A SEAL Forever

October 19, 2015
In this formulaic fifth book about Navy SEALs, Elizabeth (Once a SEAL) methodically hooyahs her way through a military-themed romance that covers all the bases—anticipation, hot sex, and obstacles that tear the couple apart—but does so in a matter-of-fact fashion that is devoid of real emotion. Maura Maxwell moved to San Diego, Calif., to manage a gym specializing in gymnastics and parkour. In the six weeks since, she has been too shy to speak to her hunky next-door neighbor, SEAL Master Chief Declan Swifton. A harrowing surf rescue during a sudden storm finally gives Maura the impetus she needs to say hello to Declan, and in one swoop of his gorgeously muscled arms, she finds herself kissing him and unleashing her pent-up lust. This story would make a wonderful recruiting tool for the Navy, but it doesn’t do much as a romance. Agent: Eric Ruben, Eric W. Ruben Attorney at Law P.C.

December 1, 2015
SEAL Master Chief Declan Swifton meets his seemingly shy next-door neighbor, Maura Maxwell, with whom he shares a balcony, when he rescues her from stormy seas after she loses control of her surfboard. Amazed at his strength, she vows to be bolder and talk to him more, and they become friends and lovers. Maura was an Olympic gymnast until a car accident ended that, and she now owns a training gym, experiences that come in handy when Dec returns from a nasty op in Afghanistan with half his leg blown off. Maura helps him recover physically and emotionally and supports his efforts to get his strength back to stay in the SEALs. As military romances go, Elizabeth's is on the sweet side, similar to Jessica Scott's books (All for You, 2014), without a lot of action except for the op in Afghanistan. Along with the love story, Elizabeth shows the camaraderie within the very funny and devoted SEAL brotherhood as his team helps Dec recover and train for a triathalon. A nice, slow, quiet read.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)