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It Only Takes One #1
Heart of a Wounded Hero
My Army sniper days are over thanks to a misread that cost me everything. I may have come home from combat alive, but that doesn’t mean I’m whole. Not by a long shot.
I’m at a party where I don’t belong when she charges in like a ray of sunshine with curves for days and a smile that reaches the corners of my cold soul. And throws down a challenge I can’t refuse.
The sense I’ve met my match lands like a grenade in the pit of my stomach. Last time I had this feeling, I was on a gurney in the back of a Black Hawk medevac within an hour. But, I've learned my lesson. I’ve got a plan.
Only problem is… she blows it to pieces.
***
Ellen Brooks delivers a short, steamy-sweet military romance about accepting the past in order to embrace the future.
One Shot with the Soldier is part of the Heart of a Wounded Hero Series, as well as an interconnected standalone in the It Only Takes ONE Series.
If you love reading about wounded military heroes, curvy women, and unexpected love in a small town, then you’ll love Seth and Baylee's story.
The Heart of the Wounded Hero series was created to pay tribute to and raise awareness of our wounded heroes. Each of the over eighty authors involved have contributed time, money, and stories to the cause. These love stories are inspiring and uplifting, showing the sacrifice of our veterans but also giving them the happily ever after they deserve.
By increasing awareness through our books, we believe we can in a small part help the wounded heroes that have sacrificed so much.
Thank you for reading!
I’m at a party where I don’t belong when she charges in like a ray of sunshine with curves for days and a smile that reaches the corners of my cold soul. And throws down a challenge I can’t refuse.
The sense I’ve met my match lands like a grenade in the pit of my stomach. Last time I had this feeling, I was on a gurney in the back of a Black Hawk medevac within an hour. But, I've learned my lesson. I’ve got a plan.
Only problem is… she blows it to pieces.
***
Ellen Brooks delivers a short, steamy-sweet military romance about accepting the past in order to embrace the future.
One Shot with the Soldier is part of the Heart of a Wounded Hero Series, as well as an interconnected standalone in the It Only Takes ONE Series.
If you love reading about wounded military heroes, curvy women, and unexpected love in a small town, then you’ll love Seth and Baylee's story.
The Heart of the Wounded Hero series was created to pay tribute to and raise awareness of our wounded heroes. Each of the over eighty authors involved have contributed time, money, and stories to the cause. These love stories are inspiring and uplifting, showing the sacrifice of our veterans but also giving them the happily ever after they deserve.
By increasing awareness through our books, we believe we can in a small part help the wounded heroes that have sacrificed so much.
Thank you for reading!
68 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2022
199 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Brooks
43 books87 followersEllen Brooks pens sexy & satisfying stories. When she’s not dreaming up her next hero or plotting a happily ever after, you’ll find her absorbed in a novel, relaxing into śavāsana, or downing an iced coffee.
Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!
Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 29, 2022
4.5 stars
This is a really good short, sweet read. Baylee and Seth are interesting characters with a lot of depth. They had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The chemistry on page between these two sizzles. I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Aaron as they added the texture and fabric of the story. I love that we got an epilogue and got to see Seth and Baylee enjoying their HEA.
The only thing with this story is that it was wayyyyyyy to short. I wanted more of these characters and their romance. I wish this had been a full-length novel that could have explored these characters for longer and more in depth, because I enjoyed their story.
I’m looking forward to Robbie’s story and hope to get to see Seth and Baylee some more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a really good short, sweet read. Baylee and Seth are interesting characters with a lot of depth. They had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The chemistry on page between these two sizzles. I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Aaron as they added the texture and fabric of the story. I love that we got an epilogue and got to see Seth and Baylee enjoying their HEA.
The only thing with this story is that it was wayyyyyyy to short. I wanted more of these characters and their romance. I wish this had been a full-length novel that could have explored these characters for longer and more in depth, because I enjoyed their story.
I’m looking forward to Robbie’s story and hope to get to see Seth and Baylee some more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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December 26, 2022FREE today (December 26, 2022) on Amazon.
November 19, 2023
This was actually super sweet and really pulled at my heartstrings! A quick and easy read that leaves you with a warm and tender smile 😊
November 1, 2022
Baylee and Seth fall in love over laser tag and cake. Steamy and sweet at the same time. The couple overcome obstacles to earn their HEA! Will read more in the series.
October 23, 2022
Seth meets Baylee at his eight-year_
-old godson's birthday party when there is a laser tag event. Seth, a sniper, loses a bet with Baylee, an event planner at the retirement home. She was surprised that she won. Seth can't get Baylee off his mind, and Baylee can't forget Seth either.
Will they get together or not? This is a very uplifting and inspiring romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
I got an advance copy from StoryOrigin for giving my honest and freely given opinion.
-old godson's birthday party when there is a laser tag event. Seth, a sniper, loses a bet with Baylee, an event planner at the retirement home. She was surprised that she won. Seth can't get Baylee off his mind, and Baylee can't forget Seth either.
Will they get together or not? This is a very uplifting and inspiring romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
I got an advance copy from StoryOrigin for giving my honest and freely given opinion.
October 26, 2022
A super sweet fast read. I wish it was longer. I want more with Seth and Bailey. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.
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December 25, 2022Too short to be anything other than writing sample- and allllllll tell. Enough for me to dub it first and last/only
Polite pass.
On KindleUnlimited, delighted to return it
Polite pass.
On KindleUnlimited, delighted to return it
July 1, 2025
WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.
Seth/Ace and Baylee met at his godson's birthday party when they play laser tag. Baylee is running late when everyone is ready to start she comes rushing in. Seth and Baylee made a bet, and she wins. Seth is a former Army sniper who owns the gun range on the outskirts of town. After Baylee declares she's the winner, she has to get back to work. Seth can't stop thinking about Baylee so the next day he shows up at her work bringing her a piece of cake. When Seth sits down he starts to talk to an older gentleman sitting at the table. After Baylee eats her cake with Seth he asks her for a rematch so they head to his gun range. Seth takes Baylee on his motorcycle to the gun range. After Seth sets everyone up he asks Baylee how many shots she wants. Baylee asks him how many can she have Seth tells her as many as she wants. Baylee choices to have only one shot. Seth instructs Baylee on how to hold the gun, and safety. When Baylee shots she falls back into Seth who catches her. Baylee asks how she did and Seth tells her she didn't hit the target but hit the paper. Baylee tells Seth then he wins since she knows he was a sniper in the army. Seth pulls Baylee to him and kisses her, but she steps back and looks up at the cameras. Seth tells her the only person who will see is him, Baylee finds out he owns the gun range. Baylee has to get back to work, but she asks Seth to come to the Veteran's Day Celebrations she's having at the retirement home. Seth doesn't thinks what he did for his country should be celebrated. A few days later, Baylee is setting up for Veterans Day and talking to Aaron, Seth's godson. When Aaron's father comes and starts to talk to Baylee she finds out that Seth hasn't shot a gun since he came home from the army. Baylee asks Robbie, Aaron's father and Seth's best friend if Seth ever talks about what happened. Baylee finds out that Seth doesn't talk about what happened to him. As Baylee is thanking all the Veterans for their service she scans the crowd and finds Seth. After Seth rewatched the video several times, he realized that he wants Baylee in his life. When Baylee asks all Veterans to stand she watches Seth as he stands too. After the celebration, Seth talks to Baylee's grandfather. When Seth walks up to Baylee Aaron tells her that Seth has something for her. Seth gives Baylee his scorecard from laser tag and tells her she never hit him once. Seth tells her the bet was between them and she never hit him. Two years later, Seth is setting up the nursery when Baylee comes and finds out if he's ready for her grandfather's birthday party. Seth and Baylee are married.
Seth/Ace and Baylee met at his godson's birthday party when they play laser tag. Baylee is running late when everyone is ready to start she comes rushing in. Seth and Baylee made a bet, and she wins. Seth is a former Army sniper who owns the gun range on the outskirts of town. After Baylee declares she's the winner, she has to get back to work. Seth can't stop thinking about Baylee so the next day he shows up at her work bringing her a piece of cake. When Seth sits down he starts to talk to an older gentleman sitting at the table. After Baylee eats her cake with Seth he asks her for a rematch so they head to his gun range. Seth takes Baylee on his motorcycle to the gun range. After Seth sets everyone up he asks Baylee how many shots she wants. Baylee asks him how many can she have Seth tells her as many as she wants. Baylee choices to have only one shot. Seth instructs Baylee on how to hold the gun, and safety. When Baylee shots she falls back into Seth who catches her. Baylee asks how she did and Seth tells her she didn't hit the target but hit the paper. Baylee tells Seth then he wins since she knows he was a sniper in the army. Seth pulls Baylee to him and kisses her, but she steps back and looks up at the cameras. Seth tells her the only person who will see is him, Baylee finds out he owns the gun range. Baylee has to get back to work, but she asks Seth to come to the Veteran's Day Celebrations she's having at the retirement home. Seth doesn't thinks what he did for his country should be celebrated. A few days later, Baylee is setting up for Veterans Day and talking to Aaron, Seth's godson. When Aaron's father comes and starts to talk to Baylee she finds out that Seth hasn't shot a gun since he came home from the army. Baylee asks Robbie, Aaron's father and Seth's best friend if Seth ever talks about what happened. Baylee finds out that Seth doesn't talk about what happened to him. As Baylee is thanking all the Veterans for their service she scans the crowd and finds Seth. After Seth rewatched the video several times, he realized that he wants Baylee in his life. When Baylee asks all Veterans to stand she watches Seth as he stands too. After the celebration, Seth talks to Baylee's grandfather. When Seth walks up to Baylee Aaron tells her that Seth has something for her. Seth gives Baylee his scorecard from laser tag and tells her she never hit him once. Seth tells her the bet was between them and she never hit him. Two years later, Seth is setting up the nursery when Baylee comes and finds out if he's ready for her grandfather's birthday party. Seth and Baylee are married.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
Deserving of Our Respect.
Amazing book. “Ace” is not comfortable Fire a weapon any longer, not even for laser tag. He is there for his godson’s birthday party and couldn’t let him down by not showing up. When the tornado arrives in the form of Baylee his mission is to protect her. She challenges him and wins since he was shooting at every one trying to get to her. Ace tracks her down and takes her to his range once again managing not having to fire a gun. He almost fires something else, though. When Baylee tries to get him to attend the Veteran’s Celebration he shuts down and she doesn’t see or hear from him the rest of the week. For five days Ace is miserable but, then so is Baylee. Will he accept the fact that he deserves the honor of having served his country?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amazing book. “Ace” is not comfortable Fire a weapon any longer, not even for laser tag. He is there for his godson’s birthday party and couldn’t let him down by not showing up. When the tornado arrives in the form of Baylee his mission is to protect her. She challenges him and wins since he was shooting at every one trying to get to her. Ace tracks her down and takes her to his range once again managing not having to fire a gun. He almost fires something else, though. When Baylee tries to get him to attend the Veteran’s Celebration he shuts down and she doesn’t see or hear from him the rest of the week. For five days Ace is miserable but, then so is Baylee. Will he accept the fact that he deserves the honor of having served his country?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2024
The couple: Seth (Ace) and Baylee
Romance trope: military
Series: Heart of a Wounded Hero/It Only Takes One
Length: 65 pages
Plot: Baylee and Seth meet when they both go to a little kid's birthday party. She claims to be a laser tag expert but Seth (Ace) was a sniper in the military. But when she triumphs, she gives him a chance to redeem himself. Seth isn't sure he deserves a second chance for anything, but Baylee is difficult to resist once she decides she wants something.
Commentary: Sweet story with a patriotic bent. Baylee understood Seth so well because of her grandpa and I liked that sweetness. She was patient but persistent. Having her be an activities director was a job I've never seen before in a romance, so I enjoyed that as well.
Next book in the series: One Oath by the Officer
Romance trope: military
Series: Heart of a Wounded Hero/It Only Takes One
Length: 65 pages
Plot: Baylee and Seth meet when they both go to a little kid's birthday party. She claims to be a laser tag expert but Seth (Ace) was a sniper in the military. But when she triumphs, she gives him a chance to redeem himself. Seth isn't sure he deserves a second chance for anything, but Baylee is difficult to resist once she decides she wants something.
Commentary: Sweet story with a patriotic bent. Baylee understood Seth so well because of her grandpa and I liked that sweetness. She was patient but persistent. Having her be an activities director was a job I've never seen before in a romance, so I enjoyed that as well.
Next book in the series: One Oath by the Officer
October 7, 2024
Over and done within about an hour.
I really didn’t know what to expect but as the wife of a Navy seal veteran, I figured I’d give her a go.
It was cute, but definitely holy unrealistic.
The whole set up was silly and fun, the romance was nice.
My main issue is around the whole shooting range.
My husband was a sniper as well as the main character in this story, does not matter if they are a seal, a ranger, marsoc, etc they cut from the same cloth.
While my list of reckless seals who do crazy things is a mile long, not a single one would ever take a girl to the range without giving her a full rundown of gun safety there’s reckless and then they is stupid. Reckless they may be, but stupid. None of these men are.
They just would not put a gun in the hands of somebody who never shot before, and only give them two rules, second being fuzzy. It just wouldn’t happen.
I really didn’t know what to expect but as the wife of a Navy seal veteran, I figured I’d give her a go.
It was cute, but definitely holy unrealistic.
The whole set up was silly and fun, the romance was nice.
My main issue is around the whole shooting range.
My husband was a sniper as well as the main character in this story, does not matter if they are a seal, a ranger, marsoc, etc they cut from the same cloth.
While my list of reckless seals who do crazy things is a mile long, not a single one would ever take a girl to the range without giving her a full rundown of gun safety there’s reckless and then they is stupid. Reckless they may be, but stupid. None of these men are.
They just would not put a gun in the hands of somebody who never shot before, and only give them two rules, second being fuzzy. It just wouldn’t happen.
October 24, 2022
Laser tag + cake = instalove!!!
Ace and Baylee share an instant connection and man do they have sparks flying everywhere! Ace has some scars that need to heal and Baylee is the perfect person to help with the healing. This couple is intense and obviously meant to be together.
One Shot with the Soldier is part of the It Only Takes One series from Ellen Brooks. I can't wait to read the rest of the books to meet up again with some of the other characters introduced in One Shot with the Soldier! Ellen says her books are "Short, Steamy-Sweet and Satisfying Modern-Day Love Stories". That is just the perfect way to describe this book. I loved it so much and am ready for more!
I received an Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ace and Baylee share an instant connection and man do they have sparks flying everywhere! Ace has some scars that need to heal and Baylee is the perfect person to help with the healing. This couple is intense and obviously meant to be together.
One Shot with the Soldier is part of the It Only Takes One series from Ellen Brooks. I can't wait to read the rest of the books to meet up again with some of the other characters introduced in One Shot with the Soldier! Ellen says her books are "Short, Steamy-Sweet and Satisfying Modern-Day Love Stories". That is just the perfect way to describe this book. I loved it so much and am ready for more!
I received an Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2022
So I received this book from the author to review:
Pros: quick read, I love age gap romances.
Love that even though the female love interest (Baylee) is younger she is still strong and goes for what she wants and says what she means
The male lead (Ace/Seth) is a retired Army sniper that was medically discharged due to a mission gone wrong.
Cons: I wish that the author took more time to develop the characters and the relationship. I feel like it was rushed, I get that it was almost a love at first story but I feel like the author could have gone deeper into both characters.
If you are looking for a quick read with likable characters, then this is perfect for you
Pros: quick read, I love age gap romances.
Love that even though the female love interest (Baylee) is younger she is still strong and goes for what she wants and says what she means
The male lead (Ace/Seth) is a retired Army sniper that was medically discharged due to a mission gone wrong.
Cons: I wish that the author took more time to develop the characters and the relationship. I feel like it was rushed, I get that it was almost a love at first story but I feel like the author could have gone deeper into both characters.
If you are looking for a quick read with likable characters, then this is perfect for you
November 19, 2022
Seth is a soldier who is not proud of what he did to serve his country because he was just doing his job.
Molly works in a vet centre. Her grandfather is also a vet living on the premises of the centre.
The attraction between them is just immediate. But Seth needs some time to see what is in front of him and realize that life is just to sort to lose the opportunity to be happy.
Another beautiful story to add to this great collection of books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Molly works in a vet centre. Her grandfather is also a vet living on the premises of the centre.
The attraction between them is just immediate. But Seth needs some time to see what is in front of him and realize that life is just to sort to lose the opportunity to be happy.
Another beautiful story to add to this great collection of books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2023
1 star is a courtesy for this read. There isn't enough time for anything to really happen. There's no backstory on Ace, or Baylee for that matter. The side characters are thrown in simply to bring the main characters together and add no real value to the story. There's a time jump and suddenly everything is hunky dory? I'm so glad I got this book for free on Kindle Unlimited because had I paid remotely anything for this book I would have rage flipped a whole table. Glad to return this one. 0/10 do not recommend.
November 14, 2022
Ace is a retired Army sniper and is attending his godson's laser tag birthday party. Baylee(Ms. Norton) is invited too. Ace sees the sweet and curvy Baylee and is instantly smitten. She challenges him at laser tag and they start betting.😉 They fall hard and fast for each other, but Ace's past is threatening their HEA. But the heart wants the heart gets 🥰🥰 Instalove, sweet, fun to read, steamy, romantic and safe with an awesome HEA and no OP drama😍😍😍😍
September 30, 2023
Beautful story.
What a beautiful story. Seth aka Ace didn't think he was worthy to say he was a hero for his service because of his accident. But a tornado named Baylee thought differently and wanted to prove him wrong.
The chemistry between Baylee and Seth was electric! It was just a matter of time before Seth threw caution to the wind and set out to claim his woman. This book was beautifully written and fast paced. You will nor be disappointed.
What a beautiful story. Seth aka Ace didn't think he was worthy to say he was a hero for his service because of his accident. But a tornado named Baylee thought differently and wanted to prove him wrong.
The chemistry between Baylee and Seth was electric! It was just a matter of time before Seth threw caution to the wind and set out to claim his woman. This book was beautifully written and fast paced. You will nor be disappointed.
October 21, 2022
Seth (H36), former Army sharpshooter, spies Baylee (h24) at his godson’s birthday party and instantly fall for the curvy younger woman. He feels that he’s undeserving of the hope that offers him, but she works her way behind his reserved nature. Sweet instalove military romance quickie with a side of heat.
November 6, 2022
This was a sweet age gap romance. It was my first time reading a book by this author and I liked her style. It was not as steamy as I usually prefer but I liked it. Seth and Baylee had good chemistry and they were sweet together. I liked it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2022
I'm such a sucker for a silent soldier. With a mix of a man coming to terms with his feelings and a woman who just wants to show him that he's a hero to her, this story is delightful. Oh! And laser tag! Can't forget the laser tag!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2022
This book is part of the Heart of a wounded hero series. This story is an grumpy older man military and a younger curvy woman steamy instalove military romance. This book is a sweet romantic short romance with a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2022
An instant connection when Ace meets his match at his godson’s birthday party. Loved Baylee’s sassy but kind hearted attitude, where she makes Seth take notice and rethink his position of keeping to himself. Wonderful in honoring our veterans for their service.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
November 8, 2022
This is a Heart of a Wounded Hero the story of Seth and Baylee. Well that is one way to stay focused and not have flash backs for sure. I loved these two and how they fit so well together and how competitive they both are. I laughed at how Seth and Baylee first meet and the funny part of how these two find each other again too. That will teach them to have fun and show off too. What a great book
November 15, 2022
Seth is medically retired from the army. He meets Baylee while attending his godsons birthday party. As soon as he sets eyes on her he knows she is his one. He feels she deserves better but Baylee works her way in. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry and a lovely HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2022
One Shot with the Soldier, is yet another great addition to the Heart of a Wounded Hero. Ellen is a new author to me and I liked the way she executed her plot and the way she built her characters. I loved this story, I will be reading more from this author.
Baylee and Seth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Baylee and Seth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2022
Short and to the point
I enjoy these short, instalove, over the top Heart of a Wounded Hero stories. Baylee and Ace or Seth, get to the point quick. They are each strong characters and are both passionate about the things in their lives. This is a sweet story about overcoming your own preconceived notions. Seth overcomes his bad feelings about himself and his grumpiness.
I enjoy these short, instalove, over the top Heart of a Wounded Hero stories. Baylee and Ace or Seth, get to the point quick. They are each strong characters and are both passionate about the things in their lives. This is a sweet story about overcoming your own preconceived notions. Seth overcomes his bad feelings about himself and his grumpiness.
November 7, 2022
Super cute. A vet blindsided by a woman at his godson’s birthday party. He while trying to pay back a bet ends up being asked to face something he’s not ready to. This makes him push away the one person he found light in since returning home.
November 7, 2022
This was a really good story involving a former military man with mental and physical scars. Baylee and Seth had intense chemistry from the beginning and were both competitive. This book was fun to read and i strongly recommend it.
November 8, 2022
Such a cute short story about finding your person while battling demons. Can their story about how they get together and overcome some fears is heartwarming and awww inspiring. This is a wonderful soldier finding his home in this world away from the war.
November 8, 2022
Seth was reserved and stoic, but much more than met the eye. Baylee was a adorable, sassy and truly caring. They had instant chemistry that sizzled off the pages. This touching story was amazing with a perfect ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews