SEAL's Christmas Daughter

by Katie Knight, Leslie North

A Navy SEAL makes for a sexy Christmas surprise…

Former Navy SEAL Zach Walker could never get Marissa off his mind. Of all the women in his life, she’s the one he just can’t forget—even though it’s been ten years since they spent an unforgettable night together.

So when he’s assigned to stake out a house in a quiet residential neighborhood, he’s shocked to discover Marissa living right next door. But he’s even more surprised when he learns that one magical night, all those years ago, left him a father…

Marissa gave up on Zach long ago, and now she’s not exactly thrilled to have him join her little family—even if it is Christmas. But his smoldering eyes and shy smile quickly melt her resolve. When Zach explains a murder suspect could show up next door, Marissa agrees to let him stay so he can help protect her family – and get to know his daughter.

But she’s determined to ignore their growing attraction. Ignore his ripped body, and those scorching kisses…

But can she ignore what’s in her heart?

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2022

About the author

It isn’t a big surprise Katie Knight ended up writing romances about the stellar, studdly men of the Navy SEALs; after all, she was a K-9 trainer for the SEALs and met her own Navy SEAL hero husband while preparing one of their K-9 partners for combat. A few years after their marriage, her and hubby decided to retire with their K-9 partner, Sam, to raise their children in the Midwest. It wasn’t long after that before Katie decided to write her own stories featuring the men of the SEAL teams and the women who love them.

When not imagining dangerously romantic scenarios for her heroes and their feisty heroines, Katie enjoys hikes with her husband and Sam, spending time with her children, and long runs (on and off the beach).

Join me on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/Katie-Knight...

Reviews

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick romance with a bit of a suspense to it. Zach is a retired Navy SEAL, working an undercover job for a former teammate, providing protection for Lydia and her daughter Charlotte, though unbeknownst to them. Lydia took Charlotte and ran from her criminal thug husband, who is rumored to be in the area hunting them down. Marissa and her daughter Lacy live next door, and the two women and two girls are best friends.
Zach is very surprised to run into Marissa (literally!), and even more surprised to learn that her daughter is also his daughter, after they had a one night stand ten years ago.

Sometimes I don’t enjoy the “secret baby” trope, unless there was an actual compelling reason for the heroine to have not told the hero about the child they created together. In this case, Marissa did try to track Zach down, but he had been sent out of the country on an assignment the day after their one night together, and her message never reached him. Could she have tried to find him later? When Lacy was born? When she was 3, or 5, or 7? Yeah, I suppose so, but at that point I can more easily understand not doing so.

I loved how Zach, even though flummoxed by the news, was ready to step up and be a father. Even thought it wasn’t his fault that he wasn’t around for Lacy, he was filled with guilt and regret that he’d missed so much of Lacy’s life, and was determined not to miss any more. Lacy didn’t make it easy on him! She wanted nothing to do with him at first.

My only complaint about the story is when Lacy learned the news. Marissa told Zach she would introduce them and they could feel it out first, see how Lacy reacted to him. Then when she did bring Zach inside to meet Lacy, she immediately told Lacy this is Zach, he’s your father. It was just so abrupt, especially considering how she had told Zach she wanted to handle it.

Anyway, I loved Zach, and I loved Marissa, I loved watching them all get to know each other and beginning to form a family. There was a lot of internal angst, something I also love, with Marissa wondering how Zach felt, what would happen when his assignment was over, would he pick up and leave, and Zach wondering how she felt, and could he be a father and live a normal life with a family, and so on.

And then there was his assignment, which put Marissa and Lacy in danger also, though it created a good excuse for Zach to move into Marissa’s home, letting him spend time with Lacy and keep an eye on the house next door. As the danger seems to increase, with strange incidents happening, the suspense was ramped up, and the latter part of the book became tense and fast paced, until of course everything was resolved very satisfactorily in the end.

I hadn’t read this author before, but I will be looking for more by her.

*I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC Program and have voluntarily reviewed it*

[Donna McEachran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

I hate giving low ratings for books but this was painful, particularly Lacy. Her behaviour would have made sense if she was 16 but she was 9 and a total brat!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one flipped the usual scenario a little and I really appreciated that. Marissa and Zach had a one night stand. She became pregnant and he was not aware. Zach is out of the service and doing a security job for ex teammate who is current FBI. He bumps into Marissa (no pun intended) when he is scoping out the house he has to watch. From that bump on this was a different scenario. Yes Zach was a SEAL. Not having situational awareness seemed a little off, but Katie/Leslie show that Zach is human. SEAL's might be the cream of the crop, but they are human. Zach had plenty of flaws :). The other flip was Marissa, such a straight shooter, addressing his daddy status with her daughter, stepping up to have hard conversations. This all goes on while he is trying to protect her next door neighbor and daughter. This had wonderful holiday family moments. Some realistic parent - child moments and of course plenty of steam, after all, second chances. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #SEAL'schristmasdaughter #Leslienorth #katienight

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seal’s Christmas Daughter by Katie Knight is a story about a retired SEAL, Zach, who is floundering in his new civilian life. Right now he is working a covert protection mission for the FBI, guarding a woman and her daughter. They have run from their husband and father who is a serious criminal. So far, he has not made an appearance but how long can that last? As Zach is pulling into the street to follow them, he inadvertently hits a car pulling out of a driveway. Hoping for minimal damage, he comes face-to-face with a woman, Marissa, he had spent one night with almost 10 years earlier. He had never forgotten her. She recognizes him, too. As she gives instructions to her nine year-old daughter, he quickly does the math. She sees it in his face and readily admits that he is the girl’s father. His life is changed in an instant.

This is an engrossing book. Knight had a good character in Zach. He goes through a lot in the following weeks between adjusting to this new normal and the job he was sent here to do. It turns out the woman and daughter he is protecting live next door to Marissa and are the best friends of her and her daughter. After some tense moments, all comes right and Zach is forced to decide whether he can open himself up and have a relationship or whether he needs to move on and continue living the lonely existence he has been living. It is decently plotted with good characters and a decent story. Zach experiences pre-teens with attitudes, something all parents have experience with. It was kind of entertaining. This was a good SEAL romance. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Seal’s Christmas Daughter through Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Booksprout #KatieKnight #SealsChristmasDaughter

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll love Marissa and Zack's second chance. They have one explosive night ten years then he was shipped out of the country. She had no clue where to find him when she found out she was pregnant. Fate brings them back together when he was assigned a security job next door. The book is intense and overflowing with emotion. Some drama, some guilt and emotion galore. This is an exciting read and they are strong, likable characters. I received a free copy of this book via Bad Boy Updates and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Zach and Marissa. They had a one night stand. Ten years later they have a second chance at love. He gets a surprise Christmas gift when he finds he has a nine year old daughter. It's an action packed story filled with suspense and danger as well as a ton of emotions. The story moves fluidly with perfectly painted scenes and is a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[De Anna Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chimney Smoke.
Fantastic book. Zach is working on a case when he quite literally run into the woman he has never been able to forget. When she approaches him she’s just as surprised to see him as he is her. A young girl in the car calls out “Mom” drawing his attention. He asks her how old she is. Marissa is shocked but answers his question and confirms that yes, Lacy is his daughter. After talking for a few minutes she invites Zach into her house where they tell Lacy he’s her father. She doesn’t take it well and storms off to her room. Marissa and Zach talk for a while longer and he lets her know that he was hired to protect her next door neighbor and her daughter by his friend with the FBI, Barry. Marissa happens to be best friends with Lydia and same with their daughters. By the end of the week Zach is staying in her guest room to be closer to his target and get to know their daughter more. His boss informs him that the man they’re after is most likely in town. Then strange things start happening, the girls are approached by unknown men on three different occasions. Meanwhile, Zach and Marissa grow close again but, as the danger gets real tensions rise. When he catches someone trying to break into Lydia’s house he calls his boss and they decide it’s time for everybody to leave. He tells Lydia and her daughter, Charlotte, to pack and then they will go next door so Marissa and Lacy can do the same thing. Zach goes outside to check the perimeter and on his way back he looks at the security cameras from his phone. Something is wrong, they’re not working. He runs back to Lydia’s finds no one. He searches everywhere and finally finds Marissa and Lydia on the laundry room floor. Thankfully both are alive but, the girls are gone. Once both wake up a few minutes later they confirm that it was Lydia’s husband, Dirk Bradley the man he’s after, that was there. He gets the women out of the house and tries to find the car he saw on his check. Also, he calls his friend telling him what has happened he also calls the police. They women want to stay at Marissa’s house in case the girls manage to escape and come home. Police arrive to keep an eye on Lydia while Zach and Marissa drive around still searching for the black car. Suddenly she starts get texts from Lacy’s Smart Watch. She says Charlotte’s dad has them and their phones and starts giving them things that she sees to help them find her. The two of them follow the clues then track footprints and gum wrappers in the snow. Marissa has a hunch of where they are and leads them to a Rangers cabin. Zach sends a text to Barry with their location and wait. He gets closer to the cabin and looks in and sees the girls tied to a chair. He also notices that the black car is in the back and running. They continue to wait for the FBI to get there but, they see the back door open and Charlotte is being dragged out by Dirk and shoved into the car. As he cleans of the car Zach knows he can’t wait any longer. He tackles Dirk from behind and they fight. Marissa makes a run for the cabin to find Lacy when she hears a gunshot. She gets to Lacy who falls into her arms after being untied. She prays that Zach is not hurt. As the two of them approach the door she sees red and blue lights flashing. But, where’s Zach and Charlotte?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vfc · Rating 2 out of 5]

An unplanned pregnancy, nine years apart after the fact…his car collides into Marissa’s car in front of her home.

He hasn’t seen Marisa since he deployed, he’s now working undercover to protect Lydia/Linda (Marissa’s best friend) and her daughter Charlotte/Claire (Lacy’s best friend) hiding from her murderous husband, Dirk Bradley.

Barry Thompson retired early at thirty-eight joining the FBI, their mutual friend and fellow SEAL team member, Roger Gentry had been home on leave, out with some friends, a night of fun, when he stumbled upon something he shouldn’t have. Roger had discovered a jewel smuggling ring in Savannah. The ringleader, some wealthy Savannah art dealer named Dirk Bradley, had ordered their friend killed, most likely because Rog had gotten too close to the truth and threatened the guy’s lucrative shady dealings. Before dying, he emailed information to Barry. Pictures from his mobile of jewels being smuggled and a shot of the guy behind it all. Dirk Bradley.

Zach retired from the SEALs a year before and is undercover, protecting Bradley’s wife Lydia and Charlotte. Scoping out the subdivision, he discovers Marissa and a daughter he never knew he had, Lacy.

Dirk Bradley and his smuggling ring had been busted right open by Barry’s team. Turns out Zach’s good friend and Marissa’s bestie had hit it off too. Marissa liked to brag that she could tell from the first moment that Barry met Linda after bringing the girls home that they’d be together forever, but Zach didn’t think that was the case. He knew Barry had been about as gun shy as Zach about being open and vulnerable and committed. But the more time his friend and Linda had spent together, the more they’d bonded.

“Oh!” Marissa grabbed Zach’s hand and placed it atop her pregnant belly. “He’s really kicking today.”
Zach waited, grinning as he felt his tiny son jab his palm from inside his mom’s womb. He’d felt it many times now, and it still never failed to take his breath away. This time the year before he’d found out he was a father for the first time. Now he had his second child on the way, and Zach couldn’t be more overjoyed.

Marissa quit her job with the Forestry Service and started her own trail business, the business being very lucrative, with Marissa’s reputation as an expert guide preceding her.

Zach’s original cover story for being in town was— a potential teaching job at Gage Academy as a military strategist whilst staying next door with Marissa and getting to know Lacy as he protects Marissa’s best friend and her daughter from her thug husband.

Within a month of apprehending the suspects, Gage Academy contacted him, eager to put all his military knowledge and skills to use, teaching the next generation of service men and women.

Evidently, there were people even Bradley was afraid of. So he’d gone to trial and been convicted on all counts, including the murder of Roger Gentry and kidnapping and child endangerment for his abduction of Lacy and Claire.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach Walker had just retired from the SEALs, when a previous team member now working for the FBI, Barry asked him to take a side job for the agency. He wanted Zach to head down to Casper, Georgia on a protection detail of a woman and her daughter running from her husband. They were not to know he was there, but he was to watch making sure that the husband did not try to hurt them in any way. Her husband, Dirk Bradley was involved in stolen art and antiques where he was believed to be responsible for the death of Zach and Barry's friend, Roger another SEAL while home on leave. The first thing Zach does when he got to the location. When he had a small accident by running into the back of the neighbors car. He got the shock of his life, when he discovered it was Marissa, a woman he had one night with ten years ago, before he shipped out the next day. His protection detail was getting more complicated by the minute, because he next learned she had a daughter, and the more he questioned her, he learned the child, Lacy was his. Oh, it did not end there. The mother, Lydia and daughter, Charlotte he was sent to protect, they were inseparable from Marissa and Lacy, because they were bestfriends doing everything together. He needed to separate his personal feelings from the job, but he needed to protect all four of them. He had never forgotten Marissa. Memories of her was how he made it through some of his missions. Being here with her was making those feelings even stronger, and knowing he had a daughter that he had missed so much of her life already was heart breaking. He wanted to be in both their lives, but he had to finish this job. Marissa was confused, she had feelings for Zach, but she could not tell where she stood with him. Danger seems to always be around the corner. What a page turner with great excitement, suspense, mystery, intrigue, mild romance, some humor as Zach builds the case against Bradley and gets to know the daughter he never knew he had. A special read with a father and a nine year old daughter trying to learn how to connect for the first time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise, shock and awe
SEAL’s Christmas Daughter by Katie Knight is a shiny wrapped package stuffed full of danger, suspense, surprise, second chance, and a roller coaster of emotions for the Hero and former SEAL and a fiercely independent Heroine who is happy with her family as is, plus a stubborn preteen, just to name a few.
Zach is completely thrown (somewhat comically) when he learns about his daughter, Lacy. While he is determined to make a connection and be a part of her life from here on out, it’s a real struggle. Marissa wavers between wanting her daughter to have a relationship with her dad and not wanting to share her. Both of them internally struggle with the emotional aspect of a relationship even though the memories and desire of their one and only night never left either of their minds. Emotions are compounded by vulnerabilities of their individual childhood hurts which breeds doubts about their ability to truly connect and be what the other needs as well as what the other needs to be for themselves. Add in the holidays and all the feels Christmas inspires and it’s a near constant internal state of confusion.
This plot is robust! There’s Zach’s job, the secrets because of his job, the blossoming feelings between Zach and Marissa as well as the continual work of connecting with his daughter. She’s a pistol and does not make it easy on her poor, shocked, out-of-his depth Dad! With all of that going on, there’s never a dull moment and things often ebb and flow between good stuff, sad staff, worrisome, scary, happy, hopeless but lots of love in there too.
Overall, Zach and Marissa become a united team for his job and then for their holiday HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and voluntarily share my review.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced easy quick read that is entertaining, drama filled, action packed, suspenseful, great characters and awesome plot that takes the readers on a journey into the lives of Zach, Marissa and Lacy that will definitely not want to miss out on reading. I so love second chances at romance, it gives the couple to figure where they went wrong and to get it right. Zach is a super sexy alpha former Navy SEAL military veteran. Marissa and Zach shared a hot sizzling night between sheets 10 years ago. Zach never forgot Marissa and she was never far from his train of thought. Before Marissa got the chance to let Zach know she was pregnant he received orders and was shipped out. Zach is working on a case where he is sent to keep watch over a woman and her child to keep them safe from her husband. Funny thing is that the husband killed Zach’s Navy SEAL friend. While Zach is backing out of a space Marissa hit his car. The two remember each other instantly and then he spots Marissa’s daughter in the back seat and asks how she is and knows that Marissa’s daughter Lacy is his child. The lady that Zach is protecting just so happens to be Marissa neighbor and he convinces Marissa to let him move in keep her and Lacy and the neighbor safe.

Can Zach keep Marissa, Lacy and her neighbor safe, why is the neighbor’s husband after her, is there a second chance in store for Marissa, Zach and Lacy. #TeamMarissaZachLacy!

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Relay Publishing and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach and Marissa had a one night fling almost 10 years ago when he was a SEAL. He was shipped out the next day and Marissa tried to get in touch with him but wasn't able to connect with him. Zach has now retired from the SEALs and is working for his friend to protect the wife and daughter of the man who killed their best friend. On the first morning of the job staking out the wife's home, his car is run into by Marissa. They recognized each other right away and the sparks are still there. He sees her daughter in the back seat and asks how old she is. He then asks if she's his daughter. She is and he wants to get to know her. Zach comes up with the idea to stay with Marissa in order to be close to the people he's supposed to protect. He promises Marissa that he's going to protect her and Lacy and especially since they are friends with the neighbors that Zach is supposed to be protecting. There are dangerous situations that happen when the killer finds out where his wife and daughter are hiding. Zach tries to protect them all but he's only one man. Zach and Marissa had a lot of trust issues to work through. I liked that Marissa encouraged Zach by telling him ways to get to know Lacy. I received an early copy of this book from Hidden Gems to read and review. I'm leaving my honest review.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zach and Marissa’s second chance at love comes with a few hiccups, lots of insecurities and doubts, and a dose of danger and suspense. Fate brings them back together after ten years and Zach learns that he is a father of a nine year old girl, Lacy. Shocked, overwhelmed and also filled with joy, Zach is determined to be a good father to his daughter. But there are complications to his plan. He is in town to do a job for his friend which involves protecting Marissa’s neighbours, and his daughter wants nothing to do with him. Zach comes up with a plan to stay with Marissa to get to know his daughter and be close enough to protect her neighbours. Surprisingly, Marissa agrees to his plan. Neither Zach or Marissa has forgotten the passionate night they spent together, and a spark of attraction between them still exists and is growing brighter. With his daughter giving him plenty of snark and attitude and Marissa stirring up a whole host of emotions, Zach is hard pressed to keep his mind on protecting the neighbours. It soon becomes clear to both Zach and Marissa that deeper feelings are involved, but will Zach stick around when his job is done? Do Marissa and Lacy even want him to stay?could a happily ever after be in their future?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will it be a Happy Holidays for these two after all these years

Zach Walker is a retired Navy SEAL who is about to get a very big surprise this holiday season. Marissa and her daughter Lacy are about to run into a very big surprise of their own, one very big and sexy SEAL. Zach is working a protective detail to keep a woman and her daughter safe from her criminal killer husband. On the first morning his car is tapped by a neighbor who is backing out of her driveway. When the two drivers get out they immediately recognize each other. As it happens Zach and Marissa had shared a toe curling one night stand ten years ago, on the eve of Zach shipping out. When Marissa found herself with a bonus she tried to contact Zach but was never able to so eventually she gave up. Now it seems that that connection is about to be renewed when he realizes that her daughter could be his, and after asking she admits it. Will it be a Happy Holidays or something much worse, especially since there is still the danger coming from his assignment.

This was a really lovely story with great characters and mix of danger, suspense, romance, love, longing, family and sizzling hot connection.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Surprise Meeting . . .

Former Navy SEAL Zach Walker and Marissa Stanton had a one-night-stand years ago when Zach was on leave. The next day, he was deployed. By the time Marissa realized she had something important to tell him, she could not make contact. So she just went on with her life.

Now 10 years later, Zach is retired and on a job to protect a woman and her daughter from her murder suspect husband, Dirk. As Zach drove down the street, an old acquaintance “ran into” him as she is backing out of her driveway next door to his assignment. He had never forgotten Marissa and is surprised to see her again. He is even more surprised to see her 9-year-old daughter Lacy in the car and she looks just like him! To keep them safe as well and get to know his daughter, he arranges to move in with Marissa while keeping an eye on her neighbors, Lydia and Claire.

The danger ramps up when the killer tracks down his wife and daughter. Can Zach protect his own family while keeping the neighbors safe? What will he do when the killer kidnaps the two girls to force the women not to call law enforcement? And if this situation is finally resolved, will he and Marissa get a second chance for a real relationship? Or will her trust issues hold her back from committing to him?

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ten years later, she was stronger for it. Stronger and smarter."

Zach is trying to figure out civilian life, having recently retired from the SEALs. Running into an amazing woman he spent one night with 10 years ago and discovering he had even more reasons to wish he'd kept in touch might be just one thing more than some of his days, and brain cells can handle.

Marissa is an independent woman, like her mother before her, a single Mom raising a strong, intelligent daughter. A daughter who keeps her on her toes, knows what she wants... and isn't sure she's ready for the Dad she's never met to accidentally crash into their lives.

This done in one kindle unlimited quick read is heart warming in all the best ways, and so relatable. It can be so easy to focus on getting through today, knowing there are tough conversations that should be had, or need to be had, but honestly, doing the tough stuff can be a thousand times harder after a long day... and yet this beautiful story focus on the rewards, and positives of staying engaged in the harder parts of our lives, doing the work in our relationships, and highlights the magic of genuine friendships.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally love a good secret baby trope, and an alpha male trope, so I was excited to pick up this book, my first from this author. Unfortunately this book did not live up to my expectations. The book dragged a great deal, and the supposed chemistry between Zach and Marissa pretty much fizzled. The one sex scene felt out of place, and almost like the author was just checking a box to have the characters have sex. Marissa and Zach's daughter is supposed to be nine, but she is written more in line with a 12 or 13-year old. For instance, nine year olds do not have school dances. And they do not speak the way this child is written. And Zach, for all he talks about protection and being a SEAL and successful missions, etc., is an awful bodyguard. He makes choices throughout the book that create danger rather than ameliorate it and then seems surprised when things go south. I also could not believe that Lydia had no idea he was a bodyguard or (attempting to) provide protection. The book simply didn't work for me. 2 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are entirely my own.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former Navy SEAL Zach Walker has started a new job as a civilian after years of dedication to his SEAL team. He is ready to settle down, though Zach has never forgotten the woman he spent an unforgettable night ten years ago. Never to see or hear from her, but her memory kept him company during his darkest times.
When he’s been contracted to keep an eye on a woman and her chid as well as keep them save from her very evil husband, the same man that killed Zach’s buddy, he never expected to literally bump into their neighbor, Marissa and discover she has a daughter that looks like him.
In the midst of the danger, feelings develop. But trust is an issue, and trying to keep everyone safe makes Zach over protective. Or so Marissa thinks.
This action packed, sweet and touching story was filled with danger as well as well developed complex characters.
The story is another example that you can never go wrong when you pick up a book by this author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new assignment for retired Navy SEAL Zach Walker will end up changing his entire life. While surveilling a home in the area, Zach recognizes Marissa Stanton, a woman with whom he spent one unforgettable night ten years ago. Although she tried to find him when she realized that she was pregnant, she freely admits that her nine-year old-daughter Lacy, is his daughter. She expects nothing from him, but he is still reeling from her announcement. Zach was assigned to protect Linda and her daughter Claire who live next door to Marissa. Could she and Lacy also be in danger? He decides to move in with Marissa to protect both families. He didn’t count on, but probably should have, the sparks that once again ignite between them. What will he do when Lacy and Claire go missing? A bit predictable at times, but a unique slant on an unknown daughter story with Marissa not trying to hide their daughter from him. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach has retired from the SEALs, he is now looking to work in private security. He is sent on a protection misson by one of his friends. He ends up in a small town, but while staking out the home of the mother and child he has been sent to protect he ends up literally bumping into another mother and child, one that he didn't realise existed.
Marissa is the one night stand that Zach slept with 10 years ago while on shore leave, he was shipped out the next day so when Marissa found out she was pregnant she found it difficult to get hold of him, so Zach never found out he had a daughter, who doesn't seem interested in getting to know him.
Zach ends up moving in with Marissa so that he can keep an eye on his protection detail that live next door without drawing attention to himself and hopefully spending more time in the house will help his relationship with his daughter.

This is a second chance romance story. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* ARC Review – A Daddy and Protector for Christmas
I have read several books by this author pair through the Hidden Gems ARC program. This one sounded interesting, so I requested the ARC. The book opens when Former Navy SEAL Zach Walker literally crashes into Marissa, who he had a one-night stand with and now learns he has a daughter! Zach is on his first security job since leaving the SEALs and is trying to make a good impression on both the job and his daughter. Also, his job turns out to be watching over Marissa’s best friend and neighbor, Lydia and her daughter to keep them safe from her estranged husband. Yet in doing that they need to keep this secret so that Lydia does not try to run and put herself in more danger.
It was a good story but felt it could have been better developed. All the characters seem pretty unsure of themselves and there was a ton of second guessing every move. Also, the idea that Marissa is best friends with her neighbor but seems to not know much about her past felt a little wrong.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach met Marissa 10 years ago when he was on leave. Marisa found out she was pregnant after Zach was shipped out and her message never got to Zach. Because she was abandoned by her father and he had an abusive one, they both have no confidence in Zach being a good father. They reunite on his first civilian job, working for his friend with FBI. Imagine Zach’s shock to find out he is a father! Marissa and her daughter happen to live right next door to his target. Lydia is Merissa’s best friend and Lydia’s daughter is Marissa’s daughter Lacy’s best friends. Zach’s job is to watch and protect Lydia and her daughter from Lydia’s estranged husband who is a jewel smuggler. The story goes through the challenge of parenthood. On top of that, Zach has to make up the lost years with Lacy. It is obvious even Marissa likes to have Zach around, she has trouble trusting him. The plot has a little suspense with a lot of family dynamics. I enjoy the story.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful second chance romance. The sparks between them had been immediate, as had their connection. Chemistry through the roof.

Zach is a former Navy SEAL. Since his retirement, he's been trying to figure out what to do with his life. So here he is doing surveillance for a friend who works for the FBI. His assigned target is to protect the wife and daughter of a known criminal. To his surprise, he bumps into Marissa when he is scoping out the house he has to watch. What are the odds, his one-night stand from years ago lived next door to his target?

Marissa worked as a guide on the Appalachian Trail at nearby parks in the area. “She was good at it, and she made a decent living. Marissa was proud of what she’d achieved for herself and Lacy on her own.” Marissa was leaving the house when someone ran into her, not just anyone, but the guy she had a one-night stand with years ago. What is he doing here? She never expected to see him again.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years ago, Zach and Marissa spent one incredible night together, yet to this day he still can't get her out of his mind. Little did he know that that one unforgettable night made him a father. When he is assigned a stakeout at a house, never did he think that living next door would be Marissa. Marissa never expected to see Zach again, but she also never forgot about him and the connection they shared. Marissa let's Zach spend Christmas with them. Could this be the beginning of many more?
The characters were interesting and realistic with their own flaws, which made them more relatable. The connection between Marissa and Zach was strong and the chemistry clearly evident every time they interacted. This was another great story by a talented author, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Zach Walker gets out of the Navy, he takes on a private job to protect a woman and her young daughter as an assignment for a friend in the FBI. Not expecting to run into a former one night stand. Literally, running into her car. Where Zach discovers Marissa Stanton, his one night stand from ten years ago and her 9 year old daughter, Lacy. His daughter.

Things go from bad to worse as his attempts to protect Marissa’s neighbor and daughter brings danger to Marissa and his daughter.

There is plenty of suspense, and typical adolescent angst in the story. But the underlying story is Marissa learning to trust Zach and Zach working through the pressures of protecting everyone and his growing/returning attraction to Marissa.

There is a very dramatic scene, a tense moment or two, and a happy ending with a look a year into the future as well

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting with Romance!
Another great book from my favorite authors, North and Knight. Together they created a well developed storyline and a host of characters that garnered my five stars. The Seal, Zach, quickly realizes this current assignment isn’t going to be your run-of-the-mill stakeout, not when he literally runs into a former one-night stand, Marissa and her daughter, Lacy. The protectiveness Zach feels may just interfere with his ability to get in and get out, but then that’s half the fun of reading these authors’ work. You are pulled in to all the drama and start rooting for the HEA.
I’m recommending (as always) this book for your reading enjoyment, pleasure and satisfaction…PEACE.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story given to me by Bad Boy Updates.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Ms Knight book and I enjoyed it This is the story of Zack and Marissa, and actually a second chance novel as well. Years ago they were a couple and after things went wrong he has never been able to forget her. Now that his job requires Zack to protect Lydia and her daughter from her abusive husband, he learns that the house he is in to keep an eye on them is next to the house of Marissa, the woman he has never been able to forget and that she has a daughter who is also his daughter. While he is busy with his assignment, he also wants to bond with Marissa and also get to know his daughter. Can he keep Lydia and her daughter safe and also his own daughter and Marissa, you will find out when you read this beautiful story yourself

I received a Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marissa and Zach had a wonder night together 10 years ago. Zach has to leave and Marissa the next day as he shipped out. Marissa had not way to tell him about the child they were having. Zach happens to be working undercover for the FBI to protect and guard a woman and her daughter from her husband. He hits a car and there is Marissa right in front of him. She also has a 9 year old daughter, do the math. I loved the storyline and the relationship between Marissa and Zach. She lets him stay in her house as she lives next do to the woman he's protecting. There is action, and danger. Will Zach and Marissa get their second chance together? Will he get a chance to get to know his daughter? Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zack has left the SEALs and is now trying to find the person who killed on of his friends. Working with help of a friend in an investigation, he finds himself going to protect the suspects wife and daughter. And is surprised to find Marissa as her next door neighbor. A woman he had a sexual encounter with nine years ago. And this woman has a daughter who is nine years old. Zach finds he now has to protect what he finds is his family as well as the family of the man who is suspected of killing his friend. Trying to keep his project a secret is hard and he finds it a challenge to keep these four people safe. Lots of intrigue and effort save the people he is coming to love and find this man. Will he find the man in time and save the girls?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Summary: Second Chance with a Navy Seal

My Review: SEAL's Christmas Daughter was a second chance encounter romance.

A decade after meeting and sharing a night to remember, Zach and Marissa barrel straight into each other in a most memorable way. Unavoidable circumstances bring them together and soon the sparks of old reignite. All the while tensions rise and chemistry flares, danger erupts and lives are soon at stake.

My Final Say: This book will appeal to readers who love a good guy Alpha male lead.

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Level: sub-R
Pace: Fair
Chemistry: Slow Simmer

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.