Hot SEAL, Salty Dog

SEALs in Paradise #2

by Elle James

Navy SEAL on vacation in Mexico wakes up married to a jilted bride and retraces his steps to matrimony

Confirmed bachelor and Navy SEAL Chase Flannigan is celebrating his separation from the Navy in the tropical paradise of Cabo San Lucas. After a particularly hazy night, he wakes up with a ring on his finger and a beautiful woman in his bed, and no memory of how they got there.

Stood up at the altar, jilted bride Maggie Neal snags her best friend and goes on her honeymoon, one groom short only to wind up in bed with a hot SEAL, married and extremely hungover.

Together, Chase and Maggie take a walk down a fractured memories’ lane to discover how they ended up hitched. In the process, they discover a bullet hole in Chase’s baseball cap, a drug cartel with a vendetta against them and a burgeoning love born of respect and adventure, a love they never expected to find in paradise.

** Salty Dog ** is part of the Brotherhood Protectors Series. It is also in the “SEALs in Paradise” connected series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone. They do not have cliffhanger endings.
Each book in the multi-author branded SEALs in Paradise series can be read stand-alone, and individual books do not have to be read in any particular order.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2018

About the author

Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was so over the top, ridiculous, yet that is what made it so fun to read. From the first meeting of the morning after, to kidnappings and the head of a drug cartel. There was a lot packed into this short. I liked seeing Chase's friends drop everything to help him. I also liked that Maggie and Chase decided to give things a real chance.

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover art made me think this was trad-published so I didn't do any of the checks I normally do for new-to-me indie authors and... now I have regrets. The opening scene had the hero kiss the heroine into compliance, and this is not the week for that. Hell, this is not the year for that. I just can't. Add to that simplistic writing and paper-thin characters, and I noped out about 15% in. Not for me. I won't be trying anything else from this author.

[Susan Jordens · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a confirmed bachelor wakes up to discover he is married ? To find out you have to read this entertaining and well written story which is full of content with lots of action and of course romance!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to you.

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spin to the Las Vegas type wedding between strangers, as it happens in Cabo San Lucas. Too much tequila can make one do stupid things. If an unplanned wedding wasn’t enough, add in a drug cartel for more excitement. I didn’t buy a Maggie tough girl action, as the heroics should have been left to the Seals.
What was missing, was the two weeks before Maggie and Chase returned to California. Supposedly, this is when their relationship truly turned to love.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking a vacation in Cabo San Lucas before heading to Montana to join the Brotherhood Protectors, Chase Flannagan wakes up with a surprise. Not only is he not alone in bed, he has a ring on his left ring finger, and no recollection of the night. More than a little disconcerting for a SEAL.

Maggie Neil was jilted at the alter by a man selected for her by her father. She planned everything for the wedding including the honeymoon. Instead of having a groom, she has her bestfriend Gina with her to help heal the humiliation. She wakes with a strange man and holy crap a wedding ring and a license to prove it happened. Only problem she doesn't remember a thing either.

The reactions of these two had me laughing even though she was threatening to scream and call hotel security. That is until she sees the Marriage Certificate.

Now of course they immediately start thinking annulment, but there is a problem with that since they apparently consummated said marriage. Chase had been a confirmed bachelor, and this makes no sense at all to him. Why would he marry someone after knowing her only a few hours.

After a threat is texted to Gina's phone from Maggie's missing one, they head out to retrace their steps from the night before. In the process discovering the source is probably a cartel leader wanting Chase's head. Of course Maggie's father has to show up too.

We meet Carter a buddy who had retired before Chase, and see Trevor, his wife Lana, and others from the Brotherhood Protectors. Add in the introduction of the rest of the SEALs in this series, by their go to drinks.

Plenty of hold your breath scenes, a taste of Maggie's strength and mettle, Chase's inherent protection mode combined with plenty of laughs, tension and heat.

[Stacy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! It has action, suspense, drama, humor, and sexy times!!

I have to say, I loved Chase in this book. In the first part of the book, there were many spots I was laughing out loud!! The banter between these two as they try and convince each other that they are married was comical. I also really liked the one line zingers that Chase would throw at Maggie not only to see her mad but also turned on. My favorite has to be after she gets out of the shower and tells Chase to "take that"!! His response to her made me actually close my kindle, take a couple of breaths and whisper to myself, He didn't just say that!!!

I liked Maggie in this book, there were times that she drove me slightly crazy but I really liked her. She wasn't someone who waited around for someone to rescue her, she was fierce and independent. She was also sassy but I wouldn't say she was mean. The part of her that drove me crazy was where she demanded to be in the action. I know she felt she was involved but my thought was "didn't she see that she was more of a liability that help"? Chase and his friends were professionals and she could just be in the way.

Overall I really liked this book. The night of their wedding sounded like a lot of fun!

[Linda Ketter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is marketed as a crossover book, however I think the whole series will be crossover. This series encompasses the Brotherhood Protectors in Montana as well as the Navy Seals in Coronado. I love the call names for all of the guys based on what they drink. I learned a few new drinks in this book that I need to try.

This book was a great adventure full of laughs and intrigue. Chase and Maggie wake up in bed together with hangovers and wedding rings. Sounds like what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but this isn't Vegas. This is Cabo San Lucas, where the tequila is strong and the women are wild. So the adventure begins to figure out what happened.

Along the way, they run into another former Seal in bed with Maggie's best friend. And a cartel Lord set on revenge. And they manage to remember the events of the previous evening. And fall in love.

As events unfold, danger lurks, but it appears that Maggie is capable of taking care of herself and Chase is determined to protect Maggie as best as he can. Oh yeah, and let us not forget Daddy coming to the rescue.

I'm curious to read more about the Seals of Paradise and what women manage to tame them. They all seem like fun and adventure.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 Stars

Hot SEAL: Salty Dog is a novel in The Brotherhood Protectors Series by Elle James - it is a crossover between the Brotherhood Protectors and SEALs in Paradise series....
This series is a great blend of romance, action, and suspense. These books introduce us to a team of former military heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting others, all while navigating their own personal battles.
Ms. James’ characters are definitely the heart of this series, and each protector is uniquely crafted, with a mix of strength, vulnerability, and charm. Their camaraderie and loyalty to one another also creates a sense of family that adds an extra element to the stories/series.
These plots are fast-paced and packed with twists, cleverly blending high-stakes danger with heartfelt romance. Whether it's a SEAL turned cowboy, or a sniper finding love amidst chaos, each book delivers a satisfying mix of adrenaline and emotion. Elle James also weaves in themes of redemption, trust, and healing, making the series not just entertaining, but also heartfelt.
With gripping storylines, endearing characters, and just the right amount of heat, this is a series that will leave you eagerly reaching for the next installment.
Happy Reading…

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you wake up to realise that you are in bed, naked with a strange woman by your side and with a gold band on your finger? Well you try to act as though nothing is wrong. Chase in in Cabo San Lucas for a holiday before he starts with the brotherhood protectors. Having been a seal for a while this might be the wind down he needs. Maggie is in heaven, until she sees her naked body, the strange man in her bed and a band on her ring finger. What happened to her the night before? Who knows but after receiving a text from someone it’s a race against time to find out what their joint movements were to lead up to the wedding. Chase gets to meet his father in law just as they are about to leave the island. Maggie gets kidnapped and its down to chase and his buddies to save her before something happens. Will he get there in time? A great read from this series from different authors.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot SEAL, Salty Dog is an awesome military romance by Elle James. Ms. James has once again delivered another well-written book that will keep readers glued to their e-readers. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. The cast of characters is stellar, I love them. Chase is on vacation after leaving his SEAL team and before starting his job with Brotherhood Protectors. Maggie is on her honeymoon, without a groom. Chase and Maggie's story is loaded with drama, spice, action, suspense and lots of humor. Salty Dog hooked me a page one and I couldn't put it down until the end. I can't wait for my next book by Elle James. Hot SEAL, Salty Dog is part of the SEALs in Paradise Series and is A Brotherhood Protectors Crossover Novel but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful start to a whole new series of SEals for us to fall in love while at the same time we get to see all our old friends.

Chase has just retired from active duty as a SEAL and is having a holiday in Cabo before starting work with The Brotherhood Protectors. Maggie ditched at the alter when her groom ran away with the wedding planner decides to take her best friend on her honeymoon with her. Now they have woken up naked in the same bed with marriage rings and certificate and they don't remember a thing. Now a drug cartel is after them but they don't know why because they can't remember anything from their wedding night. Live with them as they track their movements to try to find out what happened . A wonderful start to a whole new series of Seals for us to fall in love with We met all of the boys in this new series and the stories behind their names next story Carson in Sex on the Beach

[Em]

DNF

Didn’t like the writing. Too cheeky. Too hallmarky. That’s now a word.

I also feel like pointing out some stupid shit:
- A woman waking up to a stranger in bed and when she’s about to freak out, he kisses her to block out her scream. Kissing her into oblivion.
- Throw in a funny comment about rape.
- The guy trying to console her with the “proof” that he didn’t rape her because there were two used condoms in the trash. What?
- I’ve read that being extremely intoxicated can make it almost impossible for a guy to perform. But this guy did it twice.
- Is there really such a point of intoxication that you forget everything from the entire night?
- if I woke up with a strange guy who first tries to hold me down, then kiss me, I would have done everything in my power to claw my way to escape while silently freaking the fuck out. Why were they both so calm? This is not a cute situation.

Plot. See the description

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a confirmed bachelor meets a jilted bride? What else – they get married! And from there the fun and excitement begins. For Maggie, what more could go wrong? She’s been jilted at the altar, married to a stranger, and threatened by the cartel. Wait until you see what happens next! While Maggie is in denial, Chase goes into protective mode. After all, she is his wife, and this is what SEALs do.

This is a fun, exciting, and suspenseful tale. You don’t often get this mix in the same story, but it works! The characters of Maggie and Chase play off each other so well that it’s a delight to see them interact with each other and the other characters. The action is fast-paced and at times intense. It will easily keep your attention from beginning to end and be prepared to not be able to put it down. I highly recommend this as a VERY enjoyable read!!

[A. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

All around fun easy read! Hot Seal, Salty Dog is the perfect light book to read when you want to pass the time stress free and enjoyably. It has a clear story with everything I enjoy: suspense, humor, romance, a clear but uncomplicated plot, and of course a sexy SEAL. Basically, the hero Chase and the heroine, Maggie wake up naked together in a hotel room bed in a resort town in Mexico. She's a jilted bride and he's an ex-SEAL. Finding themselves married and with no memory of how that happened, they try and retrace their steps the night before. That's when the fun starts. We meet some feisty ex-military friends, experience a kidnapping by the Mexican cartel, and lastly deal with an irate dad with control issues. This whole book is seriously just a fun, quick read and a pleasure to ARC review. Wish it was longer:)

[Cindy Reifel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase is a retired Navy SEAL who decides to spend some time in Cabo. Maggie, after being left at the altar, decides to go on her honeymoon with her best friend, in order to get away from her father. They both wake up the next morning, naked, in the same bed and, with wedding rings and a Marriage License!
Maggie then realizes that her phone is gone and, someone just texted her with a threat to her life if Chase doesn't meet the head of a drug cartel at a certain time. Problem is that neither one of them remembers anything about their wedding night!
They spend a long day trying to backtrack and remember the night before while their SEAL friends investigate and close ranks in order to help their brother in trouble =oh=and his NEW WIFE!!!
Seamless storyline with quite a few twists and turns! I read it in one sitting!

[Lisa Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Hot SEAL is correct! Hot background as well. The story takes place in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Chase Flannigan and Maggie Neal wake up in bed in his hotel room with absolutely no memory of how they got there and what's worse is that they appear to have gotten married. Let the sparks fly both in anger and in passion.

As they retrace their steps, danger lurks. Chase calls upon his friends and his boss Hank from the Brotherhood Protectors to help when Maggie is kidnapped.

Fast paced action and kick ass heroes as I have come to expect from Ms. James. The females in this story are also bad ass and the story also sets up for the next story in the SEALS in Paradise novel.

I just bought the next one as I enjoyed meeting the two characters from this story in their very own story. Sparks will continue to fly I am sure.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two strangers are married the first night they meet and neither remembers anything from that night

Maggie is supposed to be on her honeymoon, but her groom left her at the alter for the wedding planner. Chase just processed out of the Navy and is on vacation before he starts his new job in Montana. What do you do when you wake up married to someone you just met the night before and neither of you remembers anything? You trace your steps of course until you find out the cartel is after you. What do you do then? Do you flee the country and go back home or do you stay and fight? The decision is taken away when the cab driver leaves with just Maggie. Will they figure out where she is and get her back without getting g her or themselves hurt? Who does Chase call for help and will it come in time?

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't feel like it written by this author. I've read several others by her, and it just didn't feel the same. The story was a good one, but seemed choppy or perhaps rushed. There were a few instances that it seemed like something else had been written and then changed. The plot itself was good- two people waking up next to each other, wearing wedding rings, and no memory of the night before. Then they have to figure out what happened, especially when there's a threat. There's a touch of romance, but nothing heavy. Felt like it could have been more of a romantic suspense movie than a book. A quick but fun read though. I got a kick out of references to McP's in Coronado, CA since I've been there myself.

[VR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! Its the first book in the Seals in Paradise series and also a part of the Brotherhood Protectors series, but it is a stand alone book too. It tells the story of Chase and Maggie. They both got to Cabo San Lucas the same day and went to a bar, got drunk and then got married. They wake up the next morning and don't remember each other or anything that had happened the night before. But, they are each wearing a wedding ring and they have a marriage license. I received an ARC of this book (for an honest review) and I started reading it as soon as it downloaded and got so caught up in it that I couldn't stop reading til I finished it. I loved it. It has romance and lots of action. A great book and a great start to a new series.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story; lots of suspense.

Hot SEAL Salty Dog begins a new series – SEALs in Paradise – but also crosses over with Elle James' Brotherhood Protector series (which I really like). SEALs in Paradise promises to be a great series with books by several authors who's work I enjoy. While it's part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone without feeling like you've missed anything.

The story has Elle's engaging style of humor, suspense, and romance which always provide this reader with an enjoyable reading experience.

The blurb is pretty accurate. I'll add that the story was very entertaining and I think SEALs in Paradise is going to be a great new series.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Sheila Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read a book about Navy SEALs, and Elle James is, hands down, the best at writing about these military guys. HOT SEAL, SALTY DOG is an exquisite read. It's entertaining, humorous and suspenseful. Take a jilted-at-the-altar bride and a newly decommissioned SEAL who meet in Cabo San Lucas, get drunk, get married and wake up with no memories of the night before --- and you have a story with endless possibilities! Elle James reels her reader in like a pro angler with her attention to detail, great characters and a fabulous plot. Yes, we have all read books where the H and h fall in love at first glance. But this author takes the average shtick and twists the story until you actually believe it happens.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I just love all the Brotherhood Protector Seals and now the Seals in Paradise. I so look forward to the other stories. Ms. James does a fantastic job in her storytelling. The way the story flows, it is like seeing a movie play in my head. The premise of this story was fantastic. It just grabbed me in from the beginning. I read it in one sitting.

I appreciated having prior Seals make a reappearance in this story. I hope that the Brotherhood goes on for a LONG TIME! I highly recommend this story to anyone especially if you love a military romance. You will fall in love. The woman are strong and confident and their men are swoon-worthy. Wipe the drool!!

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

Hot SEAL, Salty Dog by Elle James is part of a multi author series, all featuring hot SEALs :)

This one is a fun oops-we-wake-up-married story featuring newly retired SEAL Chase Flannigan and his bride Maggie Neal. Apparently both of them arrived in Cabo San Lucas ready to party, and did so to the extreme. Neither of them intended to find a romantic partner, much less get married! And both are eager to dissolve the union except that they receive threats against Maggie’s life. As much as he didn’t want a wife, Chase wasn’t about to let his face danger alone.

Elle James does a great job with Maggie and Chase, and their friends and coworkers round out an excellent supporting cast. A terrific addition to the Hot SEAL/Brotherhood Protectors universes!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine his surprise when newly retired Navy SEAL Chase Flannigan, and confirmed bachelor, wakes up with a hangover in Cabo San Lucas and a newlywed. WHAT!?! His new bride, jilted bride Maggie Neal, is just as shocked.
Little did they know that while trying to trace back their steps to find out how they ended up together, they would find themselves in the middle of a drug cartel, and bad guys. As they attempt to stay alive the attraction intensifies. Is it only due to the adrenaline rush, or have they found true love?
Throughout the story, there isn’t a dull moment.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exciting & fast-paced story that takes place over just a day or two at a resort in Mexico. Not much beach time though! Two strangers are in a confusing & dangerous situation that they can't remember. The characters are fun & I enjoyed seeing other members of the Brotherhood Protectors group. The Seals, of course, must save the day. Maggie assists in her own rescue & her friend, Gina, has a very feisty personality. Excellent romance, with a happy ending. Could easily be a sequel, taking place in Montana, as they get to know each other.

I received an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Hot SEAL, Salty Dog: A Brotherhood Protectors Crossover Novel (SEALs in Paradise book 1): Chase and Maggie by Elle James and this review was given freely.
Humourous , suspenseful, fast paced and full of action with a bit of steam at the beginning this novel features a sudden wedding, a kidnapping and a great introduction to both the Brotherhood Protectors and the SEAL Team with drink aliases.
Newly separated from the Navy SEAlS, confirmed bachelor Chase "Salty Dog" Flannigan finds himself in a hotel hungover,naked,bruised and committed to protect the woman he married, Maggie who is in Cabo San Lucas on her almost honeymoon.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase Flanigan has retirement all mapped out and it starts with a week of sun and fun in Cabo San Lucas. So waking up married wasn't exactly part of the plan. Maggie Neal is on a solo honeymoon after being left at the alter. She's sworn off men entirely yet it seems she's married. It seems that the country song "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" may have some merit in Chase and Maggie's dilemma. Trying to put the pieces of their puzzle together leads to all sorts of problems including an angry drug cartel leader bent on saving face and a daring escape. Chase is not willing to walk away from Maggie anymore than she wants to leave him.

[Jane.w · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

This is a quick easy read. Chase and Maggie found themselves naked in a hotel room and married but neither have any recollection of the previous evening or of each other. Luckily, their friends were around to shed some light into the matter. They then retraced their steps and found out they made an enemy of a cartel leader who wants Chase dead. This was interesting and I liked the characters, especially Chase. Maggie didn’t really do it for me as I didn’t feel like I really understood her. She’s nice and strong/capable but was fighting their attraction and wanted an annulment. It was nice meeting the other characters in this series.

[Sally J Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase goes to a Mexican beach to celebrate getting out of the Navy. He awakens with a sores and bruises. A wedding band on his finger and a mysterious naked woman, Maggie, beside him in his bed. Both are thrown for a loop. What the heck happened? Why do I have a wedding band on my finger? Who the heck is this person?

Full of laughter, danger and trying to find out just how they got where they are. It was supposed to be a night of innocent fun, drinks, dancing, relaxing and forgetting. Will this marriage survive or fall by the wayside ?

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and adventurous

This was just what I was wanting, a kinda lighthearted, fun, and easy romantic suspense. Give me a little adventure with some easy going vibes.

I love a man who's protective and goes all out for his woman, which Chase does here with a passion. And I adored Maggie's grit and her own protective nature. I swooned watching them rediscover their first night together.

Such a fun and unique set up, and just enough adventure/suspense to keep the story moving.