Book 3 of West Coast Navy SEALs From beloved romance author Anne Elizabeth comes a hot contemporary romance trilogy featuring hunky Navy SEALs and the strong-minded, sexy women who capture their hearts. Even a hero needs someone to believe in him… Parkour instructor Maura Maxwell has always denied her attraction for her bachelor neighbor because she’s seen his revolving door of women and … door of women and doesn’t want to become another notch on his belt. But the man who rescues her from a sudden storm isn’t the one she thinks she knows-he’s Master Chief Declan Swifton of SEAL Team Five, and he literally sweeps Maura off her feet.
Just as his teasing and tenderness start to work their way into Maura’s heart, Declan and his team are called in for a dangerous op in the Middle East. The man who returns is facing the toughest fight of his life, and he needs Maura by his side more than ever…
West Coast Navy SEALs Series:
A SEAL at Heart (Book 1)
Once a SEAL (Book 2)
A SEAL Forever (Book 3)
Praise for Once a SEAL:
“Anne Elizabeth writes Navy SEALs from the heart, action-packed, intense and sexy.” -New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan
“If hunky and sweet military men make you swoon this is the book for you!” -RT Book Reviews
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Declan Smith is a dedicated Navy Seal, that tends to live life dangerously for the sake of feeding his adrenaline addiction, and takes risks that most would shy away from. The ladies find him irresistible, including his shy and reserved neighbor Maura Maxwell. She intrigues him, but the elusive beauty tends to keep herself hidden from the outside world. But after he has to rescue her from her late night swim gone wrong, he begins to wear her down, and draw her out of her shell. And what he finds is a woman blessed with unwavering inner strength and strong willed determination.
Just as they begin to build a friendship and get to know one another on a more personal level, duty calls and Declan is sent on a new mission. One that changes the course of his life and leaves him wounded, and in great need of saving… and this time it’s Maura’s turn to step in and play the hero.
This was my first experience with this authors work and I can say with complete certainty that it won’t be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Maura and Declan’s story, it captivated my attention right from the start and had me hanging onto every word. I was really impressed with the writing style, and how easy it was for me to just fall right into the story. and I could tell that Ms. Elizabeth put a lot of time and care into developing these characters. And that she tried to give readers a realistic view of what life is like for soldiers returning home and learning not only how to deal with readjusting to civilian life, but also how to deal with life changing injuries. It’s definitely a book that I think everyone should add to their reading lists, it’s sure to leave a smile on your face and satisfy every one of your reading expectations!
She is my new favorite writer. I knew from the first few pages, she was going to be great. Her first paragraphs captures you, and you can really feel like you are in the ocean with our character. Some authors get descriptive, and it feels like they got on and on, but here you feel like you are in the water. I like that they climb up and down the wall to get to the beach, just something I could see that they would do.
Characters are very likable, and feel authentic. He wasn’t looking for a relationship, but he doesn’t go on about it, he just falls into it.
Can’t wait to read the other books.
3.5 Once a Seal Always a Seal Stars
A SEAL Forever, the 3rd book in the West Coast Navy Seals Series, was an okay read for me. I had a few things that didn’t work for me with this story, but still overall I enjoyed the book for the most part. This book is about Declan, a Navy SEAL, and his neighbor a very shy Maura. After saving Maura from almost drowning one day, they start dating. A little over a month into their relationship, Declan is shipped out on a mission and he loses one of his legs. Now it’s Maura’s turn to be the rock for Declan.
So here is what didn’t work for me in this book:
The first half of the book is very slow and gets a little boring. When the book should have been giving us readers details and scenes on the couple together, relationship building, falling in love, it focused a lot on his training, missions, stake outs, and her and her gym.
Then I felt like there are some more important details missing from this story. I mean it never even tells you their hair color. If it’s long, short, curly nothing. It only says that Maura has green eyes. No clue what color Declan’s eyes are. I never got a picture of what they looked like in my head. I felt like pieces of their relationship are missing too. And that was just the most basic details that books normally give. I don’t really feel like I know who the MCs are. Just the surface.
Also the book jumps around a lot. A week here, few weeks there. One example that really bugged me was, they are getting ready to make love for the first time. He goes down on her and then he is climbing back up her to make love to her. Right when we are getting to the best part the first time he is inside her. A very important intimacy moment, a big connection. Instead the scene goes like this. “Details of him going down on her, he climbs up and …. A week later and he still can’t believe how good it is with Maura.” and I am like wait… What? He is climbing up to her and then we just skip ahead a week. Really? The whole book is like that. It kind of gives it a choppy unsmooth flow. Also after saving Maura, Declan kisses her, then leaves her apt goes home and has sex with other woman a few hours later, then the next day goes on a date with Maura and they starts their relationship. I know they were not together yet but is was still uncool to kiss Maura and then have sex with someone else in the span of a few hours
Now on to the things I liked about this book. Maura and Declan have a pretty low drama relationship. They get along well, are respectful and sweet to each other, and they are very supportive of each other. I thought the friendship/brotherhood the team had was adorable, and at times funny. I like the fact that this book gives a really touching look at the struggles and sacrifices our Military men face. The pain and vulnerability that Declan and others go through facing their disabling injuries, loss of limbs or life. The fear and anger of losing a part of yourself that defines you so much that you don’t know who you are anymore and learning to be a new you. Declan’s pain and struggle felt real and they broke my heart. I love that Declan doesn’t let the loss of his leg defeat him. This story has a nice upbeat message of hope, endurance, and a honorable character overcoming. So while it wasn’t a major hit for me, it was an enjoyable read and I will definitely give this author another try.