Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bad Boy #3

Navy SEAL Bad Boy

Rate this book
JAKE
I killed America’s #1 enemy – and I will destroy the man after her.
They pinned a medal on my chest and called me a hero. Too bad they didn’t let the demons that haunt me know.
Now, I’ve been shipped off to rehab, the Navy SEALs have given me a chance to start over. It was the last place I thought I’d find the woman of my dreams, but from the second I see Holly, I know I’ll make her mine.
She needs more than any twelve-step program can provide. Her life is in danger. She needs my protection, she needs me.
I defended my country, and now I’ll put my life on the line to defend her.

HOLLY
I’ve spent my entire life on the run.
Running is all I’ve ever known how to do. When my twin sister died and everyone blamed me, I ran to Miami and fell into the lap of the biggest drug smuggler on the Eastern Seaboard.
I learned the hard way that he was no knight in shining armor though. I still have the scars and bruises he laid on my body to prove it.
I finally found the strength to leave him. To get help. And I ran again.
Now, I’m at rehab. I met a man who makes the world and all of my troubles disappear when I look into his eyes. He says he can save me.
He says he will die to do it.
Now, I want to run one more time. Into his strong arms.

ebook

283 people are currently reading
314 people want to read

About the author

Eddie Cleveland

58 books939 followers
Eddie Cleveland is an Amazon bestselling author who, after over a decade of military service, took a chance on his dream and wrote his first book. Since publishing his debut novel in 2016, he has soared to the top of the best-seller list several times in multiple categories. Now Eddie is living his passion of writing full time.

His characters are so realistic you'll wonder if you've known them your entire life. These aren't just interchangeable, faceless men. These book boyfriends will seize a piece of your heart forever. Each book drags you into a world of lighthearted laughter, heart wrenching romance and sizzling sexual tension that holds you captive until the last word.

After leaving the military, Eddie found his perfect place by the sea—a small East Coast town. Now, he's living his dream with the love of his life, their adorable little girl, and their goofy golden retriever, who reminds them that life is better with wagging tails and slobbery kisses.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
314 (53%)
4 stars
143 (24%)
3 stars
98 (16%)
2 stars
23 (3%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for Gisele Walko.
Author 6 books121 followers
February 6, 2017
I really like Eddie Cleveland's writing style, and the plot was interesting. There were some humorous parts, and the sexy parts were steamy. Some of the plot, like how Knox found Holly, or how she was flying around with no driver's license needed an explanation. Also the rehab format and Knox having no security seemed pretty unbelievable. I will certainly check out future books. Well paced. Interesting story.

*I bumped this down a star. Days later, all the inconsistencies still bothered me*
Profile Image for Meka♥books.
506 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2017
Serious themes like addiction, emotional, and physical abuse are promoinent throughout Navy SEAL Bad Boy. In my opinion I felt like I was reading two separate stories: one for Holly and one for Jake and at the last minute they were combined but I didn’t feel a connection between the leading characters. I wasn’t convinced Holly and Jake were in love; I missed the courtship, the when and how they fell in love. It was just too quick for me where it wasn’t believable.

What I loved however was the return of characters since book one: Cameron, Chelsea, Mack. I liked that Cameron was able to forgive Jake for running and leaving him high and dry after the car accident; I appreciated Mack was able to talk to Jake about his PTSD; and how these three guys are still friends. I really enjoyed all the funny dialogues and one-liners. I didn’t expect this book to be so funny but it was. The most touching moments for me were the conversations Holly and her mother shared which patched their lacking relationship and the long overdue talk Cameron and Jake father’s had with them.

Things that didn’t exactly flow right for me and left me asking questions were:


Overall, I enjoy this author’s writing but Navy SEAL Bad Boy wasn’t a complete win for me. As usual I always appreciate his mention and approach to PTSD, depression, and the Wounded Warriors. I rate Navy SEAL Bad Boy 3 solid stars.

This was a BR with the lovely Gisele Walko
Profile Image for Erica.
97 reviews
January 22, 2017
Not one of the writer strongest book and the plot just didn't flow right.
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews33 followers
January 4, 2017
Eddie Cleveland has a way of making you fall for his bad boys almost immediately.
Though as far as bad boys go, these are pretty good men!

This is Jake's story and can be read as a standalone. Having read the previous two books I do recommend reading them all in order.

Jake & Holly meet in rehab.
He's there for a mistake he made, one made trying to hide from his demons.
Holly after having lived through five years of hell got out but needed rehab to get her head on straight. She's in rehab for herself but it's also a good place to hide out for awhile and regroup.
It's not all sunshine & puppies for these two. Initially Holly has issues with Jake, one of those being her attraction to him. They get off on the wrong foot until they realize just how much they have in common.
While both are fighting to get stronger they get close and by the time their 2 months are up they are inseparable.
Once in the outside world they face the challenges they spent two months in seclusion from.
Jake battles his nightmares and the possibility of relapsing. While Holly is fighting her past, her past is coming for her and she needs Jake to keep her safe but while he's fighting his own demons can he be the man he promised her father, the man who would kill to keep her safe?

I loved these two. The fact that it Holly was snarky and take no crap from Jake in the beginning made me love her. After what she'd lived through seeing her grow and try to get stronger was a beautiful thing.
An Jake.
I couldn't not love this man. He may have his issues but deep down he's a protector with a huge heart that was just waiting for the person he was meant to love to help him work through his problems and eventually find a way to give back.
PTSD is no joke, it's real and affects everyone differently. And by everyone I mean those who are close to and those who love the person suffering as well. This book gives us a glimpse of that, we see Jake's nightmares affect his relationship with Holly. But we also see what the love of a great partner can do.

Once again Eddie Cleveland has blown me away. As much as I loved his first two books, this one has to be my new favorite.
Profile Image for A little birdie told me....
627 reviews31 followers
January 20, 2017
I should probably give this two stars, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

This read just like I'd imagine a romance book written by a man would read. In all fairness, it was much better than some of the crappy books not written by men that I have read. It was a bit crass (just a little bit though), and I have seen WAY worse in the crass department from females. It just... well...

What it missed was watching Holly and Jake actually fall in love. We see them meet. We see their first awkward sexual encounter, which gets interrupted before they actually have sex. Fast forward a month and, supposedly without having sex again, they're declaring love to one another. It would have been nice to see, even just a glimpse, exactly why they fell.

Minus some sweet words, the rest of the novel is just weird. We have the promise of action from Holly's ex threatening and pursuing her, but that is resolved strangely and without really much suspense. Issues with parents for both characters magically get resolved without much drama. Other details seemed forced and unnatural.

But like I said before, it was better than many I have read before. If you like your novels to work out easily without much angst, and are curious to see how men write romance (without the OTT sappy Nicholas Sparks ickiness), this is the book to try.
Profile Image for Isha.
1,216 reviews
January 5, 2017
Very enjoyable book. I just love Eddie Cleveland and his his style of writing. Jake's a guy who knows what he wants. And from his first sightings of Holly, he wanted her. Holly has been through so much and while trying to better herself, she comes in contact with Jake. I love his characters and the journey he takes us on. I'm definitely a fan.
Profile Image for Shadi ***save your ratings use disclaimers**.
321 reviews182 followers
deep-6
January 8, 2017
Entirely my own issues wouldn't let me finish this book. It's about two characters in rehab for cocaine abuse. I have issues with drug users so I couldn't enjoy the characters. Overall I liked the writing so I'll try another of his books.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
444 reviews
January 5, 2017
Wild World
I'm still reeling from an emotional book crash and a book hangover! This is the third book in this standalone series and my gut is telling me it's the final one. Seriously, who couldn't keep reading these military bad boy books forever?! However, I truly believe this amazing author has wrapped up this standalone series perfectly and is moving forward. I can't wait to see what Eddie Cleveland has up his sleeve for us to read in the future! With each book, I've seen him as an author grow with his writing. It has become even better than I could have ever imagined and more intense, and if you've read all three, you know exactly what I mean. It was great to begin with and now it's amazingly awesome! One thing that I've loved in these books, he always has a message in them!
As stated, you can read this as a standalone, but if you are like me, you will want to read the series in the order the books were written. If you read this book first, then go and read the others, you will have some spoilers. The characters from ABB, Mack and Lauren, and Jake was a secondary character in GI, since he's Cameron's younger brother. Due to this, the characters, Cameron and Chelsea as well as a few others from both books, are either mentioned or make an appearance in this book. There's also an update on these couples, so I highly recommend reading all three of these incredible books! I can't even tell you which book is my favorite, since I love them all, for different reasons! These are must reads! This one I did flove!
In this book, we pick up almost where we left off with Jake in GI. He's awaiting his punishment for what he did. He ends up having to go to rehab. Holly is on the run and wants to finally take her life back and get clean. With the help of her dad, and while looking over her shoulder, she also goes to rehab. This is where two similar yet different people collide. Both broken, both strong, both having family issues, and both using to escape their nightmares over something they couldn't control. They have an instant connection, but neither wants to really share their secret nightmares, only their dreams. However, Holly can't hide, when one secret catches up and Jake vows to protect her at all costs. Can he keep his promise to her, or will it cost one or both their lives?
Profile Image for Joanne T.
332 reviews13 followers
December 5, 2017
This is the third and final instalment in the Bad Boy series by Eddie Cleveland. It’s a standalone, however like the previous ones, we are introduced to the hero, Jake, in the book prior. He was Cameron’s younger brother, the SEAL whose cowardly actions got Cameron in trouble and nearly caused him to lose his chances at pro football.

I have to be honest, I was apprehensive about Jake’s story. Even though he redeemed himself at the end of Cameron’s book, I wasn’t sold on the fact that I would be able to forgive him.

Navy SEAL Bad Boy begins with Jake facing the consequences of his actions and being sent to a rehabilitation center. There he meets Holly, a woman who is trying to clean up her life after a sad incident left her broken with no choice but to run away. However, where she landed was far worse than her past situation.

They form a friendship and eventual romance, though the attraction was prevalent from their first meet. Both characters, though they have their weaknesses, are actually very strong-willed and successful in their recovery. However past pains surface, and ghosts reappear creating new challenges for this couple.

I loved both these characters. The witty banter was brilliant. The more serious times were well done. You could feel their pain when delving into their past hurts.

Eddie’s a very talented author, and most definitely will remain an instant one-click for me!
Profile Image for Sandy Lopez.
67 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2018
I can hardly breathe!
October 31, 2018
Verified Purchase
Format: Kindle Edition
This book was so heartbreaking. When I was reading this book I could actually see it in my head. Every detail, every single feeling the characters were going through. It brought back memories of my fallen brother. The end just about killed me. The author has taken a story line and made it into something that pushes you into your deep emotions. And at the end, tears fell from my eyes. Bravo!
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,670 reviews
January 6, 2017
Another great read from Eddie. This is very intense and in your face story. Definitely not for the weak of heart. Such tragic events bring the 2 main characters together and then just when you think things calm down, FATE throws in another round of hurdles. Will they be strong enough to survive, will their love last? Read this book to find out how it all comes together.
Profile Image for Bexbookrex .
538 reviews43 followers
November 9, 2018
Deeply emotional and full of heart

Wow. So much emotion in one book! From grief, guilt, and shame to acceptance, love, and forgiveness... AND steamy hot sex with a triumphant HEA! This is THE bad boy you don't want to miss. ;)
Profile Image for Cherie Williams.
27 reviews6 followers
January 28, 2017
Didn't really flow right. It was an okay read, but it seemed rushed I didn't feel anything for either character
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
October 2, 2017
One super hot Navy SEAL Bad Boy, Jake, a pretty girl with messed up violent past, Holly and one of the biggest drug dealers on the East Coast, Knox mixed up in drugs, rehab and revenge make this an exciting story.

Jake is cocky, know-it-all and finally admits he has a problem and faces it like a man and hero that he is. Holly carries guilt, has family problems with her folks and is running from the man that has controlled her for the last five years after she shot him to escape. Holly and Jake meet in rehab with an instant attraction and join together to beat their addiction to drugs and face the problems in their lives. The romance is hot and sweet as Jake vows to protect Holly.

Knox finds Holly both in rehab and at Jake's home and the threats keep coming. He is out for revenge on Holly at a terrible level of violence. Holly is scared, but still faces the problems with her parents and tries to enjoy her life with Jake. The ending was perfect for the story making this a great story about a Navy SEAL and his girl.

I borrowed Navy SEAL Bad Boy from the Kindle Unlimited borrowing program.
265 reviews
June 11, 2018
Very enjoyable read

I was lucky because this copy had American Bad Boy and Gridiron Bad Boy included. They are connected. Navy SEAL & Gridiron are brothers. American is Gridiron's former commander. I found all to have well defined characters. What I liked best is that the author went into great detail of not only the strengths of each military man, but also their weaknesses and/or demons. The stories are of them overcoming the bad and becoming successful, productive people. I think enough attention is not given to the price our military men and women pay. I read them out of order but still enjoyed each one. Navy SEAL deals with drug addiction. It was a little hard for me at the beginning, especially with Holly being in rehab and her history. You become attached to the characters and root for them to succeed. I highly recommend you read all three books, one after another. I believe the order is American, Gridiron, and then Navy SEAL.
Profile Image for Edith .
780 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2017
Bold Audacious Delicious

Write what you know. That's what I hear from practically ever writer I've met. Write what you're passionate about. Eddie Cleveland does just that and its evident as you turn the pages.
Jake was the golden boy in his family. Now he's heading to rehab after almost costing his brother his dreams. But he's turned himself in to clear Cameron and now he has to do what he needs to to save his own dream. Or does he?
Holly ran from home and left a loveless existence to end up in a hellish nightmare. On the run she goes to rehab to regain control of her life. She wants to live. And hide. Because she's being hunted.
Profile Image for Bobo's Book Bank.
550 reviews14 followers
January 20, 2017
Eddie Cleveland is a new to me author and I'm so glad I started with this one! The first few chapters were intense, brutal, sad and crazy but I couldn't put the book down. This story has everything in it...sweet romance, hot sex, extreme situations, heartbreaking moments and profound discoveries. The romantic relationship between Holly and Jake is so sweet and easy in contrast to their dark situations. I love how Mr. Cleveland wrote such a heartfelt story. I'm really looking forward to more from this author! Told from dual POVs with a great ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Michelle Vandal.
1,125 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2018
Navy Seal Bad Boy

Man! Love stories with a hunky military man make my heart race. Add some steamy scenes & I just might need medical attention.

Jake & Holly's story has layers of truth along with the fictional parts. Jake's problems stem from his tour as a SEAL. Holly was a runaway lost in her own emotional conflicts and life with a horrible man. They find each other in rehab where they learn to deal with their addictions & get to know one another. The road to happiness is not easy but the journey is what makes it worth it.

Happy to see some faces from previous stories in this series. Definitely recommend this & the other Wounded Warrior books.
6 reviews
September 28, 2017
Stronger women....more from the Canadian perspective

Mr. Cleveland writes very well and I've enjoyed reading his book(s). I've read a few. I enjoyed the bit about the rehab being in Canada but did I miss why a Canadian rehab center was chosen rather than an American facility? Also , your female leads seem to be too much on the "damsel in distress" side of the equation. All women, especially now, don't need to be rescued. We may not have the brawn but we do have the brains. Take a page from I.T. Lucas. Her females can kick ass.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
298 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2018
I've read other books by this author, so the darkness in the very beginning threw me for a loop.

But as I learned more of Holly's and Jake's stories, I was so intrigued.

Jake is a SEAL about to be kicked out unless he goes to rehab for drug addiction. Holly is a runaway who's living with a wanted drug dealer. He's got her hooked on drugs and is very abusive.

Fast forward: they enter rehab at the same time. They have their ups and downs, BUT leave rehab together.

I was surprised by the ending, but so happy.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,380 reviews48 followers
January 5, 2017
First of all, did you see the hot cover? These two come from two totally different places in life, to a treatment center for the same addiction. It’s raw and serious what they are going through, and I love how they are drawn to eachother. The story flowed very nicely and once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. Oh, it made me cry, too. So be warned, potential side effect.
I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for BashfulReader.
349 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2017
This wasn't as fast a read as I thought it would be. The story while good, was strange, and unbelievable.
There was this cloud hanging over Holly the whole time regarding her sister, it was explained in such a short off in the end that I couldn't really fathom why the writer made such a big deal of it.
Same goes with the other big plot, where Holly's ex is hunting her.
The end felt very rushed.
Not sure if it is the writer or that I'm just over this trope.
Profile Image for Karen Bullock.
1,236 reviews20 followers
January 31, 2017
Just Awesome!

I would recommend this story to anyone who likes romantic suspense, some sizzle in the bedroom, some fast paved action and a love of all things military. Both Jake and Holly could be realistic characters (with a bit of jazzed up fiction on their sides) although some of the action scenes were a bit far fetched. Overall, a great story and quite surprising from a male author!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,570 reviews
August 10, 2017
I was so happy to have Jake's story! You might want to read American Bad Boy and Gridiron Bad Boy first just for the background on the relationship with his father & brother, but if you didn't it's totally fine...it stands alone.
I love Jake and Holly's story...two people fighting their own demons find they can fight them together....and it doesn't hurt that Eddie writes a steamy hot love story!!!!
54 reviews
May 23, 2018
A great message!

So I read this book after reading the two previous ones and they're all great. I have to be honest to the author and two perspective readers that the message delivered in this book was awesome! The only constructive criticism I can give is that the love story between the two main characters didn't feel organic, it felt predictable. Nevertheless you can't deny the underlying message and I think the author did a great job with that.
450 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2018
Great book

This book has so many things to like about it that it is hard to pick just one or two. Jake had to deal with something that so many of our returning service personnel deal with that nobody realizes. Drug addictions is an illness. You have to find your reason to quit and follow through. Jake & Holly both have parental issues but by not giving up they are able to find their way back to happiness.
Profile Image for Stephanie Parker.
292 reviews
January 23, 2017
Absolutely loved this book, Eddie Cleveland is now one of my favourite authors. This book will take you on a journey of misadventure, love and acceptance. Absolutely loved the tackling of post war trauma, the humanity of the father son reconnection and the Misdeeds of Jake all bring the unique sexy story of Jake and Holly. Absolutely loved this book a must read and five star worthy as a minimum.
Profile Image for Angela V. Herndon.
698 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2017
This chapter of the trilogy was unbelievable!!! It was one of those kind of romance novels that you want to keep going forever and ever!!! And the ending was to die for!!! To read about everything going full circle and making everything complete was worth every page turn!!! If you haven't had the pleasure of reading one of Eddie Cleveland's novels, please start with this set!!!!
Profile Image for Kathy.
59 reviews
May 9, 2017
Eddie Cleveland is a new author to me and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading all three of these books.

Hot and heavy and well written . I look forward to more from this author .

Thanks Eddie
Profile Image for Clarie Giselle Speights .
538 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2017
Sweet

Sweet
Endearing
Challenging
Love
Hope
Courage
Very sweet and authentically real. I admire Holly's strength and hope. Jake grew up because of love. He finally earned the title hero that he didn't feel he deserved. Poetic justice I'd say.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.