tyler is on the run from her abusive ex boyfriend who nearly beat her and her unborn child to death, but when he finds her will it be to late to run and hide again? Navy seal Jack Marsten aka Mars doesn't believe in love or relationships after being served divorced papers during his bud training, but when he is getting ready for a 2 week vacation in Montana at Hank Peterson Cabin he finds someone in his apartment and now he is faced with either protecting her or letting her go to probably getting caught again and most likely killed. Can he keep her safe?or will the ex find her or will something else get to them? This was such a great story and it will have you enthralled from the beginning until the end and maybe just maybe you might shed a few tears with the book.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews92 followers
June 18, 2021
Anne thought she had found her happy ever after only to find out that the man she fell in love with is not the man she thought he was. She has managed to escape the nightmare her life had become but keeping one step ahead of him was much more difficult than she expected. With no support system she finds herself relying on her neighbor for help, but she never expected to develop feelings for him.

Jack is a Navy SEAL who has learnt the hard way that relationship and his career don’t mix. He plans to spend his deployment alone getting some rest and relaxation however not protecting his unexpected pregnant neighbor who has him rethinking his life choices.

Anne and Jack take us on a romantic adventure filled with suspense and surprises as they realize that sometimes the best things in life happen when you least expect it.
1,278 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2024
Jack and Annie are awesome. Love this book.

Annie is trying to stay and be step ahead of her ex boyfriend as he thinks she is a possession and never gives up anything that belongs to him. He is abusive and almost beat her to death not long ago. When he finds her this time she jumps to her neighbors balcony and hides in his apartment. She then shows away in his truck because he is leaving the state on vacation. When Jack finds her in the back seat of his truck he gets mad, but agrees to take her with him to Montana when her ex gets into his room and dies to kill him and take her. Will they be able to get to the cabin and be off grid or until Hank can find her ex? Will she ever tell Jack that she is pregnant? Will Jack be able to keep her safe from her ex and the wildlife?
Profile Image for Delaine Mclafferty.
517 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2021
This book is a hit from the very beginning. Like all of Elle’s books it hits all of the marks. Visiting the seal team and crossing over into the Brotherhood Protectors is way more than I thought it would be. The trouble that Anne (Deirdre Anne Tyler) is in is something that every woman faces as she comes into womanhood and thinks she’s in love. She’s in the hands of a monster and the way out is running. Jack is a navy seal with the conviction that live as a seal is meant to be alone. When he finds Anne, he’s not sure he wants her anywhere near him but how can he leave her to the likes of her ex. Grab the book, you won’t be sorry. My only wish is that is was longer. I love visiting with Hank, Sadie, and the rest of the seals.

I was given an arc for a honest review.
1,289 reviews9 followers
June 14, 2021
Elle has wrote a book that will keep you reading and hoping Jack "Mars" and Annie can get their HEA. Jack is on leave from his Seal Team and heading to Hank Patterson's place for some fly fishing a alone time. While on his way he see's movement in the back seat and finds out his neighbor is hiding in his back seat. Annie is running from her abusive ex boyfriend. Can Jack just drop her off somewhere and forget about her? No he can't so he takes her with him to Hank's to leave her there. But he ends up protecting her even though he thought he wanted to be alone. This book is emotional, and about coming to terms with your past to have the future you want. Family and finding love. Great characters. Nice seeing Hank, Sadie and the kids again.
Profile Image for Linda Ketter.
772 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2021
*** 4.5 Stars ***

Surprise baby. Check. Ex-boyfriend (and baby daddy) from Hades. Check. Awesome, alpha, military hero. Check.

In a cross over book, we get to see the Seals in Coronado and the Brotherhood Protectors in Montana. I loved seeing all of the characters from both series. It is such a treasure to see what is going on in everyone's lives. Plus I had to laugh when Jack said marriage isn't for military guys. It may not be, but you can't control when it happens.

This was such a quick read for me. I was sucked in to the story from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down. I think my favorite scene was the fly fishing the very first day at the cabin. They had fun. They worked together. And there was no competition.
144 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2021
Another great book by a great author. This story is about Jack, whose former wife left him while he was in BUD's training, and about Anne, who is running from an abusive relationship. They live next door to each other but meet when Anne's ex, Derek, shows up at her door. She climbs over on Jack's balcony and hides in his room. Then, she stows away in Jack's truck when he leaves on vacation. What happens next is a wild ride to Las Vegas and then to Montana. I received an ARC for an honest review. I loved it. Jack and Anne are very likeable and I loved getting to see some of the characters from Elle's Brotherhood Protector series. There's lots of action, romance, feelings, troubles, anger and hope. I loved it and recommend it to everyone.
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,823 reviews20 followers
June 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and their connection. Jack and Diedre are forced into close quarters for the time being which allows for their connection to build. Jack was not interested in never getting entangled romantically again but he can't let Diedre get hurt or her unborn baby but in the process of keeping her safe, he finds out that with the right person it isn't that easy. Diedre has been hurt and she has some baggage considering her ex-boyfriend attacked her when she told him she was pregnant. I loved how these two had their relationship build. This story had some twists and turns and it held my attention from beginning to end. This was a fun read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,578 reviews55 followers
June 20, 2021
Grumpy, private Jack just wants to go fishing. Instead, he gets caught up in saving an abused woman from her horrific ex!

Deidre (Anne) just wants to leave her past in the past and escape her hacker ex. He's not only good with computers - but he's also a dab hand at inflicting pain. Hiding away with Jack seems to be the answer to her prayers but Derek always seems to be one step behind them!

Hank, Sadie, and Swede are all features in the book, along with another few familiar faces. Although part of the larger Brotherhood Protectors World, this story is easy to read without having met any of the characters before. Brilliant shorter length story.

Triggers: Domestic abuse/abuse of pregnant female
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.1k reviews164 followers
June 13, 2021
I thought Jack and Anne's romance was simply amazing . A well crafted story has you on the edge of your seat with a skillfully crafted combination of drama, danger, intensity, emotion, tension, heart and action. Best be prepared for the abundance of feels, both for and because of these characters. I felt is was easy to sympathize with Jack and sadly, way too many readers (myself included) will be able to relate to Anne's situation on a very painful personal level. This is a poignant read and also a powerful one. It offers a blend of sweetness, gritty realism and heart touching romance that I found absolutely irresistible. I am posting an unsolicited, unbiased review.
581 reviews32 followers
June 13, 2021
Hot Seals and their protective instincts!
Jack is on leave and looking for some alone time to decompress. He's heading for Montana to stay in a friend's cabin and do some fly fishing. Deirdre Anne has escaped an abusive relationship. She's been living quietly below the wire so her abuser can't find her. But when without any warning he shows up at her apartment all she can do is run and hide. Suddenly Jack's quiet, alone time comes to an end. Because of the kind of person Jack is he can't leave her in danger without trying to help. Take a ride along on this page-turning story. Loved the crossover aspect with Hank and the dark protectors' group.
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800 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2021
Elle James’s books are never predictable, and this one is no exception. We start off seeing very little of Jack, and he comes over as no gem, but his story grows and as his care for Anne grows as well, we meet the man under the gruff. I loved the way Anne was written; it’s so easy to leave an abuser in theory, and so hard in fact, and Elle has that spot on, even with Anne’s ex’s psychopathic tendencies. The story takes a really unexpected turn near the end, but I really didn’t want it to end; these books could be much longer and I’d still be happy. Oh, and add in Hank, Sadie, and both children - you have a winner. It’s a mix of heat, suspense, surprise, and hope, and a book to enjoy.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,518 reviews27 followers
June 15, 2021
Mars has decided that he would not have any long term relationships while he is a SEAL. He is going on vacation so that he can be alone. He needs his alone time. When he finds a strange woman in his apartment, he figures everything will stay the same. When the woman, Anne, stows away in his truck, everything changes. Anne is running from an abusive man. She is pregnant and alone, there is no one to help her. Mars decides that he will be the one to help her. As they go off grid, they become closer. Can Anne trust Mars? He seems like a good guy, but so did her ex at first. Mars will do anything to protect Anne, even fight a bear.
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