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Men of Valor #2
SEAL Under Siege
SHE'S NOT SAFE YET
When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her. Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love?
When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her. Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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701 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 27, 2013
I want to start off with saying something I've never said about Liz Johnson's book. She writes for "Love Inspired." I would normally never have picked up a book with this title on it. However, I received one of her books to review years ago and loved it. So, even had she not sent me this one for review, I would have purchased it.
And... I would not have regretted it. In similar style to her previous books A Promise to Protect and the FBI Special Agent Series, Seal Under Siege is packed with suspense and not overdone romance. Somehow, Liz Johnson manages to pack all the plot, characterization, and action of a full length novel into a 226 page mass market paperback. That takes some serious skills.
What I liked: This book is character driven, fast paced, action packed, and has a strong plot. I love Tristan and Staci both as individuals and then as they become a couple. I love that their relationship is believable and while you could argue that it was initially prompted by the stress and tension of their experiences, she gave it a concrete foundation too.
The plot is intriguing and involves elements we all hear of, but I've never actually read in a book. Staci, a prisoner in a Middle Eastern prison, is rescued by a team of Navy Seals led by Tristan. Having overheard much and with a scrap of paper indicating a looming plot to attack America, she fights to get people to listen to her--and no one will. Even Tristan, when she brings the information to him, finds it difficult to believe but his innate desire to protect the woman he's already saved, listens, investigates, and then things really get going.
And, from what I can tell, the book FEELS very well-researched. I can't verify her accuracy, but it seems to hold little nuances that show research time and attention to detail.
Because this is the "Inspired" genre, I have to address the faith issue. It wasn't peachy, it wasn't "deep" but an underlying theme of "God's got this" is there and it encourages.
What I didn't like: Honestly, there wasn't much. Would I have preferred it even more developed? Definitely. Did it fail not being? Not on your life. All of my "complaints" are like that. She took the limitations of her project and made them work for her.
Do I recommend this book? Definitely. Just get it. I can't imagine how you'll regret it. And I want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to review again. I really appreciate it. She's a lovely woman. :)
And... I would not have regretted it. In similar style to her previous books A Promise to Protect and the FBI Special Agent Series, Seal Under Siege is packed with suspense and not overdone romance. Somehow, Liz Johnson manages to pack all the plot, characterization, and action of a full length novel into a 226 page mass market paperback. That takes some serious skills.
What I liked: This book is character driven, fast paced, action packed, and has a strong plot. I love Tristan and Staci both as individuals and then as they become a couple. I love that their relationship is believable and while you could argue that it was initially prompted by the stress and tension of their experiences, she gave it a concrete foundation too.
The plot is intriguing and involves elements we all hear of, but I've never actually read in a book. Staci, a prisoner in a Middle Eastern prison, is rescued by a team of Navy Seals led by Tristan. Having overheard much and with a scrap of paper indicating a looming plot to attack America, she fights to get people to listen to her--and no one will. Even Tristan, when she brings the information to him, finds it difficult to believe but his innate desire to protect the woman he's already saved, listens, investigates, and then things really get going.
And, from what I can tell, the book FEELS very well-researched. I can't verify her accuracy, but it seems to hold little nuances that show research time and attention to detail.
Because this is the "Inspired" genre, I have to address the faith issue. It wasn't peachy, it wasn't "deep" but an underlying theme of "God's got this" is there and it encourages.
What I didn't like: Honestly, there wasn't much. Would I have preferred it even more developed? Definitely. Did it fail not being? Not on your life. All of my "complaints" are like that. She took the limitations of her project and made them work for her.
Do I recommend this book? Definitely. Just get it. I can't imagine how you'll regret it. And I want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to review again. I really appreciate it. She's a lovely woman. :)
August 1, 2014
This was an excellent mystery on which Tristan and Staci work together to figure out a terrorist plot on American soil. Well worth the read.
August 6, 2016
You can read this and other reviews on my blog at www.brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com.
Seal Under Siege is an amazing book! It begins with a tense rescue operation and never lets up. There is action and danger all through the book, with healthy doses of attraction between the two main characters.
And, oh man, is there attraction between these characters! But, one of the best things about this book is that fact that BOTH of the characters have big issues in their past that make them feel that they are unworthy of being in a relationship, especially one that could end in marriage.
The author did such a good job of getting my emotions all roiled up! I felt so sad for Staci and all that she thought she could never have. She is such a strong woman, who has endured much more physically and emotionally than most. And she keeps persevering, even when things get pretty hard for her in the book.
Tristan is also such a well-written character. He is just the kind of hero that those of us who like romance novels look for. He is strong and smart, but also sensitive. He, however, can’t seem to let go of the past and the guilt he feels for it. Holding onto that guilt keeps him from connecting and loving again.
This book is the second in a series, but is definitely able to stand alone. I am now planning on getting myself a copy of the first book in this series! I want to read Matt and Ashley’s story for myself. I highly recommend this book. (5 stars)
I won this book in a contest over on http://www.barndoorbookloft.net and was sent the copy from the author. I was not required to write a review, but happily do so.
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
Seal Under Siege is an amazing book! It begins with a tense rescue operation and never lets up. There is action and danger all through the book, with healthy doses of attraction between the two main characters.
And, oh man, is there attraction between these characters! But, one of the best things about this book is that fact that BOTH of the characters have big issues in their past that make them feel that they are unworthy of being in a relationship, especially one that could end in marriage.
The author did such a good job of getting my emotions all roiled up! I felt so sad for Staci and all that she thought she could never have. She is such a strong woman, who has endured much more physically and emotionally than most. And she keeps persevering, even when things get pretty hard for her in the book.
Tristan is also such a well-written character. He is just the kind of hero that those of us who like romance novels look for. He is strong and smart, but also sensitive. He, however, can’t seem to let go of the past and the guilt he feels for it. Holding onto that guilt keeps him from connecting and loving again.
This book is the second in a series, but is definitely able to stand alone. I am now planning on getting myself a copy of the first book in this series! I want to read Matt and Ashley’s story for myself. I highly recommend this book. (5 stars)
I won this book in a contest over on http://www.barndoorbookloft.net and was sent the copy from the author. I was not required to write a review, but happily do so.
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
September 25, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R9DJVXKG...
Review on my blog (to be posted 9/29): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
SEAL Under Siege is the second book I've read by Liz Johnson and another great suspense read. I really liked the characters and loved how Matt and Ashley (from A Promise to Protect) were in this book a lot - it was neat to see what was going on in their lives.
The plot to SEAL Under Siege was very interesting and the story held my attention. There were a lot of suspenseful moments, which I loved, and the romance was sweet.
Overall, SEAL Under Siege was a great Love Inspired Suspense novel and I recommend it to fans of romantic suspense. I look forward to reading more of Johnson's books and hope she writes one about Willie. :)
*I received this book for free for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog (to be posted 9/29): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
SEAL Under Siege is the second book I've read by Liz Johnson and another great suspense read. I really liked the characters and loved how Matt and Ashley (from A Promise to Protect) were in this book a lot - it was neat to see what was going on in their lives.
The plot to SEAL Under Siege was very interesting and the story held my attention. There were a lot of suspenseful moments, which I loved, and the romance was sweet.
Overall, SEAL Under Siege was a great Love Inspired Suspense novel and I recommend it to fans of romantic suspense. I look forward to reading more of Johnson's books and hope she writes one about Willie. :)
*I received this book for free for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
August 11, 2019
Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson
Liz Johnson is a fairly new to me author. This is my third book by her and every book gets better. Seal Under Siege is a fast paced, action packed Navy Seal adventure that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The characters are well established, faith filled and believable. I give this fantastic book 5 star. I got so involved in it that I was able to read it entirely in an afternoon. It is the third book in Men of Valor series but is a great book read as a stand-alone.
Liz Johnson is a fairly new to me author. This is my third book by her and every book gets better. Seal Under Siege is a fast paced, action packed Navy Seal adventure that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The characters are well established, faith filled and believable. I give this fantastic book 5 star. I got so involved in it that I was able to read it entirely in an afternoon. It is the third book in Men of Valor series but is a great book read as a stand-alone.
June 2, 2018
Awesome book
Best book ever. Such fast paced. The bad guy will surprise you at the end of the book. Can’t wait to the next book in this series,
Best book ever. Such fast paced. The bad guy will surprise you at the end of the book. Can’t wait to the next book in this series,
February 26, 2023
I know what she was doing. Liz Johnson was trying to re-write Suzanne Brockmann's "Everyday Average Jones" into something 'chrischun'. She swapped out the heroine being waddlishly pregnant for the sister, but whatever. The problem is that she left off the inspirational part AS WELL AS the excitement of it, while also slaughtering any believability.
Staci (with an 'i') is in a prison in the Persian Gulf after being taken from an aid camp. Two weeks ago, she was separated from the elderly couple also taken. Except that... if she was taken TWO WEEKS AGO? She's definitely been raped and beaten, multiple times by the time the SEALs get to her. So this whole thing is already completely implausible. Islamic extremists are particularly brutal to pretty young female infidels - worse, if they're proselytizing christians. Now if Liz had wanted to make it 'by the grace of God, untouched', that would've been one thing, but since this is *inspirational, XXXXX-light*, that's not what we're dished.
While in prison, the extremists talk about a plot to blow up some target near Coronado Naval base - IN ENGLISH - in front of her, conveniently dropping a map with symbols in her cell. *SERIOUSLY!?!?* You're kidding, right? And just leave it there, for her to snatch up? HArDLy. Ugh, ugh, ugh...!!!! Bad, implausible, too-convenient writing.
We're also told that Staci has been in the Middle East for TWO YEARS and speaks some Arabic... but then on pg 93 we're told that the men who took her were yelling and she couldn't understand a word. ?!?!?
In getting rescued, she's SHOT, to the point where she can't use the arm that's just hanging there, can't feel it... but three weeks later, apparently she's perfectly fine...??? I. Can't. Even. The author assures us the bullet made a clean exit, so - hey, we're golden - moving on! ((O_o)) You do realize a wound that hits nerves like that would take MONTHS just in healing, not to mention the physical therapy required to rehab it. *IF* the damage wasn't permanent. Shoddy, shoddy writing.
The author tells us that she gets to the States, and tries to tell the pubic affairs, police, congressmen, etc. about the plot and the map, but everyone passes her off as delusional. NO, they WOULDN'T. And if she told them she's being followed? They'd assign someone to her, just based on the timeline of events surrounding her trauma, alone. This WHOLE THING is bogus on every single level.
Also, the author tells us the word 'second' on the map is the variation of the word that denotes 'second in command'. But somehow, the word 'first' is inconclusive, and there's no information on what THAT one means. Rrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiight.
Out of desperation, she goes to the man who rescues her for help. HE follows her, sees a van ram her car into a light pole (!?! Wouldn't NOW the cops/feds take her seriously?!?!?! But no mention of them arriving on the scene - the author has no use for additional characters - it takes too much brainpower to write more than three or four people.)
He takes her home to a property IN HER PARENT'S NAME and assures her that she's safe there, nobody'll find her. Um... how about NO!!!! If they know her name, they know her rich parents and can FIND HER THERE, hello. But you're not supposed to think about that. This is no-no 101 for people with brains. But apparently we're not supposed to have any.
So shocker when a BOMB arrives at her house. She calls SEALman (instead of the police, who by now would have CONCERNS), he brings in his team, diffuses the 'made-by-a-pro' bomb, and while the team is doing it, he's giving her ALL OF THEIR REAL NAMES. Um, NOT. A CHANCE!! Talk about ridiculous - if she were taken again, their entire team would be compromised by way of *any* torture/interrogation. BAD, BAD, BAD writing!!!! He would NEVER do that.
And when it's diffused? THEN he decides that she can't stay there, because it's not safe. (((sigh.)))
So he offers to TAKE HER HOME to stay with his pregnant sister. Which would put *HIS* loved one at risk, and HOW. ABOUT. NO!!!
In addition, WHERE ARE HER PARENTS/SISTER?!?!? If you daughter was kidnapped in the Middle East and held prisoner, shot, most likely raped... wouldn't YOU be there? Again, apparently too many characters to write, and not convenient to the author's tunnel vision.
Sister's pregnancy is over-the-top ridiculous. She's so big she can't get out of a chair. She's too big to DRIVE. She's soooooo hot, that Staci wishes for a scarf and mittens IN THE HOUSE, IN SAN DIEGO because the A/C's up so high. It takes sister an HOUR to get shoes on to go on a food-cravings run. I'm sorry, but I carried SIX babies in my womb, and never experienced ANY of that, not once. It's preposterous. "Carrying a baby is hard work," Liz writes, "and anything that took her mind off it was a treat". I... can't. even. Carrying a baby just *happens*, and it's NOT. HARD. You basically don't do anything to assist, hello. Maybe rest a little more, but UGHHH!!
Anyhow, Staci-with-an-i then argues about going to his house, because she's barren and can't bear to be around a pregnant woman. It's not about putting innocent lives at risk - Nooooo. It's selfishness. Which... let's face it. Staci hasn't been *ANYTHING* but selfish since this thing started. We haven't seen her pray, haven't seen any sign that she rests in the shelter of the Lord's arms, no peace about her... she's just another ditzy rich girl who's skeered cuz they're gonna come for her.
I love how these LI authors write worse-than-the-devil ex-boyfriends for the heroines, too. She has Chris drag Staci across the country to live [with? by?] him, and then declare it's over, cuz she can't have kids. "He stood, brushing his tie smooth and nodding toward the money he'd left on the table. That should cover the meal. The, sticking his hands into his pockets, he'd shrugged. It's been fun, Stace, but I'm ready to settle down and start a family."
Because a good christchun girl would definitely schlep her life across the States for someone like THAT?!
"She now saw in Tristan the tenderness that Chris had never shown. The kindness and concern that left her boneless and weak." WHY IN HADES would she have been with Chris at all, let alone RELOCATED for him, if he never showed her any kindness or tenderness?????
Staci is supposed to be a Believer in Christ, but she never sings a hymn, prays, offers to pray with anyone, opens a Bible, PACKS a Bible... nada. Nothing. And Tristan has absolutely *no* faith whatsoever, until the very end, and then he's making vague references to 'god' which are little more than platitudes thrown in to make this 'inspirational', for publication reasons. All she ever is in this book is cowering, whimpering, simpering, sc-c-c-c-cared. And that's not faith.
Heck on pg 258, we're told "she wanted to pray for his safety". BUT NOT ONCE does she actually DO IT. Never once does she actually live out *ANY* faith in this hot mess.
I'm failing to see why this is inspirational.
Or better than Brockmann's book.
It's definitely written far, far, far worse.
The gym scene would've been cute (Tristan teaching her self-defense), *IF* Staci weren't written to be the Dumbest Human on Earth. She whines about hating running, not wanting to do exercise or liking physical stuff (but at the same time, she follows sports on TV, to the point where she wears jerseys of her team?!??). What is that?! Her arm 'is a limp noodle' when he lifts it up. ?!?!?
This was fun: (pg 155) "He held up a fist, one jagged key protruding from between his middle and ring fingers, the rest of the key chain clasped in his palm. 'See? Now try to hit me. Dig it in deep." She nodded, taking the keys from him and doing like he'd shown. Except when she swung at him, her hand opened, and the keys clattered to the mat."
Dumbest. Human. On. Earth.
And the ball would've been sweet, if it weren't all weirdness. From sister ("Please don't take this wrong, but why isn't he taking his GIRLFRIEND that nobody's mentioned to her up until now and not you?") to horny commanders and the OBVIOUS revelation of the bad guy (again: author refuses to write more than nine characters, so...)
Then he has to go on a mission... and doesn't ask anyone from non-related teams to take over watching her?!?!? We were told the superiors knew what was going on, and where in on it. Now suddenly there's *NOBODY* on all of Coronado Base that could take over for him while he's away?! GAHHHHH!! Bad, bad, horribly bad writing!!!!!!!
I'm not a Suzanne Brockmann proponent, anymore. Not since her son came out of the closet and every single one of her characters is now LGBTQ+ (and she writes sex scenes, so... no and thank and you.)... but Brockmann's older stuff is MILES AWAY better than this. This was pitiful. I was *HOPING* for something along Brockmann's lines, except with actual FAITH, and maybe similar action.
Instead I got a cheap rip-off with NO faith and nothing new under the sun. Hard pass on this one, people. Except I have books #1 and #3, so... (((deep breath))) Might as well read/review those and get it over with, next...
Staci (with an 'i') is in a prison in the Persian Gulf after being taken from an aid camp. Two weeks ago, she was separated from the elderly couple also taken. Except that... if she was taken TWO WEEKS AGO? She's definitely been raped and beaten, multiple times by the time the SEALs get to her. So this whole thing is already completely implausible. Islamic extremists are particularly brutal to pretty young female infidels - worse, if they're proselytizing christians. Now if Liz had wanted to make it 'by the grace of God, untouched', that would've been one thing, but since this is *inspirational, XXXXX-light*, that's not what we're dished.
While in prison, the extremists talk about a plot to blow up some target near Coronado Naval base - IN ENGLISH - in front of her, conveniently dropping a map with symbols in her cell. *SERIOUSLY!?!?* You're kidding, right? And just leave it there, for her to snatch up? HArDLy. Ugh, ugh, ugh...!!!! Bad, implausible, too-convenient writing.
We're also told that Staci has been in the Middle East for TWO YEARS and speaks some Arabic... but then on pg 93 we're told that the men who took her were yelling and she couldn't understand a word. ?!?!?
In getting rescued, she's SHOT, to the point where she can't use the arm that's just hanging there, can't feel it... but three weeks later, apparently she's perfectly fine...??? I. Can't. Even. The author assures us the bullet made a clean exit, so - hey, we're golden - moving on! ((O_o)) You do realize a wound that hits nerves like that would take MONTHS just in healing, not to mention the physical therapy required to rehab it. *IF* the damage wasn't permanent. Shoddy, shoddy writing.
The author tells us that she gets to the States, and tries to tell the pubic affairs, police, congressmen, etc. about the plot and the map, but everyone passes her off as delusional. NO, they WOULDN'T. And if she told them she's being followed? They'd assign someone to her, just based on the timeline of events surrounding her trauma, alone. This WHOLE THING is bogus on every single level.
Also, the author tells us the word 'second' on the map is the variation of the word that denotes 'second in command'. But somehow, the word 'first' is inconclusive, and there's no information on what THAT one means. Rrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiight.
Out of desperation, she goes to the man who rescues her for help. HE follows her, sees a van ram her car into a light pole (!?! Wouldn't NOW the cops/feds take her seriously?!?!?! But no mention of them arriving on the scene - the author has no use for additional characters - it takes too much brainpower to write more than three or four people.)
He takes her home to a property IN HER PARENT'S NAME and assures her that she's safe there, nobody'll find her. Um... how about NO!!!! If they know her name, they know her rich parents and can FIND HER THERE, hello. But you're not supposed to think about that. This is no-no 101 for people with brains. But apparently we're not supposed to have any.
So shocker when a BOMB arrives at her house. She calls SEALman (instead of the police, who by now would have CONCERNS), he brings in his team, diffuses the 'made-by-a-pro' bomb, and while the team is doing it, he's giving her ALL OF THEIR REAL NAMES. Um, NOT. A CHANCE!! Talk about ridiculous - if she were taken again, their entire team would be compromised by way of *any* torture/interrogation. BAD, BAD, BAD writing!!!! He would NEVER do that.
And when it's diffused? THEN he decides that she can't stay there, because it's not safe. (((sigh.)))
So he offers to TAKE HER HOME to stay with his pregnant sister. Which would put *HIS* loved one at risk, and HOW. ABOUT. NO!!!
In addition, WHERE ARE HER PARENTS/SISTER?!?!? If you daughter was kidnapped in the Middle East and held prisoner, shot, most likely raped... wouldn't YOU be there? Again, apparently too many characters to write, and not convenient to the author's tunnel vision.
Sister's pregnancy is over-the-top ridiculous. She's so big she can't get out of a chair. She's too big to DRIVE. She's soooooo hot, that Staci wishes for a scarf and mittens IN THE HOUSE, IN SAN DIEGO because the A/C's up so high. It takes sister an HOUR to get shoes on to go on a food-cravings run. I'm sorry, but I carried SIX babies in my womb, and never experienced ANY of that, not once. It's preposterous. "Carrying a baby is hard work," Liz writes, "and anything that took her mind off it was a treat". I... can't. even. Carrying a baby just *happens*, and it's NOT. HARD. You basically don't do anything to assist, hello. Maybe rest a little more, but UGHHH!!
Anyhow, Staci-with-an-i then argues about going to his house, because she's barren and can't bear to be around a pregnant woman. It's not about putting innocent lives at risk - Nooooo. It's selfishness. Which... let's face it. Staci hasn't been *ANYTHING* but selfish since this thing started. We haven't seen her pray, haven't seen any sign that she rests in the shelter of the Lord's arms, no peace about her... she's just another ditzy rich girl who's skeered cuz they're gonna come for her.
I love how these LI authors write worse-than-the-devil ex-boyfriends for the heroines, too. She has Chris drag Staci across the country to live [with? by?] him, and then declare it's over, cuz she can't have kids. "He stood, brushing his tie smooth and nodding toward the money he'd left on the table. That should cover the meal. The, sticking his hands into his pockets, he'd shrugged. It's been fun, Stace, but I'm ready to settle down and start a family."
Because a good christchun girl would definitely schlep her life across the States for someone like THAT?!
"She now saw in Tristan the tenderness that Chris had never shown. The kindness and concern that left her boneless and weak." WHY IN HADES would she have been with Chris at all, let alone RELOCATED for him, if he never showed her any kindness or tenderness?????
Staci is supposed to be a Believer in Christ, but she never sings a hymn, prays, offers to pray with anyone, opens a Bible, PACKS a Bible... nada. Nothing. And Tristan has absolutely *no* faith whatsoever, until the very end, and then he's making vague references to 'god' which are little more than platitudes thrown in to make this 'inspirational', for publication reasons. All she ever is in this book is cowering, whimpering, simpering, sc-c-c-c-cared. And that's not faith.
Heck on pg 258, we're told "she wanted to pray for his safety". BUT NOT ONCE does she actually DO IT. Never once does she actually live out *ANY* faith in this hot mess.
I'm failing to see why this is inspirational.
Or better than Brockmann's book.
It's definitely written far, far, far worse.
The gym scene would've been cute (Tristan teaching her self-defense), *IF* Staci weren't written to be the Dumbest Human on Earth. She whines about hating running, not wanting to do exercise or liking physical stuff (but at the same time, she follows sports on TV, to the point where she wears jerseys of her team?!??). What is that?! Her arm 'is a limp noodle' when he lifts it up. ?!?!?
This was fun: (pg 155) "He held up a fist, one jagged key protruding from between his middle and ring fingers, the rest of the key chain clasped in his palm. 'See? Now try to hit me. Dig it in deep." She nodded, taking the keys from him and doing like he'd shown. Except when she swung at him, her hand opened, and the keys clattered to the mat."
Dumbest. Human. On. Earth.
And the ball would've been sweet, if it weren't all weirdness. From sister ("Please don't take this wrong, but why isn't he taking his GIRLFRIEND that nobody's mentioned to her up until now and not you?") to horny commanders and the OBVIOUS revelation of the bad guy (again: author refuses to write more than nine characters, so...)
Then he has to go on a mission... and doesn't ask anyone from non-related teams to take over watching her?!?!? We were told the superiors knew what was going on, and where in on it. Now suddenly there's *NOBODY* on all of Coronado Base that could take over for him while he's away?! GAHHHHH!! Bad, bad, horribly bad writing!!!!!!!
I'm not a Suzanne Brockmann proponent, anymore. Not since her son came out of the closet and every single one of her characters is now LGBTQ+ (and she writes sex scenes, so... no and thank and you.)... but Brockmann's older stuff is MILES AWAY better than this. This was pitiful. I was *HOPING* for something along Brockmann's lines, except with actual FAITH, and maybe similar action.
Instead I got a cheap rip-off with NO faith and nothing new under the sun. Hard pass on this one, people. Except I have books #1 and #3, so... (((deep breath))) Might as well read/review those and get it over with, next...
July 27, 2013
Title: SEAL UNDER SIEGE
Author: Liz Johnson
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0373445547
Genre: Romantic Suspense
SHE'S NOT SAFE YET
When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her.
Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love?
Men of Valor: These navy SEALS were born to excel….
SEAL UNDER SIEGE is part of Ms. Johnson’s Men of Valor series, but it easily stands alone. Readers will want to read Promised to Protect first so they don’t miss a moment of this series—plus its Matt’s and Ashley’s story.
I enjoyed reading SEAL UNDER SIEGE and trying to figure out who the bad guy was. Some parts I figured out early—others, not so fast. SEAL UNDER SIEGE is a book that will hold your attention. Look for it online or at your favorite retailer and don’t run a chance of missing it. $5.99. 224 pages
Author: Liz Johnson
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0373445547
Genre: Romantic Suspense
SHE'S NOT SAFE YET
When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her.
Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love?
Men of Valor: These navy SEALS were born to excel….
SEAL UNDER SIEGE is part of Ms. Johnson’s Men of Valor series, but it easily stands alone. Readers will want to read Promised to Protect first so they don’t miss a moment of this series—plus its Matt’s and Ashley’s story.
I enjoyed reading SEAL UNDER SIEGE and trying to figure out who the bad guy was. Some parts I figured out early—others, not so fast. SEAL UNDER SIEGE is a book that will hold your attention. Look for it online or at your favorite retailer and don’t run a chance of missing it. $5.99. 224 pages
August 5, 2013
Actually more like 4 1/2, but Goodreads won't let me do that. This is one of the best "love inspired suspense" novels that I have read, and I have read a lot of them since my wife got me "hooked." It does have the standard romance formula (boy and girl meet, trouble ensues, boy and girl become an "item"), but one cannot criticize a book of this genre for being of the genre. Were it not, it would be in another genre. The excitement of this book begins right from the beginning and maintains throughout, there is a lot of subtle humor, and the female protagonist is not some wimp waiting to be rescued by a man. This is a good read, despite the genre.
July 22, 2013
I look forward to every new release by Liz Johnson and this did not disappoint (and I was super happy to get an advance copy from her so I didn't have to wait til September.) This is the story of Tristan (Ashley's brother, if you recall her first SEAL book - but you don't need to have read it to enjoy this one.)
November 19, 2018
Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson Men of Valor series
Genre: Suspense, Christian Romance,
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: More or less current day
Location: San Diego, CA
Characters:
Staci Hayes: Rescued from Middle East prison
Tristan Sawyer: Navy seal
Ashley Waterstone: Tristan’s very pregnant sister
I can’t remember when I read a Harlequin or Love Inspired romance last, but I so enjoy Liz Johnson’s writing that I had to see what her Men of Valor series would be like. Navy Seals, a beautiful woman to rescue, a dangerous secret, and someone out to kill another? Well, so far it started out with a bang for me.
Staci Hayes, a missionary held in a Middle East prison, is rescued by Navy Seals. But her rescuer needs to know what she knows, and what she knows could kill countless, or save lives.
Navy Seal Lt.Tristan Sawyer is breaking all the rules when the young woman he rescued comes to him for help. He’s not supposed to have any contact with those he saves. But her pleas, plus a map she had on her from the prison, leads him to believe her story has merit. Taking up the role as her protector, and against all protocol, he places her at his home with his sister, believing it to be completely safe. But the man who is after her who needs to keep an extremely sensitive secret from getting out is not going to stop.
This was a story full of suspense, and there seems to be no way to know who the bad guy is. But as they are working against the clock and with each other, the attraction neither Staci nor Tristan believe should ever happen just oozes off the pages. Tristan’s job keeps him at a distance from women, and Staci has a secret telling her she’s not worthy of being any man’s wife.
I enjoyed the way faith fit into the story, especially at the end when his brother-in-law reminded Tristan who is really in charge of the people under his protection.
The story represented the prisons of our own making. When God is in charge of details that hold us hostage, He has the power to break those bonds, and create a future we aren’t aware is even possible.
Perhaps Staci’s unworthiness was mentioned about 5 times too many, but it was something that was intensely hard for her, so it worked with the story.
Genre: Suspense, Christian Romance,
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: More or less current day
Location: San Diego, CA
Characters:
Staci Hayes: Rescued from Middle East prison
Tristan Sawyer: Navy seal
Ashley Waterstone: Tristan’s very pregnant sister
I can’t remember when I read a Harlequin or Love Inspired romance last, but I so enjoy Liz Johnson’s writing that I had to see what her Men of Valor series would be like. Navy Seals, a beautiful woman to rescue, a dangerous secret, and someone out to kill another? Well, so far it started out with a bang for me.
Staci Hayes, a missionary held in a Middle East prison, is rescued by Navy Seals. But her rescuer needs to know what she knows, and what she knows could kill countless, or save lives.
Navy Seal Lt.Tristan Sawyer is breaking all the rules when the young woman he rescued comes to him for help. He’s not supposed to have any contact with those he saves. But her pleas, plus a map she had on her from the prison, leads him to believe her story has merit. Taking up the role as her protector, and against all protocol, he places her at his home with his sister, believing it to be completely safe. But the man who is after her who needs to keep an extremely sensitive secret from getting out is not going to stop.
This was a story full of suspense, and there seems to be no way to know who the bad guy is. But as they are working against the clock and with each other, the attraction neither Staci nor Tristan believe should ever happen just oozes off the pages. Tristan’s job keeps him at a distance from women, and Staci has a secret telling her she’s not worthy of being any man’s wife.
I enjoyed the way faith fit into the story, especially at the end when his brother-in-law reminded Tristan who is really in charge of the people under his protection.
The story represented the prisons of our own making. When God is in charge of details that hold us hostage, He has the power to break those bonds, and create a future we aren’t aware is even possible.
Perhaps Staci’s unworthiness was mentioned about 5 times too many, but it was something that was intensely hard for her, so it worked with the story.
August 6, 2017
Starting this novel with Seal Team 15 performing a rescue operation captured my attention immediately, and sucked me into the storyline. I enjoyed actually watching Matt and Tristan interact while they removed the hostages, and the later scenes brought in the other team members without being distracting. Staci's determination to get help from the man who rescued her matched well with Tristan's leadership qualities. The biggest qualm I had with the plot line revolved around Staci's ex-boyfriend, Chris. He breaks up with her because she is infertile, which seems like a bit of a stretch in this modern setting.
December 28, 2018
Typical Harlequin Suspense set up and delivery. Quick read. Delivers the usual suspense, romance, action. Straightforward Point of View and very little back story or future projection. Plot driven not character driven. A few moments I felt myself shaking my phone (read the ebook version) saying "Why?" because I did not understand what motivated the Character to behave in the way they did, but I realize character development is not why Harlequin books are read. There was however an adequate amount of man muscle description.
October 26, 2017
Series review: yes the cover art is pretty poor. I picked this one up first and enjoyed it better than the rest of the series (read 1-4 so far). They get pretty formulaic and kinda bogged down for me. Not an awful read for a long travel day where you need a distraction, but there are better ones out there.
August 24, 2025
Great read
An amazing story! It caught me from the first word. I loved how supportive and loving Tristan and Staci treated each other. I could feel their anguish as they worked through their separate feelings and backgrounds—-yet still supported each other through it. I never had that. I also liked how they kissed and had fun together.
An amazing story! It caught me from the first word. I loved how supportive and loving Tristan and Staci treated each other. I could feel their anguish as they worked through their separate feelings and backgrounds—-yet still supported each other through it. I never had that. I also liked how they kissed and had fun together.
December 13, 2020
I didn’t make it very far in this book. I was looking for something more suspenseful and less predictable romance. Early on the characters and plot were more like a Hallmark movie than the book I was expecting from the description.
July 3, 2021
Very cool book.. It had mystery, suspense, romance , intrigue and much more.
I hadn’t realized it was number 2 but that didn’t affect me as during the book little bits were told about the first book.
I hadn’t realized it was number 2 but that didn’t affect me as during the book little bits were told about the first book.
June 14, 2018
Pretty good for a Harlequin book
We all know these are little books for light entertainment. This one was okay with a glass of wine before bed.
We all know these are little books for light entertainment. This one was okay with a glass of wine before bed.
July 14, 2018
Another great addition to the series. Five star and an A+!
January 21, 2021
Liz Johnson’s action-romances are genuine and clean and miraculously not cheesy.
January 24, 2025
A good read. Some plot twists and a little different take on a romance.
March 9, 2025
Good story with a nice twist.
April 29, 2018
A struggle to do the right thing for the country and a love born out of hope when it looked like love and the faith of God was just out of reach. God and love paved the way for two souls to come together.
August 22, 2013
Staci Hayes knew that once the Navy SEALS rescued her from Lybania the threat on her life didn't end there. Now if she can only find the one person who might be able to help her, the only person who might believe that she isn't suffering from the effects of PTSD that everyone else thinks is plaguing her, the one man whose blue eyes she looked into the night he saved her. Yet how could she find him again. She didn't even know his name, just that his team referred to him as L.T.
Once a rescue mission is complete, the SEALS are expected not to get involved with anyone who was part of that mission. However when Staci Hayes showed up in a secure facility where he was, looking completely lost and at the end of her rope, he didn't have the heart to tell her that he couldn't get involved any longer. Yet somehow against his better judgment, Lt. Tristan Sawyer did just that. He gave Staci the time to tell him what she knew and how the threat on her life wasn't over. In fact, based on what she took from the prison in Lybania is now a matter of national security and the risks of millions of lives are on the line. If only he could figure out the clues in the hand drawn map that showed the Coronado Naval base and the surrounding area.
In the latest novel from Liz Johnson in the Love Inspired Series, Seal Under Siege, takes the reader into not only an action packed suspense story but also weaves a heartwarming romance in between. Yet both Staci and Tristan have secrets that are preventing either of them in getting any more involved that simply working out the threat on San Diego. But when Staci's live is put on the line, Tristan has to admit that he can't always be there to be the one to save her. He has to make a decision, to back away and risk tearing his heart out, or go all in and learn what it means to risk it all in the name of love.
I received Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson compliments of the author herself and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. Having read A Promise to Protect before which outlines the storyline between Tristan's sister, Ashley Waterstone and her husband Matt, this one cuts right to your heart and has you flipping pages to see how Tristan and Staci will work out their differences before something happens to either one of them. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and once again this novel has found a forever home on my library shelf.
Once a rescue mission is complete, the SEALS are expected not to get involved with anyone who was part of that mission. However when Staci Hayes showed up in a secure facility where he was, looking completely lost and at the end of her rope, he didn't have the heart to tell her that he couldn't get involved any longer. Yet somehow against his better judgment, Lt. Tristan Sawyer did just that. He gave Staci the time to tell him what she knew and how the threat on her life wasn't over. In fact, based on what she took from the prison in Lybania is now a matter of national security and the risks of millions of lives are on the line. If only he could figure out the clues in the hand drawn map that showed the Coronado Naval base and the surrounding area.
In the latest novel from Liz Johnson in the Love Inspired Series, Seal Under Siege, takes the reader into not only an action packed suspense story but also weaves a heartwarming romance in between. Yet both Staci and Tristan have secrets that are preventing either of them in getting any more involved that simply working out the threat on San Diego. But when Staci's live is put on the line, Tristan has to admit that he can't always be there to be the one to save her. He has to make a decision, to back away and risk tearing his heart out, or go all in and learn what it means to risk it all in the name of love.
I received Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson compliments of the author herself and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. Having read A Promise to Protect before which outlines the storyline between Tristan's sister, Ashley Waterstone and her husband Matt, this one cuts right to your heart and has you flipping pages to see how Tristan and Staci will work out their differences before something happens to either one of them. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and once again this novel has found a forever home on my library shelf.
September 16, 2013
Seal Under Siege started really great so I thought boy this book is going to be action packed. Well here is the rub so to speak at the point in the story where there could be an actual story the author glosses over the drama in her plot faster than her readers can say boo. I didn't know that this was a clean romance with Christian themes before I read it but I saw it on Good Reads and I'm a fan of SEAL Team books. This was one of the bad ones. However compelling the beginning of the story was with our hero SEAL L.T. Tristan Sawyer rescuing aid worker Staci Hayes from a hostage situation in the Middle East, that in no way makes up for the author glossing over that as a member of a SEAL Team they are not trained to arrest someone but kill. What I don't understand is how this was side tracked. I am all for fantasy it is fiction after all but there has to be a good bit of truth for believability. This book read like the author did just enough topical research on Navy SEAL's or she underestimated the reader either way and judging by the positive reception of this book that's sad. Despite this the romance between Tristan and Staci was very nicely done and I truly felt for her in the heartbreaking predicament of not feeling like a whole woman. The ending was just okay once again the authors paint brush got in the way of a great story. I liked the love story and I understood that Staci was trying to keep the faith and live a good life helping others despite her believing that she had no potential for a husband and a family. These aspects of the story made me want to read this book. It fell short of my expectations. Whether an author is writing something clean with a religious message or something more graphic there is no excuse for bad writing.
September 30, 2013
SEAL Under Siege, book 2 in the Men of Valor series is the story of a woman who is rescued by Navy Seals from a mideastern prison..Staci Hayes had been doing some volunteer work with an elderly couple when they were all imprisoned. She is rescued by a team of Navy Seals, led by Tristan Sawyer and is returned to the US. Upon returning home she feels that she is being followed and knows that the local police would not necessarily believe her so she contacts Tristan. Thus starts the beginning of a race to find out who is following her and intenting on doing harm to her. Both Staci and Tristan are battling demons in their personal lives so they are both reluctant to get emotionally involved with each other. There are some characters from the first in the series, Promise to Protec, that play an important part to the plot of this book. Seal Under Seige is a story about love, faith and forgiveness that tugs at the heartstrings. If you like a good clean, suspenseful story that is easy to read but full of emotion, then this book is for you. I enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of the book for review from the author and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
I received a copy of the book for review from the author and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
September 13, 2013
Wanted to rate it 4-1/2 but it wouldn't let me. The book starts right in the thick of the action. Navy seals making a daring rescue right under the noses of the terrorists. Stealthily helping 2 innocent victims out a 2nd story window right next door to the terrorists while finding out the 3rd victim is elsewhere in the building makes Tristan feel like he's going to possibly let another innocent woman down if they can't find her. Suddenly the terrorists make their way towards the room where Tristan and Matt are watching the 2nd victim make his way down the side of the building towards the rest of Tristan's crew and freedom. Shots are fired before they can subdue the terrorists which sends another terrorist upstairs heading towards the room where the 3rd victim is being held. What transpires at home after the mission is not what Tristan ever imagined. Who's behind the kidnapping and why? Who's stalking and trying to kill Staci? And why? Who made the bomb and tried to run Staci down? Will they find the traitor before the bomb explodes? Read the book to find out more!
September 5, 2013
Staci Hayes, just rescued from a Middle Eastern prison by a team of Navy SEALS, thinks she's safe when she is back home on American soil. She has information of a potential terrorist attack and can't convince any government offices to take the threat seriously. Her only hope lies with one of her rescuers.
Tristan Sawyer is dedicated to his job as a Navy SEAL. When Staci shows up at his office to convince him to look into the threat, he's torn between keeping professional distance as required by his job and also protecting Staci.
Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson is a fantastic read and one I highly recommend. I'm not usually a suspense reader, but this book had me literally on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next. Liz is an incredible writer. I was so wrapped up in the story that when I finished it, I ordered a copy of A Promise to Protect so I could find out about Tristan's sister.
This book was provided free for review by the author.
Tristan Sawyer is dedicated to his job as a Navy SEAL. When Staci shows up at his office to convince him to look into the threat, he's torn between keeping professional distance as required by his job and also protecting Staci.
Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson is a fantastic read and one I highly recommend. I'm not usually a suspense reader, but this book had me literally on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next. Liz is an incredible writer. I was so wrapped up in the story that when I finished it, I ordered a copy of A Promise to Protect so I could find out about Tristan's sister.
This book was provided free for review by the author.
November 29, 2013
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. It's pretty much what you would expect--an easy, just-enough-of-a-temporary-distraction, fast read. However, there are several things in the book that were off-putting. First of all, throughout the first half of the book, there was far too much emphasis on Tristan's appearance. (Some form of the word 'sinew' was used many times.) In the last part of the book, Tristan suddenly became depicted as an incredibly religious person, making it seem especially forced. Additionally, much of the dialogue was awkward. (It was grammatically correct, mind you, but it was just unrealistically cheesy and nothing that anyone would ever realistically say aloud.) Character development was equally weak and far too rushed.
If you have high expectations when you start reading it, you'll probably find yourself disappointed. Otherwise, it just makes for a typical (albeit forgettable) read.
If you have high expectations when you start reading it, you'll probably find yourself disappointed. Otherwise, it just makes for a typical (albeit forgettable) read.
January 19, 2014
Read this in one sitting so I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of Johnson's books. Without giving away details, I found both characters endearing and the romance believable, with each one's personal issues being credibly resolved in order to make Staci & LT genuinely compatible mates.
I also appreciated that the suspense plot wasn't exaggerated with excessive explosions etc, which is a temptation to which many authors of Romantic Suspense fall prey. "When in doubt blow something up!"
The writing also was taut. However, where the novel fell down from 5 to 4 stars (and maybe I'm being unduly harsh due to Harlequin's word count constraints) was in scene/setting. For future novels I'd need a few anchor sentences that makes use of all 5 senses to show the details of the new setting, which would better help me visualize the locale.
All in all, great stuff from an author with a long career ahead of her & I dearly hope is given the chance for her own stand-alone series!
I also appreciated that the suspense plot wasn't exaggerated with excessive explosions etc, which is a temptation to which many authors of Romantic Suspense fall prey. "When in doubt blow something up!"
The writing also was taut. However, where the novel fell down from 5 to 4 stars (and maybe I'm being unduly harsh due to Harlequin's word count constraints) was in scene/setting. For future novels I'd need a few anchor sentences that makes use of all 5 senses to show the details of the new setting, which would better help me visualize the locale.
All in all, great stuff from an author with a long career ahead of her & I dearly hope is given the chance for her own stand-alone series!
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