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SEALed #3
SEALed with a Ring
Sometimes you get a lot more than you bargained for...
She's got it all...except the one thing she needs most.
Smart, successful businesswoman JJ Caruthers has a year to land a husband or lose the empire she's worked so hard to build. With time running out, romance is not an option, and a military husband who is always on the road begins to look like the perfect solution...
He's a wounded hero with an agenda of his own.
Even with the scars of battle, Navy SEAL medic Davy Graziano is gorgeous enough to land any woman he wants, and he's never wanted to be tied down. Now Davy has ulterior motives for accepting JJ's outrageous proposal of marriage, but he only has so long to figure out what JJ doesn't want him to know...
She's got it all...except the one thing she needs most.
Smart, successful businesswoman JJ Caruthers has a year to land a husband or lose the empire she's worked so hard to build. With time running out, romance is not an option, and a military husband who is always on the road begins to look like the perfect solution...
He's a wounded hero with an agenda of his own.
Even with the scars of battle, Navy SEAL medic Davy Graziano is gorgeous enough to land any woman he wants, and he's never wanted to be tied down. Now Davy has ulterior motives for accepting JJ's outrageous proposal of marriage, but he only has so long to figure out what JJ doesn't want him to know...
405 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
19 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 2, 2011
This book started out really strong for me--the hero (Navy SEAL (and medic) Davy Graziano) is attending his commanding officer's (Jax, from SEALed with a Kiss) wedding reception and he spies a gorgeous brunette (the heroine, JJ Caruthers) who he'd like to hook up with. Beautiful brunette JJ is reeling after receiving some info from her grandfather that could affect her whole future as heiress to the Caruthers car dealership that grandpa owns. JJ has devoted most of her life to learning the business from Grandpa Lucas, and for the past six years she's now the one running the multimillion dollar car empire. This is her whole world, her security, and defines who she is as an adult. But grandpa's now got it in his head that JJ needs a life outside of the businesss, so he demands she finds a husband in a year's time and stays married for at least a year or he will sell the business. JJ's furious with grandpa, feels out of contol and emotional (her dog died that day too), and ends up literally bumping into the sexy SEAL who was eyeballing her earlier while she tries to leave the reception. He propositions her with a voice as smooth and rich as Dove chocolate, and much to her surprise she says "okay", and they end up having a very steamy one night stand. Or at least I think they did, because dang it, it's now the morning after, and the author decides to tell the reader what happened rather than show what happened. I'll admit that was a bit jarring--you're all set to read the big seduction scene , you turn the page, and find out it's already over and done with. No!
Okay, so after that disappointment I knew what to expect. Lots of verbal and physical foreplay, but no big payoff or "real time" love scenes, just the H/h reminiscing about what happened. Not my preferred style but I decided to go with it, expecting a ho-hum PG read. But to my surprise, it wasn't ho-hum at all. Actually the book was pretty interesting, and was filled with lots of detailed writing with plenty of atmospere and character development, and dealt with some issues (traumatic brain injury) that were rather thought provoking. And the love scenes, although in no way graphic, were rather sensuous. I say kudos to writer Mary Margret Daughtridge for making me feel the heat between the two leads without having everything spelled out.
So back to the plot...It's the morning after the "big night" and JJ is horrified and embarrassed (yet turned on) by her actions with a man who doesn't even know her name, and who she only knows as "Davy". She runs out on him, and figures she'll never see him again. She's got to find a 'disposable' husband to thwart grandpa's plans or all that she's worked for will be for naught.
For Davy, he's kicking himself too. Yeah, he's a stud with a reputation, but he's never gone to bed with a woman without knowing her name. He feels that he and this woman could have something special, and he tries to find out from various wedding guests what her name is, but comes up empty. So, he does the only thing he can do. He volunteers to go back on duty to Afghanistan where he knows he can be of some use.
Fast forward a year later, and JJ and her future idiot of a husband are attending the wedding of one of his collegues (Emmie, and her fiancee Navy SEAL Caleb "Do-Lord" Delaude from SEALed with a Promise). And guess who else is in attendance? That's right, Davy Graziano. Davy, who's returned from Afghanistan with a facial scar and a traumatic brain injury that nearly caused his death and causes him problems with his memory, spies JJ and thinks that she seems familiar to him, but he just can't place her. JJ thinks he doesn't remember her because she was just another notch on his bedpost. They get to talking, can't deny the heat between them, and a few days later, after JJ dumps her louse of a fiancee and because Davy's family is in dire circumstances, he makes a financial deal to become JJ's husband for a year. JJ thinks that this could work because Davy won't be around a lot since he's a SEAL and she can be over and done with him in a year. But what happens if Davy is around a lot longer than JJ can handle, and really wants a 'traditional' marriage. Can JJ afford to put herself out there for a man who didn't even remember being with her?
I really liked Davy in this story, or "David" as JJ referred to him when he came back from Afghanistan. I thought he grew as a character, matured due to his near death experience and the disability it left him with, and was a very sexy, caring guy. I felt bad for all that he had to go through with his brain injury and the memory problems it caused him, but I couldn't figure out why he just wouldn't level with JJ about his problems. I mean I understand plot-wise why he didn't tell her, yet all the while I was reading I kept thinking 'just trust her, and TELL her everything!'
JJ I grew to love. At first she was just so focused on her career and practically had no life outside of it. I thought Davy was the best thing that could ever happen to her, because it forced her to open up and take a chance on letting someone else into her life, someone who she could share things with (which she desperately needed) and have fun with...and love.
The love scenes? There were quite a few actually, and even though most of them were behind the bedroom door or were thought of in the H/h's mind later, they did manage to convey a whole sensual aura and steamy atmosphere. Yes, you may have to use your imagination a time or two but I had no trouble feeling the heat between Davy and JJ and I thought their romance progressed in a very believable way. I have to give credit to the author because she didn't have to resort to any gratuitous sexual tricks to keep the story moving. She had a lot to say and managed to keep my attention on the story while entertaining me.
To sum up, a pretty decent story about an injured SEAL and a career woman who both manged to find something neither thought they were looking for. This is the third book of the series, can definitely be read as a stand alone, and is my favorite so far. A very solid 4 stars.
Okay, so after that disappointment I knew what to expect. Lots of verbal and physical foreplay, but no big payoff or "real time" love scenes, just the H/h reminiscing about what happened. Not my preferred style but I decided to go with it, expecting a ho-hum PG read. But to my surprise, it wasn't ho-hum at all. Actually the book was pretty interesting, and was filled with lots of detailed writing with plenty of atmospere and character development, and dealt with some issues (traumatic brain injury) that were rather thought provoking. And the love scenes, although in no way graphic, were rather sensuous. I say kudos to writer Mary Margret Daughtridge for making me feel the heat between the two leads without having everything spelled out.
So back to the plot...It's the morning after the "big night" and JJ is horrified and embarrassed (yet turned on) by her actions with a man who doesn't even know her name, and who she only knows as "Davy". She runs out on him, and figures she'll never see him again. She's got to find a 'disposable' husband to thwart grandpa's plans or all that she's worked for will be for naught.
For Davy, he's kicking himself too. Yeah, he's a stud with a reputation, but he's never gone to bed with a woman without knowing her name. He feels that he and this woman could have something special, and he tries to find out from various wedding guests what her name is, but comes up empty. So, he does the only thing he can do. He volunteers to go back on duty to Afghanistan where he knows he can be of some use.
Fast forward a year later, and JJ and her future idiot of a husband are attending the wedding of one of his collegues (Emmie, and her fiancee Navy SEAL Caleb "Do-Lord" Delaude from SEALed with a Promise). And guess who else is in attendance? That's right, Davy Graziano. Davy, who's returned from Afghanistan with a facial scar and a traumatic brain injury that nearly caused his death and causes him problems with his memory, spies JJ and thinks that she seems familiar to him, but he just can't place her. JJ thinks he doesn't remember her because she was just another notch on his bedpost. They get to talking, can't deny the heat between them, and a few days later, after JJ dumps her louse of a fiancee and because Davy's family is in dire circumstances, he makes a financial deal to become JJ's husband for a year. JJ thinks that this could work because Davy won't be around a lot since he's a SEAL and she can be over and done with him in a year. But what happens if Davy is around a lot longer than JJ can handle, and really wants a 'traditional' marriage. Can JJ afford to put herself out there for a man who didn't even remember being with her?
I really liked Davy in this story, or "David" as JJ referred to him when he came back from Afghanistan. I thought he grew as a character, matured due to his near death experience and the disability it left him with, and was a very sexy, caring guy. I felt bad for all that he had to go through with his brain injury and the memory problems it caused him, but I couldn't figure out why he just wouldn't level with JJ about his problems. I mean I understand plot-wise why he didn't tell her, yet all the while I was reading I kept thinking 'just trust her, and TELL her everything!'
JJ I grew to love. At first she was just so focused on her career and practically had no life outside of it. I thought Davy was the best thing that could ever happen to her, because it forced her to open up and take a chance on letting someone else into her life, someone who she could share things with (which she desperately needed) and have fun with...and love.
The love scenes? There were quite a few actually, and even though most of them were behind the bedroom door or were thought of in the H/h's mind later, they did manage to convey a whole sensual aura and steamy atmosphere. Yes, you may have to use your imagination a time or two but I had no trouble feeling the heat between Davy and JJ and I thought their romance progressed in a very believable way. I have to give credit to the author because she didn't have to resort to any gratuitous sexual tricks to keep the story moving. She had a lot to say and managed to keep my attention on the story while entertaining me.
To sum up, a pretty decent story about an injured SEAL and a career woman who both manged to find something neither thought they were looking for. This is the third book of the series, can definitely be read as a stand alone, and is my favorite so far. A very solid 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2012
I had such high hopes for Mary Margret Daughtridge's "SEALed" series. Her first book, "SEALed With A Kiss", was fantastic! Couldn't wait to read the follow-up, "SEALed With A Promise". "Promise" was pretty good, but nothing to write home about. Yet given how good the first book was, I still had high hopes for the third installment, "SEALed With A Ring". *shaking head* Sadly, this series just gets worse and worse.
The plot itself is old and stale...In order to inherit the family business from a grandfather (Lucas Caruthers) who's only looking out for his granddaughter's best interest, a woman (JJ Caruthers) must get married so she can be fulfilled in both her career and her personal life. Lo and behold, a sexy man (Navy SEAL medic Davy Graziano) saves the day by entering into a business agreement with said woman and they end up falling in love. *rolling eyes* I've read this story many times before and, believe me, it's been done much better.
The characters are lacking...I couldn't connect with JJ on any level. She seemed cold and impersonal (except when she was in the sack with David) and someone who would bore me to death in real life. Lucas was just an ass. Davy/David seemed to be a contradiction from the start, though he was certainly the most interesting of the lot. And Blount Satterfield (who just keeps showing up book after book) seemed as contrived and out of place as ever.
The pace is excruciatingly slow...It just seemed to meander every which way. And nothing exciting happened. Ever. Throughout all 405 pages.
All in all, I just couldn't connect with the book...The implausibility and carelessness of the marriage contract between JJ and David (which should have been a big major hairy deal) was agreed to and swept aside within a matter of paragraphs. (Seriously, what dolt would entrust the life of a child with Asperger's Syndrome to a virtual stranger when that child has two able-minded/bodied siblings who are studying to be doctors?! And what idiot would agree to that without even meeting the child?!) Also, I understand that the Caruthers are wealthy and that it's a crucial part of the storyline. But the author seemed to drone on and on about their beautiful home, expensive things and sleek clothes (OK, we get it, they're rich) and kept dropping name brands (think of those annoying product placements in movies) that it became irritating. (Even "middle class" Davey grew up in a $300,000 home. That ain't [sic] "middle class" where I come from.) And the "humor" was lost on me...An overly long and distasteful story about how Lucas had to buy his wife Audubon silver after she found out he bought his mistress a Corvette is not funny no matter how you look at it. (Oh, look! There are those important name brands again!) Yet they yucked it up. Sorry, I just didn't get it.
I SHOULD give this book one star, but I'll give it two simply because I'm feeling generous today.
The plot itself is old and stale...In order to inherit the family business from a grandfather (Lucas Caruthers) who's only looking out for his granddaughter's best interest, a woman (JJ Caruthers) must get married so she can be fulfilled in both her career and her personal life. Lo and behold, a sexy man (Navy SEAL medic Davy Graziano) saves the day by entering into a business agreement with said woman and they end up falling in love. *rolling eyes* I've read this story many times before and, believe me, it's been done much better.
The characters are lacking...I couldn't connect with JJ on any level. She seemed cold and impersonal (except when she was in the sack with David) and someone who would bore me to death in real life. Lucas was just an ass. Davy/David seemed to be a contradiction from the start, though he was certainly the most interesting of the lot. And Blount Satterfield (who just keeps showing up book after book) seemed as contrived and out of place as ever.
The pace is excruciatingly slow...It just seemed to meander every which way. And nothing exciting happened. Ever. Throughout all 405 pages.
All in all, I just couldn't connect with the book...The implausibility and carelessness of the marriage contract between JJ and David (which should have been a big major hairy deal) was agreed to and swept aside within a matter of paragraphs. (Seriously, what dolt would entrust the life of a child with Asperger's Syndrome to a virtual stranger when that child has two able-minded/bodied siblings who are studying to be doctors?! And what idiot would agree to that without even meeting the child?!) Also, I understand that the Caruthers are wealthy and that it's a crucial part of the storyline. But the author seemed to drone on and on about their beautiful home, expensive things and sleek clothes (OK, we get it, they're rich) and kept dropping name brands (think of those annoying product placements in movies) that it became irritating. (Even "middle class" Davey grew up in a $300,000 home. That ain't [sic] "middle class" where I come from.) And the "humor" was lost on me...An overly long and distasteful story about how Lucas had to buy his wife Audubon silver after she found out he bought his mistress a Corvette is not funny no matter how you look at it. (Oh, look! There are those important name brands again!) Yet they yucked it up. Sorry, I just didn't get it.
I SHOULD give this book one star, but I'll give it two simply because I'm feeling generous today.
March 30, 2010
JJ and Davy first meet at a wedding where they let their inhibitions go and spend a wild night of sexual indulgence together… not so new to Davy, but very uncharacteristic for JJ. Then both go their separate ways...JJ to find a way to keep the car dealership that she feels is her family legacy, and has become the sole focus of her life, and Davy back to Afghanistan to serve his country as a SEAL.
They meet again almost a year later at another wedding, but Davy doesn’t remember JJ. He is drawn to her inexplicably, and feels moments of déjà vu that he just can’t explain, while JJ desperately wishes to forget a night that she regrets. In a moment of brilliance JJ realizes that Davy, now David, is exactly the type of husband that she needs and has been searching for. A SEAL is perfect since he will almost never be around and she will be free to lead her life as she sees fit…on her own terms. However, David has terms of his own. One of which is a “real” marriage, not just in name only.
There was so much promise in JJ and David’s love story. I loved the hero David, and his transformation into a man that is drastically different from his prior playboy personality, while trying to overcome traumatic brain injuries that could end his career as a SEAL. For me he was the heart and the most interesting part of the story. However, much to my disappointment I felt that this story was heroine centric and focused mostly on JJ and her struggles to control everything in her life.
I was slow to get invested into this story for this reason. I wish the story would have been more about David and how he changed after his injuries; his efforts to regain some of his memories, having to relearn things like reading and math while hiding his struggles from everyone including his new wife, and doctors because of his fear of no longer being a SEAL…the very reason why she wanted to marry him. He viewed his entire worth and identity with being a SEAL and this was such a significant point in the book that I wish it would have been explored in more depth.
His injuries were the reason why he didn’t remember JJ. He just had inexplicable feelings that he already “knew” her and that she was important enough to him that he didn’t want to let her go. It made JJ’s struggle with controlling the world around her seem insignificant compared to what David was experiencing, yet it was JJ’s story that was the focus of the book. I felt that JJ”s same problems were rehashed repeatedly, I just wish she would have learned her hard earned lessons much sooner so that we could experience more of David’s story. I wanted to learn more about his relationship with his family. More about him, how he coped with his fears, and desired the love of a woman he felt unworthy of.
I felt that the emotions were stunted and just when I thought that the hero and the heroine would get to important discussions/discoveries the scene or chapter would end, and while some of this was finally addressed, it happened all within about the last 50 or so pages…too little to late for me. It was almost as if the story needed to conclude, and the parts of the story that for me were the most important, that were crucial to their love story, their growth and development individually as well as a couple, were sadly rushed. SEALed with a Ring held promise that I felt wasn’t completely fulfilled despite it's potential.
Ratings: 3.25 stars
Sensuality level: the intimate scenes in this book were mostly just hinted at, however there were a few scenes that went into more detail...much like you would find in a Harlequin romance
They meet again almost a year later at another wedding, but Davy doesn’t remember JJ. He is drawn to her inexplicably, and feels moments of déjà vu that he just can’t explain, while JJ desperately wishes to forget a night that she regrets. In a moment of brilliance JJ realizes that Davy, now David, is exactly the type of husband that she needs and has been searching for. A SEAL is perfect since he will almost never be around and she will be free to lead her life as she sees fit…on her own terms. However, David has terms of his own. One of which is a “real” marriage, not just in name only.
There was so much promise in JJ and David’s love story. I loved the hero David, and his transformation into a man that is drastically different from his prior playboy personality, while trying to overcome traumatic brain injuries that could end his career as a SEAL. For me he was the heart and the most interesting part of the story. However, much to my disappointment I felt that this story was heroine centric and focused mostly on JJ and her struggles to control everything in her life.
I was slow to get invested into this story for this reason. I wish the story would have been more about David and how he changed after his injuries; his efforts to regain some of his memories, having to relearn things like reading and math while hiding his struggles from everyone including his new wife, and doctors because of his fear of no longer being a SEAL…the very reason why she wanted to marry him. He viewed his entire worth and identity with being a SEAL and this was such a significant point in the book that I wish it would have been explored in more depth.
His injuries were the reason why he didn’t remember JJ. He just had inexplicable feelings that he already “knew” her and that she was important enough to him that he didn’t want to let her go. It made JJ’s struggle with controlling the world around her seem insignificant compared to what David was experiencing, yet it was JJ’s story that was the focus of the book. I felt that JJ”s same problems were rehashed repeatedly, I just wish she would have learned her hard earned lessons much sooner so that we could experience more of David’s story. I wanted to learn more about his relationship with his family. More about him, how he coped with his fears, and desired the love of a woman he felt unworthy of.
I felt that the emotions were stunted and just when I thought that the hero and the heroine would get to important discussions/discoveries the scene or chapter would end, and while some of this was finally addressed, it happened all within about the last 50 or so pages…too little to late for me. It was almost as if the story needed to conclude, and the parts of the story that for me were the most important, that were crucial to their love story, their growth and development individually as well as a couple, were sadly rushed. SEALed with a Ring held promise that I felt wasn’t completely fulfilled despite it's potential.
Ratings: 3.25 stars
Sensuality level: the intimate scenes in this book were mostly just hinted at, however there were a few scenes that went into more detail...much like you would find in a Harlequin romance
March 4, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. It is the third in the series and is the best so far in my opinion. I loved the hero, David. He was a very real, very human character who made mistakes and grew and learned. The author did a good job making him a strong and sexy man who was also gentle while not being sickly sweet perfect. The heroine, JJ, was a strong woman who needed a strong man. Anyone less she would have just walked over. Still, she wasn't a ball breaker. She had fears and insecurities that her relationship with David helped her overcome. Their relationship grew over time and was not one of those "we met last Tuesday, saved the world from annihilation and fell in love by Saturday" kind of stories. You really believe that this is a relationship which will last.
The writing was very well done. The dialog was strong. The love scences were good, hot without being offensive and not overpowering the story line. Characters from the other 2 books showed up but didn't have their own scenes which I liked. I like to see old friends but their stories have been told. This is not one of those authors who can't seem to let go of old characters and has to continually write scences from their POV in later books.
I liked the SEAL details. She sprinkled them in without an info dump and didn't write as if the reader had never heard of a SEAL and had to be told everything about them. The only thing I wondered about was JJ being so rich and so prominent in high society from owning a car dealership. I will admit that I know nothing about either car dealerships or the junior league set so maybe that's all realistic too.
I really enjoyed it and if you like good love stories with SEALs in them, I think you will too.
The writing was very well done. The dialog was strong. The love scences were good, hot without being offensive and not overpowering the story line. Characters from the other 2 books showed up but didn't have their own scenes which I liked. I like to see old friends but their stories have been told. This is not one of those authors who can't seem to let go of old characters and has to continually write scences from their POV in later books.
I liked the SEAL details. She sprinkled them in without an info dump and didn't write as if the reader had never heard of a SEAL and had to be told everything about them. The only thing I wondered about was JJ being so rich and so prominent in high society from owning a car dealership. I will admit that I know nothing about either car dealerships or the junior league set so maybe that's all realistic too.
I really enjoyed it and if you like good love stories with SEALs in them, I think you will too.
March 16, 2010
I absolutely fell in love with this book! I loved the character building, the plot, and the suspense level! The author did a wonderful job of keeping the readers questioning Davy and and JJ's future.
I personally love stories about servicemen. I have a soft spot for anyone who serves our country because I grew up with a veteran grandfather; soooo....maybe my opinion is biased but I thought Mary did a great job showing the dedication of a SEAL.
Davy was a well built and multi-faceted character who made you want to root for him no matter what kind of scoundrel he was! LOL! The same goes for JJ; throughout the story I just wanted her to be happy and fulfilled. The romance was perfect, the story would touch my heart at times, and the ending was great!
I, personally, would like to read more of Ms. Daughtridge's work after reading this book. I would recommend this book if you like contemporary romance and are looking for a great read!
I personally love stories about servicemen. I have a soft spot for anyone who serves our country because I grew up with a veteran grandfather; soooo....maybe my opinion is biased but I thought Mary did a great job showing the dedication of a SEAL.
Davy was a well built and multi-faceted character who made you want to root for him no matter what kind of scoundrel he was! LOL! The same goes for JJ; throughout the story I just wanted her to be happy and fulfilled. The romance was perfect, the story would touch my heart at times, and the ending was great!
I, personally, would like to read more of Ms. Daughtridge's work after reading this book. I would recommend this book if you like contemporary romance and are looking for a great read!
January 11, 2011
The story here isn't all that bad. What I really had a problem with is the fact that there was not passion whatsoever in the book. Hell, I don't expect passion, but a little emotion would have been nice. It would have made the book go by faster.
But i did like the characters, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
But i did like the characters, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
August 31, 2018
I have read all of the books in this series and all of them are wonderful. My only complaint is that the author won't write anymore books
July 26, 2011
I read and reviewed Ms. Daughtridge’s first book, SEALed with a Kiss,and was very pleasantly surprised. Besides the usual ups and downs of a relationship nowadays, she gives her characters an added hardship of some kind that makes their lives even more real for the reader.
In SwaK is was the hero’s son and their relationship, along with touching scenes between them, that burrowed into my heart. In SwaR the hero is wounded in action, comes home with injuries to overcome and scars to live with. Ms. Daughtridge has a splendid way of getting these characters inside your head as well as your heart.
Davy is the typical buff and handsome SEAL and he knows it. He also uses it when it comes to the ladies, but his personality keeps him out of jerk territory. He meets JJ at the wedding of a buddy, they spend a hot and heavy night together, but JJ gets away the next morning before Davy can even get her name. He returns to duty in Afghanistan, and while deflecting the enemy from his men is when he’s seriously injured.
In the meantime, JJ has to contend with her grandfather’s edict that she marry within the year or he’ll dissolve the family car business instead of bequeathing it to her. That’s the same problem that drove her into Davy’s arms the previous year. Her life has been that business, and finding that she can’t legally fight her grandfather’s wishes, JJ decides to go with the flow but still make it work to her advantage. She’s about to become engaged to one of the men the old coot picked out, but the closer it gets to ground zero for the proposal, the more doubts she has. It’s his attitude toward a homeless man and his dog that shows JJ what she’s in for. She opts out at the last minute.
Taking the advice of a friend, JJ decides to find a SEAL to marry. It’s the perfect solution. He’ll be gone most of the marriage and she’ll have free run of the business. Meeting up with Davy again is perfect timing and embarrassing. He doesn’t remember her or their night together, which doesn’t help the old ego, but he’s determined to go back to his duty, so they both win. They negotiate back and forth until an agreement is reached, JJ giving more than what she’d like, namely more of real marriage than she wants, and Davy’s brothers and sisters are taken care of as their late mother wanted.
After Davy’s injury he’s still the same man, but he’s not. He still knows how to come on to a woman and make her feel good, but he now has problems with numbers, thus affecting his job as a medical corpsman. He and JJ have their ups and downs because he hides this side of himself, hoping to remain in the military. I liked the fact that his facial scars didn’t slow him down, he didn’t become self-conscious about it. It’s his medical issues that make him such a terrific hero for me. You feel what he feels when he’s confused at times, but you also feel his need and want for JJ once their life together begins.
There’s plenty of secondary characters to keep everyone’s lives interesting, JJ’s grandfather, Jax and Picket from SwaK and other military friends, even the jilted fiance. This is another feel-good story from Ms. Daughtridge. Her crisp writing, engaging characters, and sense of humor stand out just as in her first book. So pick one of her stories up and get SEALed. You won’t regret it.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
In SwaK is was the hero’s son and their relationship, along with touching scenes between them, that burrowed into my heart. In SwaR the hero is wounded in action, comes home with injuries to overcome and scars to live with. Ms. Daughtridge has a splendid way of getting these characters inside your head as well as your heart.
Davy is the typical buff and handsome SEAL and he knows it. He also uses it when it comes to the ladies, but his personality keeps him out of jerk territory. He meets JJ at the wedding of a buddy, they spend a hot and heavy night together, but JJ gets away the next morning before Davy can even get her name. He returns to duty in Afghanistan, and while deflecting the enemy from his men is when he’s seriously injured.
In the meantime, JJ has to contend with her grandfather’s edict that she marry within the year or he’ll dissolve the family car business instead of bequeathing it to her. That’s the same problem that drove her into Davy’s arms the previous year. Her life has been that business, and finding that she can’t legally fight her grandfather’s wishes, JJ decides to go with the flow but still make it work to her advantage. She’s about to become engaged to one of the men the old coot picked out, but the closer it gets to ground zero for the proposal, the more doubts she has. It’s his attitude toward a homeless man and his dog that shows JJ what she’s in for. She opts out at the last minute.
Taking the advice of a friend, JJ decides to find a SEAL to marry. It’s the perfect solution. He’ll be gone most of the marriage and she’ll have free run of the business. Meeting up with Davy again is perfect timing and embarrassing. He doesn’t remember her or their night together, which doesn’t help the old ego, but he’s determined to go back to his duty, so they both win. They negotiate back and forth until an agreement is reached, JJ giving more than what she’d like, namely more of real marriage than she wants, and Davy’s brothers and sisters are taken care of as their late mother wanted.
After Davy’s injury he’s still the same man, but he’s not. He still knows how to come on to a woman and make her feel good, but he now has problems with numbers, thus affecting his job as a medical corpsman. He and JJ have their ups and downs because he hides this side of himself, hoping to remain in the military. I liked the fact that his facial scars didn’t slow him down, he didn’t become self-conscious about it. It’s his medical issues that make him such a terrific hero for me. You feel what he feels when he’s confused at times, but you also feel his need and want for JJ once their life together begins.
There’s plenty of secondary characters to keep everyone’s lives interesting, JJ’s grandfather, Jax and Picket from SwaK and other military friends, even the jilted fiance. This is another feel-good story from Ms. Daughtridge. Her crisp writing, engaging characters, and sense of humor stand out just as in her first book. So pick one of her stories up and get SEALed. You won’t regret it.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
March 12, 2010
The sensuous book cover caught my eye, the blurb on the back pulled me in and the intriguing story held my attention until the end.
Bewitching J.J. Caruthers is a smart, successful businesswoman who has it all and is about to lose everything.
Sexy Davy Graziano is a Navy SEAL medic who has a way with the ladies and lives in the moment until his world is turned upside down.
When these two collide at a wedding, one thing leads to another. After a night of mind-blowing sex, J.J. wakes realizing what she’s done and quickly leaves despite protest from Davy. She knows only his first name, but he knows nothing about her.
Back to facing reality, J.J. has one year to marry or lose what she holds most dear - Caruthers Car Dealership. She has no desire to marry, but is forced to pick one of the four husband candidates her grandfather has selected for her. Always the responsible one, she will do what she has to protect her business and her employees.
Meanwhile, Davy returns for another tour in Afghanistan and is seriously injured in a raid. His brain injury results in some memory loss. He comes home to recuperate, finds his mother has died and he is now responsible for his three siblings on top of trying to regain his memory and return to the career he loves.
Just as J.J.’s time is running out, fate brings her and Davy together again. She remembers him, but he has no memory of her. J.J. realizes marriage to a military man would solve her problems. Her new husband would be away on missions and not underfoot. She could meet her grandfather‘s requirement, save her business and still be on her own. She quickly proposes and Davy has his own reasons for accepting.
As their attraction grows, each begins to learn more about their own self as well. Trying to do the right thing, even for the wrong reasons, can sometimes take you in unexpected directions. The story also points out you don’t always know what you think you know.
This is a funny, romantic adventure with plenty of twists and turns. Author Mary Margret Daughtridge gives readers a delightful new look at a macho Navy SEAL and a sassy businesswoman.
The story flows fluently and draws the reader in. You feel J.J.’s loneliness and helplessness, while understanding Davy’s loyalty and frustration. This book is not just about romance, but compassion, caring, understanding, and commitment. From the first page to the last you will be cheering for these two tantalizing characters. SEALed with a Ring is a wonderful must-read book.
SEALed with a Ring * Sourcebooks * @2010 * ISBN: 978-1-4022-3698-3 * Paperback * 416 pages
Bewitching J.J. Caruthers is a smart, successful businesswoman who has it all and is about to lose everything.
Sexy Davy Graziano is a Navy SEAL medic who has a way with the ladies and lives in the moment until his world is turned upside down.
When these two collide at a wedding, one thing leads to another. After a night of mind-blowing sex, J.J. wakes realizing what she’s done and quickly leaves despite protest from Davy. She knows only his first name, but he knows nothing about her.
Back to facing reality, J.J. has one year to marry or lose what she holds most dear - Caruthers Car Dealership. She has no desire to marry, but is forced to pick one of the four husband candidates her grandfather has selected for her. Always the responsible one, she will do what she has to protect her business and her employees.
Meanwhile, Davy returns for another tour in Afghanistan and is seriously injured in a raid. His brain injury results in some memory loss. He comes home to recuperate, finds his mother has died and he is now responsible for his three siblings on top of trying to regain his memory and return to the career he loves.
Just as J.J.’s time is running out, fate brings her and Davy together again. She remembers him, but he has no memory of her. J.J. realizes marriage to a military man would solve her problems. Her new husband would be away on missions and not underfoot. She could meet her grandfather‘s requirement, save her business and still be on her own. She quickly proposes and Davy has his own reasons for accepting.
As their attraction grows, each begins to learn more about their own self as well. Trying to do the right thing, even for the wrong reasons, can sometimes take you in unexpected directions. The story also points out you don’t always know what you think you know.
This is a funny, romantic adventure with plenty of twists and turns. Author Mary Margret Daughtridge gives readers a delightful new look at a macho Navy SEAL and a sassy businesswoman.
The story flows fluently and draws the reader in. You feel J.J.’s loneliness and helplessness, while understanding Davy’s loyalty and frustration. This book is not just about romance, but compassion, caring, understanding, and commitment. From the first page to the last you will be cheering for these two tantalizing characters. SEALed with a Ring is a wonderful must-read book.
SEALed with a Ring * Sourcebooks * @2010 * ISBN: 978-1-4022-3698-3 * Paperback * 416 pages
March 27, 2010
SEALED WITH A RING by Mary Margret Daughtridge is book 3 of her SEALED series, following SEALED WITH A KISS and SEALED WITH A PROMISE. First let me say that Mary Margret Daughtridge is an awesome lady from my home state of North Carolina. And I always ALWAYS try to support my local authors, now let me tell you about this great book. From the previous statement you may awesome I'd be baised, and that's probably true, if the books weren't so great. But this series is one of the best IMHO. SEALED WITH A RING touches on an issue that many in the military deal with, however you rarly see it addressed in romance novels. And that is brain injuries and how they affect not only the person hurt but those around them. This is a marriage of convience story, but it didn't really read like that to me. Both JJ and David(Davy) are strong characters who have their own issues, fears, lives to deal with. They aren't perfect, they aren't superheroes, they are "normal" people. I could see these characters being my friends in real life. Ms. Daughtridge has set SWAR in North Carolina, one of the best settings for a story, IMHO, that adds to the feel of this story. There is the small southern town touch that just makes you smile. The romance between David and JJ is sexy, fun,and very believable. I loved seeing characters from previous stories and I love the hints to upcoming stories. While this is part of a series, I will say it can be read as a stand alone, even though I think you'll be rushing out to get the previous titles and bugging Ms. Daughtridge for the next story. I would highly recommend SEALED WITH A RING to readers who love emotional stories that deal with SEALs. This is a story that will leave you smiling.
book was recieved for the purpose of a review
review is posted at www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com
book was recieved for the purpose of a review
review is posted at www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com
December 24, 2015
It was good up until the very end which felt rushed. Read this back to back with Foster's Dash of Peril which has a very similar plot line - hero wins over tough, works-in-a-man's world heroine with steamy sex and good cooking. This was a MUCH better execution. David, even with a very serious injury, has a better sense of himself and understands how to be supportive without being whimpy. And JJ (Jane) is tough, closed off, and in-charge, but she is not one-dimensional.
I read this one and didn't have too much trouble with who the other SEALs were. They don't factor into the story much, since Davy's on leave. How he copes with his injury and how much he grows from fun-loving playboy to serious man is clear. I would have liked more of his development though. Once he starts his own rehab is where the story seems to rush and gloss over things. He's kept a lot of his symptoms from the doctors so he won't end up with a medical discharge, but I'm not sure how possible that would have been. I'm surprised that Lon (Senior Chief) doesn't ever catch on.
JJ's arc from doing everything for the business to having a life of her own is where the story focuses, and she does develop. And manages it without as many of the stupid "you need sex now" conversations with her girlfriends that so many romance heroines usually have. Her grandfather's stupid behavior is explained well, and even though he never really apologizes, it's clear that he understands his mistakes.
I really liked how even though they do have a very steamy relationship - started out with an amazing one-night stand - there is obviously much more to what they feel for each other. Some of it was a bit contrived - her ballroom dance lessons for example - but the interaction over the dog was great!
I read this one and didn't have too much trouble with who the other SEALs were. They don't factor into the story much, since Davy's on leave. How he copes with his injury and how much he grows from fun-loving playboy to serious man is clear. I would have liked more of his development though. Once he starts his own rehab is where the story seems to rush and gloss over things. He's kept a lot of his symptoms from the doctors so he won't end up with a medical discharge, but I'm not sure how possible that would have been. I'm surprised that Lon (Senior Chief) doesn't ever catch on.
JJ's arc from doing everything for the business to having a life of her own is where the story focuses, and she does develop. And manages it without as many of the stupid "you need sex now" conversations with her girlfriends that so many romance heroines usually have. Her grandfather's stupid behavior is explained well, and even though he never really apologizes, it's clear that he understands his mistakes.
I really liked how even though they do have a very steamy relationship - started out with an amazing one-night stand - there is obviously much more to what they feel for each other. Some of it was a bit contrived - her ballroom dance lessons for example - but the interaction over the dog was great!
June 9, 2010
After JJ learns some very bad news from her lawyer, at a wedding no less and she runs into a handsome SEAL who is bound and determined to cheer her up. JJ impulsively accepts his offer of a night of passion. Even though it's the best sex of her life, she regrets her one night stand. A year passes and wouldn't you know it she runs into Davy at another wedding. Only Davy doesn't seem to remember the night they shared. The problem is JJ needs a husband if she is to keep her family's car business. Thinking that Davy will be headed back to duty in the military she proposes modern day marriage of convenience. Only things are much more complicated than JJ could have foreseen.
I'll just tell you right now, Mary Margaret Daughtridge has yet to write a book I didn't love. With her third book, again she has delivered and with one of my favorite themes - marriage of convenience. I love how Daughtridge is able to bring to life what makes a man a SEAL. Her characters, most notably her male leads, come across as real men and not fictional superheroes. It's like she somehow gets into the mind of the male psyche and is giving away their secrets.
Daughtridge takes these extraordinary characters and puts them in ordinary situations that every reader can relate too. I love how she is able to make everyday life seem interesting and special. The pieces of JJ and David’s story slowly unfold, revealing a truly lovely and priceless romance. These two are by no means perfect, but neither is willing to give up on the on the other. If you haven't ever read Mary Margaret Daughtridge, I highly recommend you do.
I'll just tell you right now, Mary Margaret Daughtridge has yet to write a book I didn't love. With her third book, again she has delivered and with one of my favorite themes - marriage of convenience. I love how Daughtridge is able to bring to life what makes a man a SEAL. Her characters, most notably her male leads, come across as real men and not fictional superheroes. It's like she somehow gets into the mind of the male psyche and is giving away their secrets.
Daughtridge takes these extraordinary characters and puts them in ordinary situations that every reader can relate too. I love how she is able to make everyday life seem interesting and special. The pieces of JJ and David’s story slowly unfold, revealing a truly lovely and priceless romance. These two are by no means perfect, but neither is willing to give up on the on the other. If you haven't ever read Mary Margaret Daughtridge, I highly recommend you do.
July 14, 2013
Now, all done with #3. David (no more Davy after his last fight in the 'Stan...) and JJ come together in Sealed with a Ring. Of the three, it's my least favorite as Davy is a jackass. He even says it about himself. Doesn't matter how pretty ya are, being a jackass ruins it for me. However.... it's worth sticking with it because David still has Davy's charm without the arrogance. JJ is the only goddess of the three women in the bundle. She's a bit of a machine but that changes over the story, too. If this were the first of series, I'm not sure I would have bought the others separately. Still, it has all of the lushness of Ms Daughtridge's other stories, which made my little wordnerd heart go pitterpat. For those of you not into $10 words when a nickel one'll do, you may have issues with her use of words like "carapace", "strophe and antistrophe", "anodyne", well, you get my point. Big words don't always work. For me, though, I enjoyed what they added. Even better, Ms Daughtridge tells fables in some ways, with lots of values woven through the story. For example, "...you were so focused on the straight-line solution, you weren't listening to anyone's warnings." In other words, sometimes, the long way around is the smarter way.
April 26, 2011
This Davy and JJ first meet at Pickett and Jax's wedding, they hook up and it's a night neither one can forget. Once problem, he doesn't know her name at all and she doesn't know his last name. Things occur in their lives that keep them from finding each other again. Fast forward a year later, they run into each other at Do-Lord and Emma's wedding. He doesn't remember JJ but she remembers him. He is instantly attracted to her. There were a couple of areas where I felt like there could have been more detail or the solution was to easy/cut and dried. I really think him not coming clean about the reason he can't remember her was drawn out tooo long. But it was still a great read.
I LOVED seeing characters from the 1st 2 books in this one.
WARNING - my friends that like the Tempting Seals and Elite Ops...this is not an erotic series. Just good old love stories. Sex scenes are harlequin-esque...some are detailed some are they kiss, the door closes and then it's the next day. This book in particular had mostly the door closes type scenes.
I LOVED seeing characters from the 1st 2 books in this one.
WARNING - my friends that like the Tempting Seals and Elite Ops...this is not an erotic series. Just good old love stories. Sex scenes are harlequin-esque...some are detailed some are they kiss, the door closes and then it's the next day. This book in particular had mostly the door closes type scenes.
October 31, 2011
This book was so romantic that I was constantly sighing through it. I really enjoyed that while this "Forced into Marriage" theme is sort of cliche' it wasn't at all. I honestly believed the characters and the situations seemed genuine. It was a surprise and a much needed breath of fresh air.
Sometimes Romance novelist throw in lots of steam and sensuality but leave out the romance and sometimes there's lots of sweet moments and not a lot of heat but this was the perfect blend of romance and sex and I really enjoyed myself with this book.
The only thing that could have made this book any better was if the end had been able to take my breath away like the rest of the book was continually doing. The end was good but I was hoping for a bigger moment.
This was my first Mary-Margret Daughtridge book (I didn't realize until I picked it up and began reading that it was the third book in a series) I will most definitely be reading more of her!
Sometimes Romance novelist throw in lots of steam and sensuality but leave out the romance and sometimes there's lots of sweet moments and not a lot of heat but this was the perfect blend of romance and sex and I really enjoyed myself with this book.
The only thing that could have made this book any better was if the end had been able to take my breath away like the rest of the book was continually doing. The end was good but I was hoping for a bigger moment.
This was my first Mary-Margret Daughtridge book (I didn't realize until I picked it up and began reading that it was the third book in a series) I will most definitely be reading more of her!
May 29, 2011
After tearing through the 1st two books of the series, in two days, I eagerly downloaded SEALed with a Ring. From the start, I was disappointed in the characters. I wasn't overly enthused with Davy, who we met briefly in the previous book, but his character grew on me as he matured and recovered. On the other hand, I never felt any typed of affection or camaraderie with J.J.. She never felt real to me and at some points, I was routing for Davy to find someone else. This book just did not ring true in the least for me.
May 3, 2013
Every time I read Mary Margaret I think that hero is my favorite. These guys get under your skin and are as real as flesh and blood. Davy Graziano is perfect - in body, face and mind or is when JJ Caruthers meets him. But that last deployment spoils some things for him. And she's too embarrassed by their first meeting to look too closely at the changes. But for right now at least, they need each other. Since either have ever needed anyone before, it's a tough lesson to learn. Don't miss this one - third in a series you do not want to miss!
December 26, 2014
This book had a good story. The one thing for which I didn't care was that nothing was left to the imagination. It was, at times, like reading soft porn. I'm no prude but I prefer a story with more romance and less explicit sex. The book had some typos, not many, but it did take me out of the moment for a brief spell. This isn't the worst book of its kind I've read, and I admit I did enjoy a lot of it, but knowing what I know now, I would not have picked it off the shelf.
February 4, 2017
I don't usually read books that are just romances, so this was a little different for me. I enjoyed it. The book was well written and the information about the SEALs was interesting. A young business woman is given an ultimatum: get married or lose everything. A young SEAL with a head injury might just be the answers to her problem.
Read
March 16, 20104 1/2 stars. This book started off a bit slow with lots of descriptive writing that seemed to be bogging down the story, but then that seemed to clear up, or else I got so caught up in the amazing storyline that I simply stopped noticing it. This was a fantastic book with a really riveting storyline. I LOVED it!
May 26, 2014
10 stars. Loved it. David and JJ are so real. Daughtride did a fantastic job of bringing them and their story to life. I devour this 321 page book in 2 days. Every second I could grab, I was reading. I'm hooked and off now to find another one to download.
You won't regret this one. I've read some mixed reviews and it just goes to show you how unique we all are.
You won't regret this one. I've read some mixed reviews and it just goes to show you how unique we all are.
April 2, 2010
An amazing story. I unplugged from the Internet just so I could read this book with no distractions. The story starts a bit slower than what I'm used to reading but the opening slowness is needed for the story. I've only read one other book that has affected me so poignantly. A life-affirming book.
February 13, 2014
Didn't quit enjoy this story as Jax and Pickett's. I skipped a lot of pages throughout the book. It took too long for their story to continue from the wedding at the beginning of the book. The first chapter was also very confusing. It wasn't clear whether JJ was in the past or the present.
June 24, 2016
Wonderful story
JJ was pushed into marriage to save her business. She choose a seal for many reasons but as the story progresses those reasons begin to blur. Her life with David isn't what she thought it would be
JJ was pushed into marriage to save her business. She choose a seal for many reasons but as the story progresses those reasons begin to blur. Her life with David isn't what she thought it would be
February 25, 2010
Was very good, though at different points throughout became a little to chatty. Other than that, I enjoyed it a lot.
Read
March 29, 2010Stopped reading it because the writing was way too wordy and detailed.
April 22, 2010
An author to read and re-read. I bought all three of her books for my birthday and did nothing but read all weekend.
March 23, 2011
Trashy romance novel. Predictable. The only thing really developed about the characters in the story was their sex life.
June 12, 2011
Downloaded to my Kindle, and text has spaces in words making it difficult reading, but the story was good.
July 4, 2011
mary-margret, please write faster!
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