Two Reviews from the Hot SEALs series by Cat Johnson

Night with a SEAL
Author: Cat Johnson
Reviewer: Jen Twimom
Rating: A-

What I’m Talking About:

Jon Rudnick is one of a handful of elite Navy SEALs. Constantly on dangerous missions overseas, he is home for a short time and enjoying a Fourth of July barbecue with his best friends at former teammate Rick and his sister’s home. Even though he’s unavailable for any type of longterm commitment, Ali catches his eye.

Alison (aka Ali) Cressly attends a fun get together at her coworker/friend, Darci’s home. For some reason Darci and Rick are determined to see Ali and Jon hook up, but Ali has no intentions of ever getting together with a military man. However, after a steamy one-night stand, Ali admits to herself that she wouldn’t mind being a distraction for Jon.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. For a shorter length story, it is packed with intense emotions and carries a solid story. I like how the pair got to know each other over time – even though they only saw each other once in a while. The author does a great job building in Jon’s angst over his military career, so when he makes an important decision involving his career, it’s not surprising nor does it feel contrived. The couple is well-balanced. The romance is ultra hot and steamy, and the HFN (Happily For Now) is realistic and satisfying given the setting. There is a dramatic moment that may have been a bit over-the-top, however, it provided the catalyst needed for change. Night with a SEAL is an exciting opening to what promises to be a steamy, sexy, exciting series.

My Rating:  A- Enjoyed A Lot

About the Book:

Ten years of dedication to the Navy taught SEAL Jon Rudnick one thing—he’s not afraid to risk life and limb for his country. But when navigating military red tape begins to present more challenges than the enemy it makes Jon question his future. So does Alison Cressly, the woman he can’t get out of his head.

When Ali’s life is threatened and military rules won’t allow him to intervene, Jon decides it’s time to take back control.

Release Date: July 22, 2014
Publisher: self-published
Series: Hot SEALs #1
ISBN: #978-1500425258
Genre: Military Romance, novella
Format(s): paperback (168 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Author

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Saved by a SEAL
Rating: A+

What I’m Talking About:

Zane Alexander has a hate-hate relationship with his wealthy father. In fact, he joined the Navy and SEAL team to spite him. Now Zane and his buddy Jon want to start a private security firm, and Zane approaches his father for the capital. Although his father agrees, the price of his assistance is high when he informs Zane that he must date and persuade Missy Greenwood to marry him.

Missy Greenwood is the daughter of a powerful US Senator, ready to make her own way in the world. Although she hasn’t had contact with her childhood crush in years, she jumps at the chance to meet Zane for coffee when he calls out of the blue. Both Zane and Missy are pleasantly surprised at how the has other turned out – not becoming the rich snobs of their parents social circle. Now with Missy traveling to Nigeria to volunteer at girls’ school, and Zane realizing he truly likes her, he needs to decide what is best for Missy, Jon, and himself.

I really, really loved Saved by a SEAL and the connection between Zane and Missy. Both characters are upstanding, genuine individuals with high moral values. This allows them to use better judgement and connect both physically and emotionally. As a couple, they made me swoon. Additionally, the supporting characters add depth to the rich story. Zane’s father makes for an excellent antagonist, while his teammates offer grounded support.

Saved by the SEAL is the best novella I read in 2014. The story is exciting and the romance is emotionally fulfilling. I devoured the book within a couple hours. I loved the raw emotions, honest reactions, and how the pair clicked. They have their troubles, but are able to talk through them. Zane and Missy make for one of my favorite book couples, and I look forward to more sensual, action-packed stories from the Hot SEALs series.

My Rating:  A+ Personal Favorite

About the Book:

Zane Alexander was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but the rebellious bad boy traded it, along with his share of the family fortune, for a Navy SEAL trident and freedom from his controlling father.

Ten years later, Zane’s teammates are depending on him to secure the startup capital they need to open their security company and he’s gambling on his skills at covert operations to get it. For a million dollars he’ll fake interest in Missy Greenwood, the Senator’s daughter his father wants him to date in exchange for the investment.

But when Missy is kidnapped and Zane and his team are sent to Nigeria to rescue her and the others being held, bullets as well as sparks of attraction start to fly. 

Release Date: September 5, 2014
Publisher: self-published
Series: Hot SEALs #2
ISBN: #978-1501077289
Genre: Military Romance, novella
Format(s): paperback (170 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds

Purchase Info:
Night with a SEAL (Hot SEALs #1)
Saved by a SEAL (Hot SEALs #2)