Publisher: Bell Bridge
Publish Date: November 11th
How I got this book: NetGalley
Honor, duty, courage, passion . . . the men of the Navy SEALs are a special breed of hero, and in these novellas by eighteen top romance authors the SEALs are celebrated not only as symbols of devoted service to their country but as the kind of men every woman wants to love. They’ll rescue a damsel in distress and her lap dog, too. They’ll battle hometown dramas and international bad guys. When it comes to giving away their hearts, they’ll risk everything.
All proceeds from sales of SEAL of My Dreams go to the Veterans Research Corporation, a non-profit fundraiser for veterans’ medical research.
Between them, the authors of SEAL of My Dreams have won dozens of writing awards including multiple RITAs from Romance Writers of America. Their nearly 600 published novels have sold at least 35 million copies worldwide. The SEAL of My Dreams roster includes many of the best-known authors in modern romance fiction. In addition, many have strong family connections to the servicemen and women of our nation’s military, and many specialize in novels featuring heroes and heroines from all branches of service.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
Everyone here knows what a sucker I am for a great romantic suspense book, especially if the hero is a sexy military man in uniform! 🙂 When I saw the details for the SEAL of my Dreams anthology, I couldn’t wait to dive right in. Before going through the first few stories, I want to take the time to tell you all a little about this anthology.
First, all the proceeds from sales of this book will go to the Veterans Research Corporation, a nonprofit that raises money for veterans medical research. In addition to the authors donating their sales, the copyediting was donated, the licensing fee was discounted and the wonderful cover art was donated as well. Speaking of the cover, the picture used is of an actual SEAL, preparing for a night mission in Iraq. I think it is an incredible picture and design.
This anthology has 18 stories of men who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country. They are all SEALs, and romantics at heart. This is Part 1 of my review, and will over the first 8 stories in the anthology.
Coming Home by Jami Alden
Alden is a new-to-me author. This story features Nick, on leave to attend his mothers funeral. There he runs into his long time sweetheart and ex-fiance, the woman of his dreams and the one who couldn’t handle his decision to become a SEAL. As they spend some time together, they each realize how much the other has changed and get a second chance at love. I enjoyed this one. After all, who doesn’t love second-chance romances? B
Baby, I’m Back by Stephanie Bond
Bond is also an author I’ve never read before, although I plan to pick up a book or two by her. Barry lost a leg and so many of his friends in the service. He is back in his hometown for a short-time, but when he meets a girl he made fun of in school, he is smitten. Lora is a physical therapist, and ends up working with Barry to get more mobility back and along the way helps to heal his heart. I love when the ugly ducking becomes the swan, and Lora ends up being beautiful both in and out. A
SEALed Fates by Kylie Brant
Brant was yet another author I’d never read or heard of before. This story featured another wounded warrior. Cort is home licking his wounds when he stumbles on childhood friend Emma. Right away Cort can tell that Emma is preparing for a siege, and he knows he is just the man to protect her. Through the insanity of a possible threat, they become closer than ever before. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the suspense part of the plot, the romance and chemistry between Emma and Cort was wonderful! B-
Going Dark by HelenKay Dimon
I have a Dimon book sitting on my TBR bookshelf, and OMG I’m not sure why I haven’t read it yet! LOVED this story. Nate is in the thick of things in a rescue operation when he finds the woman who strung him along for a week, then stole his heart. Carly is sure that her brother has been kidnapped and will do anything for Nate’s help. The two set off to search for her brother, and find out that their week together meant more than either expected. Love this author’s voice and storytelling. I will definitely be getting more of her stuff! A+
SEALed with a Kiss by Cindy Gerard
I absolutely love the Black Ops Inc books, so when I saw we got a chance for a sneak peak at Luke and Val’s honeymoon… *melt* The two are on a deserted island relaxing and playing. When Luke makes a bad judgement call and gets stuck in the water while the tide is rising, Val will have to face her fears to save her new husband’s life. This was a short and sweet story and I absolutely loved this little snippet!! A+
Panama Jack by Tara Janzen
Janzen was another newbie author (I’m starting to see a pattern. There will be a lot of romantic suspense reading in my future…). Lanni is in Panama on a CIA op and needs the protection of a SEAL. Jack fits the bill, and so much more. When her op goes sideways, Jack covers her six and does what he does best — saves her life. While the action was wonderful in this one, I had a hard time buying into the romance. C
Wrapped and SEALed by Leslie Kelly
I’ve read and enjoyed Kelly in the past, and although this story wasn’t my favorite of hers, I still really enjoyed it. Tanner is home for the holidays, planning to announce that he is going to be getting out for good. He has been looking for Jessica, the one woman who he can’t stop thinking about. Jess is working with vets in a nursing home, and when she sits on Santa’s lap and finds Tanner, she is floored. After one date they were hooked, even though a disaster ripped them apart before even learning each other’s full names. Now back together, neither one is willing to let that happen again. B-
So far I am really enjoying this anthology. I’ve read some great shot stories that have warmed my heart and brought tears to me eyes. I’ve discovered a ton of new authors I can’t wait to read more from. I’m looking forward to the next half with stories form Roxanne St. Claire, Stephanie Tyler and Jo Leigh, as well as quite a few more new-to-me authors.
