SEALed with a Kiss

published	April 1st 2008 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
binding	Mass Market Paperback
isbn	140221118X (isbn13: 9781402211188)
pages	368
description	Jax Graham is a member of an elite military team, but when it comes to taking care of his four-year-old son after his ex-wife dies, he's completely cl...more [close] Jax Graham is a member of an elite military team, but when it comes to taking care of his four-year-old son after his ex-wife dies, he's completely clueless. One person can help him, if he'll let her... Family therapist Pickett Sessoms knows just how to help a rough, tough Navy SEAL deal with a scared and lonely little boy, but not if he insists on going it alone. When Jax and his young son Tyler get trapped by a hurricane, Pickett takes them in against her better judgment. Jax figures Pickett's high maintenance, just like all the women he knows, and she figures he's not commitment material. But when an outing turns deadly, Pickett discovers what it means to be a SEAL, and Jax discovers that even a hero needs help sometimes... [close]
date added	02-20-08 edit book

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Julie (jjmachshev) rated it:

05/16/08

bookshelves: 2008-reads, queuemyreview

Read in May, 2008

Reviewed for queuemyreview.com

What an incredibly powerful book! I confess I’d heard positive buzz on a few internet sites about this book, but I wasn’t prepared for the read I got. Stories about SEALs and other elite military forces are very popular these days. I confess that I don’t usually run out to buy these; primarily because many of them tend to pass over the incredible sacrifices these men AND women make EVERY DAY. In “SEALed with a Kiss”, Mary Margret Daughtridge has do...more Reviewed for queuemyreview.com

What an incredibly powerful book! I confess I’d heard positive buzz on a few internet sites about this book, but I wasn’t prepared for the read I got. Stories about SEALs and other elite military forces are very popular these days. I confess that I don’t usually run out to buy these; primarily because many of them tend to pass over the incredible sacrifices these men AND women make EVERY DAY. In “SEALed with a Kiss”, Mary Margret Daughtridge has done a stellar job writing a realistic romance without trying to sugarcoat the difficulties inherent in any military relationship.

Pickett (what IS it with names these days?) is a family therapist and works with military families. She knows just how tough the life is for those in the ‘field’ and those left behind. She also knows she has no intention of finding herself in the same situation as those she counsels. She enjoys helping others, but isn’t perfect herself and that made it much easier to put myself in her place. She believes she’s overcome her poor self-image and the insecurities of youth…until she becomes involved with Jax and his son Tyler.

Jax is a SEAL. There’s pretty much nothing he can’t overcome. Until his ex-wife dies and he’s faced with the decision of what to do with his four-year-old son. He wants to connect with Tyler, but just can’t seem to quite get there. When he’s almost to the point of giving up, a woman appears who seems to know exactly what to say and do to get his son talking. When he seizes the opportunity of a storm to seek shelter from her, things become much more complicated.

I don’t think there’s quite enough room for me to list all the things I liked about this book. I already mentioned the realities of military life; the long absences, sudden deployments, loneliness, lack of stability, and financial hardships can constitute such an overwhelming struggle for these families. Not to mention the relative youth of most of them. Yet Daughtridge manages to provide a sense of empowerment to these patriots. She gives us a chance to try and understand what they face, all without preaching to us!

The lead characters in this story are far from perfect. He has the military traits of order, discipline, and domination which aren’t really a plus at the end of the duty day! She has the knowledge and ability to identify relationship issues, but is less willing to open her own self up and risk the hurt that can come with loving others. Aren’t we all like that? We appreciate our heroes when our security or national pride is at stake; but would we ourselves be willing to make the sacrifices and compromises necessary ourselves? In the end “SEALed With a Kiss” by Mary Margret Daughtridge IS a romance. There is plenty of heat between our lead characters and the growth of their relationship is mirrored in their trust with one another. While I read this book I laughed and sniffled, then I was turned on and turned inside out…and at the end, very, very glad I read it!
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Auntee rated it:

03/29/08

bookshelves: contemporary-romance, men-in-uniform

Read in March, 2008

recommends it for: Contemporary Romance fans; Military Romance fans

This one started out a little slow for me, but once it finally got going I couldn't put it down!

Rough, tough Navy SEAL Jax Graham can take anything the Navy throws at him, but when his ex-wife dies and leaves him to care for his 4 year old son Tyler, he's completely helpless. He's ready to give up custody of his son to his ex-mother-in-law until his commanding officer forces him to take leave and think about what he could be giving up.

A chance meeting on the beach with pretty family the...more

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Livia rated it:

06/28/08

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: all romance readers that love stories with military backgrounds

I read SEALED WITH A KISS as part of a discussion group and enjoyed it. It was a bit different from other "SEAL" stories where the SEAL activity did not take center stage, but rather it was a story of a father whose vocation and lifestyle had no room for a young son. When his son loses his mother through death this SEAL must step in and begin to form a parental relationship. It was a very eye opening and thought provoking story. Still a love story with a lot more poignant elements tha...more

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