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Saving SEALs #2

Saving Eric

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Will guilt and bad choices prevent these two friends from falling in love?


Lavender Vaile barely survived a madman, and the ordeal became the catalyst for re-evaluating her entire life. While working for an aid organization in Afghanistan her worst nightmare comes true when she is taken hostage by insurgents. Rescued by her best friend and his team of SEALs, one moment of passion changes everything, and the new life she was building could come tumbling down around her.


For Eric "Night" McNamara friendship means everything and when Lavender is kidnapped he'll do anything to save her life and help her heal from the trauma. Anything. Including sleeping with her. But guilt and past mistakes have him tucking tail and running when he realizes that sometimes friendship can blossom into something more. When Lavender disappears a second time he will have to set everything aside and let his heart rule if he wants to get her back alive.


288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2021

500 people are currently reading
155 people want to read

About the author

Jane Blythe

117 books1,362 followers
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USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane's most popular series includes Prey Security, part of Susan Stoker's OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker's world. When Jane isn't binge-reading she's counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!

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5 stars
628 (58%)
4 stars
311 (29%)
3 stars
103 (9%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,311 reviews162 followers
July 8, 2021
I want to start about by saying, I have never rated a Jane Blythe novel below a four. She is one of my favorite authors, but…

Saving Eric had irritating issues for me. I loved their nicknames, but bouncing back and forth between their given name and the nicknames were, at times, confusing to me.

Saving Eric started out great, a lot of action and it felt real. After all, Seal Teams sneak in, accomplish their mission and get out of dodge as quietly as possible. I watch Seal Team on TV religiously and love it, so to see Jane Blythe start a Seal Team series left me eager to read on. I loved the first book, Saving Ryder, so I had high hopes for Saving Eric.

Lavendar is a runner and she runs from him…to her sister. I get that, but I got bored with the push/pull of the romance. I thought she was a strong character, traveling the world on her own…my kind of woman. Showing no fear, but she ended up doubting everything, being a bit wishy washy.

Saving Eric felt as if someone other the Jane Blythe wrote it. The ending was very abrupt. What saved the book was the beginning chapters. It felt real, like reading about current events. The characters were familiar and I love that about Jane Blythe’s series. Even though the books can stand alone, she brings me up to date on what characters from previous books are up to now. All that being said, I am eager for more of her work and just because one book didn’t work for me doesn’t mean the next one won’t. Write on Jane!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Saving Eric by Jane Blythe.

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Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,328 reviews146 followers
April 3, 2021
Yes I love anything by this author, but this series is extra special. You will never guess that this was her second ever military book. With action exploding from nearly every page you'll find it impossible to look away.
As a reader who has read 98% of this authors books (& it's a long list!), it was also great seeing her once again cross her worlds, as I never like saying goodbye to characters.
This book/series/author is definitely a must click.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
April 6, 2021
Eric and Lavender are friends but when he’s sent on a mission to rescue her something shifts and they see each other in a different light. The banter and suspense had me hooked from page one to the end of the book!
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews68 followers
September 14, 2021
Saving Eric: Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Saving SEALS Book 2 is written by Jane Blythe. This second book is just as suspenseful as the first one and it begins in Afghanistan with the SEAL team looking for Lavender Vaile. Lavender was the waitress at a nearby diner and she and Eric had become good friends there. She was also Abby’s best friend and had moved up here to be close to her. Lavender had decided she needed a change and had volunteered to work with an aid organization to get food and supplies to Afghans who needed it. She had been kidnapped along with three other workers and Eric’s team was going after her.
Lavender knew she wasn’t going home. She had known that when she was separated from the others. She was thrown into an abandoned well with promises that they would come back for her and party. She had tried to get out but couldn’t and wouldn’t have been able to even if she hadn’t broken her leg when she fell. All she could do was wait and prepare for death because she wasn’t going to be raped and killed without a fight. When she heard footsteps coming closer, she prepared herself to die fighting.
When Eric and his group and another group of SEALs got Lavender home, he didn’t know how he felt. He felt a connection with Lavender; but his short marriage convinced him that wasn’t for him. He knew he was just friends with Lavender; but why did he feel so awkward with her now?
For Lavender, the awkwardness feels like rejection and she can’t take another rejection. She has been rejected all her life; but for Eric to reject her is something more. She must leave California. She will go to New Jersey and make amends with her sister Marigold. There she will start life anew.
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
April 7, 2021
This, for me, had great potential for the first few chapters... I felt totally immersed into this world. Liked Wolf's teams part in the story and the cameo from Tex.

Then... we were returned to the States and it all started to fall apart for me.

There were several points that irritated me... lack of communication being the main one. They were both idiots... although, Ryder wins the prize for being the number one idiot. He ghosted her... yes, she ghosted him too... but she was the one who had been kidnapped, had a broken leg and was dealing with PTSD at the very least.

I really really didn't like a lot of the underlying messages that this had... for example:

She was late.

Thelate.

The one women dreaded unless they were married and planning for it.

But she couldn’t be pregnant.


Ummm... pretty sure that there are many many many many women who have babies and are perfectly happy that they aren't married. This isn't the 1950's babe.

How did the ex know that Lavender was pregnant? She hadn't told anyone... apart from the ones we already knew about... so how would someone working at the checkout at a garage ( I think? ) know? And if the explanation is that she followed her, she would've known that Lavender wasn't Marigold.

Then... it just ended.

I have given 2 stars cos I didn't hate it.

Also... I honestly think that the reader may have had some more understanding... and knowledge about Lavender if they had read 'Salvaging Marigold' ( I haven't, and I won't as I now know the plot... )
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,909 reviews22 followers
April 5, 2021
I was really blessed this week to read two of Jane Blythe’s back to back. Saving Eric is the second book in the Saving Seals series and all these characters are finding their way into my heart. They are all so strong but vulnerable at the same time and in this book Eric and Lavender are brought together when Eric and his team are sent to rescue Lavender and some aid workers who have been taken hostage. When Lavender is rescued stays with Lavender to help her recuperate but one night of hot passion sets in motion months of unprecedented uncertainty for them both that we question whether they can salvage anything of their friendship/relationship. This book had so much passion, love and action that keep me enthralled from the very beginning and when the end came I was very sad to let go especially as we are left on a cliffhanger. A great series that I am enjoying and want to read so much more. A 5 star read that I highly recommend.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,283 reviews30 followers
April 7, 2021
Another great romantic military read from Author Jane Blythe!

Wow! At the end of Saving Ryder, Author Jane Blythe’s first book in her series with Susan Stoker’s Special Forces Operation Alpha World, she promised that in her next one, Eric ‘Night’ McNamara was consumed with guilt, and I tell you, consumed with guilt indeed he was!!!! What I can tell you here and now is that I am absolutely loving this fast-paced action-packed military series. Saving Eric is the second book about our handsome SEAL’s under Owen Fox LeGrand’s leadership and the standard is consistently high.

Even though each story can be read as a stand-a-lone, we met both Night and Lavender in the first book, and it is very definitely worth starting there, but not necessary. They both had their past issues and they came together in a perfect storm of misunderstanding, and even though I had faith in Ms Blythe’s writing, I wondered just how she was going to resolve the end of the book.

Perfectly. She did it perfectly. This was absolutely another 5 Star read for me!!! ☆ ҉
813 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2021
After Abby and Spider's book ...

I thought I would never find one for Eric.
So, Yeah!
Eric is such a d***, but it's so important to read after reading Abby's book. Eric was raised in the same house as Abby, just as Lavender was raised in the same house as Marigold. They truly needed their own story, but together in one story was amazing!
Eric wants no responsibility, except his Seals, and Lavender is running from being selfishness, to try and become better.
Things definitely change, dramatically, reading Jonah and Marigold's book, as well as Abby's and Spider's give such insight into these two individuals.
But, even with the insight, it really is quite a twist!
I loved it.
So glad I finally got to read!
But I want Chaos' and Fox's stories, now...lol
Ms. Blythe, you are a wonderful addition to Stoker's Aces!
I have enjoyed every one of your books, and want many more!

Great!
Karen
Profile Image for Lynne.
449 reviews10 followers
April 18, 2021
Lavender Vaile barely survived a madman, and the ordeal became the catalyst for re-evaluating her entire life. While working for an aid organization in Afghanistan her worst nightmare comes true when she is taken hostage by insurgents.
For Eric "Night" McNamara friendship means everything and when Lavender is kidnapped he'll do anything to save her life and help her heal from the trauma.
There’s a potential romance between Eric and Lavender who are great friends, we met them in book one, and in this book we really delve into their characters as well as their pasts. I was very frustrated with this couple and there were quite a few times I was shouting at them as I wanted to shake some sense into them. Their constant inability to communicate their thoughts and feeling between each other was frustrating.
However, this is a well written and emotional story which is action packed, with plenty of drama, secrets, twists, suspense, danger, passion, angst and love.
1,236 reviews14 followers
May 16, 2021
Awful! Just awful! Just not believable.

Eric is the brother of Abigail. And if I’d realised it was him I wouldn’t have read this. He’s not a very nice person.
Eric and Lavender are friends. Really good friends. When Lavender is kidnapped by the Taliban, Eric and his team are sent in to rescue her and her fellow aid workers. This bit of the book was actually well written. Well some of it. I’m not sure I believe that they would only send one seal team for fifty terrorists!

After she is rescued they have sex and Eric for some bizarre reason thinks he took advantage of her, and instead of being there for her, he avoids her like the plague. She moves to get away from him. And instead of chasing her to tell her he cares about her, he wallows in guilt and self pity!!!

I’m sorry, this could have been a really good book but it got really silly, and I started skimming pages to the end!!!
2,095 reviews31 followers
April 4, 2021
Eric and Lavender’s story was filled with angst, drama, passion, love and amazing chemistry. These two are each other’s other half they just don’t know it yet. Lavender has been through hell and back more than once and Eric has always been there, they’ve been there for each other. One night leads to a truth about feelings and it’s a rocky road of misunderstandings, secrets and fear that Lavender may be more committed to a relationship than Eric. Eric has had his share of crappy times and he’s regretted his previous actions, but there is something more to his and Lavender’s friendship, he just needs to figure it out. The question is will he before it’s too late and he loses the best thing to ever happen to him? He’s always been her hero, but truth be told Lavender is his. Awesome read, can’t wait for more.
2,298 reviews91 followers
April 13, 2021
Honestly, this author can turn her hand at so many different tropes and themes. I am so pleased she is writing military stories as she is fabulous and her fast paced stories prove this is the case. The action and drama keep coming and you find yourself literally scrolling as quickly as possible to read more.

To top it off there’s a great romance between friends Eric and Lavender, we met them in book one, and in this book we really delve into their characters as well as their pasts, which do have an impact on the story. I will admit there were a few times I wanted to knock their heads together or shake some sense into them 😆 but I think possibly a good sign, that I was truly invested in the story.

Romantic suspense is this author’s baby and military style is too! You don’t have to read Saving Marigold first to enjoy this second book but why wouldn’t you? It’s another terrific story!
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,053 reviews54 followers
November 17, 2021
From best friends to more. Eric and Lavender became fast friends and knew everything about each other from their pasts – mistakes, guilt, regret, hardships, family troubles to their hopes and dreams for the future. Even though they were both really attracted to the other they never thought their friendship would develop into more. But when Lavender is taken and held hostage Eric will do whatever he has to to find her and bring her home. Wanting to keep her safe and help her heal from her trauma, the realization of the situation and possible outcome hits them both hard and feelings start to change. What starts out as an amazing connection quickly turns awkward and unsure and an unexpected situation has Lavender running away.

Up to this part of the story, I thought it was fantastic. However, at this point I became irritated with them both – him for what started the problem, her for leaving, and both of them for not just communicating. There was a lot of push/pull and angst and several misunderstandings could have been avoided with a conversation. Lavender was not quite as strong and gutsy as I hoped she would be. Eric, though, I liked his determination and resolve to find her and work through their problems. The twist was gripping and suspenseful and total edge-of-your-seat. Totally did not see that coming! I love how patient and caring and attentive Eric became with Lavender after everything that transpired and though she still irritated me a little I love the outcome, their HEA.

There is plenty to hold your attention in this story. It’s full of suspense, emotions, action, danger, fun times, somber moments, shocks and twists, family, friends, and love. Also, we get to catch up with the other characters in the series. Looking forward to Saving Owen!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews258 followers
April 6, 2021
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Eric and Lavender’s story. Lavender has had a tough few years and when she is kidnapped with some aid workers in Afghanistan by insurgents, it is her worse nightmare coming true. Eric / Night and his team are sent to rescue his best friend and other hostages, he is determined to be there for her to keep her safe and help her heal from the trauma she has endured. This is a well written emotionally charged story which is action packed, and with angst, drama, secrets, twists, suspense, danger, healing, passion, and love, which all leads to a riveting and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,391 reviews7 followers
August 2, 2021
An odd kind of luck

Lavender is a sweet character who has some horrible luck. She has been kidnapped more than once and faced some horrible events. Eric is a strong character who is broody and full of guilt. They have an interesting dynamic and take a friendship and turn it into more…but in an odd path. The team is fantastic and the depth of the relationships and blend of different type of actions and love was fun to read. I did not see that final twist coming and thought it was a great story way to bring the story and couple back together. The ending was good and left me ready to read the next book to see how the new baby is, how the new couple is doing and what is up with two ex wives and one of them calling another team mate!
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
May 29, 2023
Aid worker Lavender Vaile was one of a handful of Taliban abductees and the only one designated ‘entertainment’ for later. Before her captors could get back to her, Lavender’s best friend, Eric ‘Night’ McNamara and his SEAL team got her from the bottom of a well despite her broken leg. It was a harrowing escape but they made it out with the help of another team.

Back in the states, Lavender and Eric change the parameters of their friendship with results they don’t discuss, sending themselves and readers on an adventure in middle-schoolish angst. However, when Lavender ends up in yet another spot of trouble (her 3rd in 4 years) that could cost her life, Eric and company get in place but are taken aback by what comes next.
Rating: 3.5stars
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,673 reviews15 followers
April 5, 2021
Eric and Lavender take you on emotional charged, action packed, twists and turns that will leave breathless and wantimg so much more. Lavender hasn't had it easy the past few years and when her and Eric become friends they don't see it as more. When she is taken hostage they have one night that and things go get tense. When she keeps a secret and runs to jer sister's will they he able to work out what thir problems or will they let each go? Amazing read that kept me glued to my kindle. I was on the verg of tears thru most of, but with a good dose of suspense that will have your head spinning and you mind blown with ending that will keep you wanting more. So looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova.
1,782 reviews27 followers
April 16, 2021
BRVW

I am addicted to the Saving Seals series by Jane Blythe. I love books that have hot and broody Navy Seals men. Jane adds her own twist to her stories. I love it all.

Eric we met in book 1 and I didn't think he would become a favorite. But this is his story and OMG! I could not put the book down. Lavender's situation had my heart racing. The adrenaline was pumping and only Jane can keep me on edge. The drama, the what ifs, the whodunit... it will keep your mind guessing. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Karyn.
234 reviews
June 6, 2021
Brilliant

Absolutely loved

“Night” is a SEAL and is on a mission to save his best friend Lavender who has been taken hostage by the Taliban while out in Afghanistan as an aid worker. Through the turmoil of recusing her and the aftermath he gets her back home and feelings take over. With that takes them both in a whirlwind of drama and emotional turmoil.

This book was a totally different path than expected, I very much enjoyed it. It pulled me in and I totally wanted the best for these characters. It kept me turning the pages to find out what happens next. Lavender certainly didn’t get an easy time if it
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,908 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2022
Eric and lavender

A interesting storyline, but frustrating at times plus it was frustrating at the bad advice Eric was getting from people.he needed to let her know how he felt he could still go to her tell her then give her space to think now she had all the right information.But everyone was saying give her space how many was in the relationship? The poor girl talk about wrong place wrong time.
I notice Abigail was 6 months pregnant at Christmas then in April she was 8 months? (Yeah do the maths) it was talked about a few times in different places and the Times did not add up
Profile Image for Ashleigh Christou.
223 reviews19 followers
April 3, 2021
After only being introduced to this author just over a year ago, she has quickly become one of my favourites! Any time she has a new release, I drop everything and know I’m in for something special. This was no exception. Action packed from the get go, this military series will have you on the edge of your seat! Will Lavender and Eric get a happy ever after or does fate have something more sinister in mind? With this author, you never know what you’re going to get so strap yourself in for another fantastic, thrilling ride and expect the unexpected, queen of twists and turns Jane is!
Profile Image for Marie.
5,176 reviews52 followers
April 6, 2021
Is he brave enough to follow his heart?

Oh Eric! He is so very broken and punishing himself on a daily basis, drowning in guilt and self hate. Lavender is his best friend, she has seen the worst of him which surly means she could never feel more for him...could she? Your heart breaks for Eric and Lavender again and again as they are thrown from one life threatening disaster to another, can Eric finally forgive himself and allow himself happiness and a future?
A fast paced, high action book which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
1,796 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2022
Great!

I chose this waiting because this was actually a pretty good book. I really enjoy all of the characters well most all of the characters. This was a book of acceptance, determination, making get choices, and being responsible. I really enjoyed Eric and lavender story I think that these two characters were very interesting and also intriguing. This book was well written I think the author did an amazing job with putting two characters together. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.
2,699 reviews25 followers
March 10, 2021
4*
Eric & Lavender are friends, but when his team is sent in to rescue her from the taliban things shift between them.
He's still not forgiven himself for something in his past, and still finds it hard to trust himself and his decisions.
Lavender also feels she's let her family down and needs to prove things to herself.
I enjoyed reading this book in the series and am looking forward to reading more about them all.
1,240 reviews18 followers
April 4, 2021
I can't say it enough how much I love this authors writing. The way she writes you feel what characters are going through. I loved Eric such the alpha but also so loving and caring, such the hero and than you have Lavender the fearless and feisty heroine. I loved how these two fit together but sometimes I wanted to knock some sense into them as well. But this author loves to keep you on your toes. Another fantastic book that I loved and recommend.
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,460 reviews26 followers
January 18, 2022
I do love a good military action story, especially in the Stoker World.
Eric and Lavender were good friends, had great conversations and didn't cross the line. Things were soon to change once he became her hero. Kidnapping, murder and so much more made for one exciting tale.
I was glued to my kindle throughout. All the characters are awesome and engaging, those of Susan Stoker's as well as Jane's.
On to book 3 as soon as possible now.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,224 reviews34 followers
May 26, 2022
I really like the suspenseful rescue in the first part of the book. Having Wolf's SEAL team from the SEAL of Protection series by Susan Stoker be part of it was a big plus. Eric and Lavender's past mistakes color their present and may derail their future together. These two are best friends and each other inside out. What they've never really acknowledged or explored are their true feelings. Now is the time!
Profile Image for Barbara Lack.
1,639 reviews20 followers
March 6, 2021
Jane Blythe has gotten wickedly good at writing sexy romance books. Eric and Lavender are best friends that become lovers after Eric saves Lavender. There is angst, danger, suspense and passion. The writing is wonderful. I couldn’t put the book down. I love the other seals in the book and very much look forward to reading their books.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Matthias.
134 reviews18 followers
April 6, 2021
Second book in the series and I must say this book was a a brilliant read.jane you never seem to amaze me with your words and you always manage to keep me engrossed in your word throughout the whole story and always leave me wanting more.thank Jane for a amazing read and I look forward to reading more from you
Profile Image for Iris Hehe.
701 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2021
Good read

Lavender had been kidnapped by terrorists and put in a hole. Just as a rebel came to assault her Eric's seal team showed up. Eric stayed with Lavender until they made it home. He even stayed until she was released and He took her home. After getting to her apartment they made love, and used a condom. Now several weeks later she discovered she is pregnant.
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