Maddie works with Sebastian's sister at the local market in their small hometown. He does not want anyone to see him, due to his injuries. Maddie talks with him all the time. She is hoping he will reach out more to her in the future.
Bastian is worried since there are enemies trying to take out his team. They could be after those he cares about. He keeps Maddie at an even bigger distance, not knowing he has already put her in danger.
They have already started up an unlikely friendship. They seem to have music in common. When the enemy comes gunning for him and ends up taking Maddie - all bets are off. She must be rescued at all costs.
Suddenly their feelings are at the surface and must be worked out. Such a great story with real life scenarios inside. Lots of surprises I won't spoil for the reader, but you should get yourself a copy! I give this story a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publisher, for review purposes. My honest opinion is given and does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
Once Upon A Seal by Suzan Butler Excerpt #2
“You can call me Bastian, or Bash. I should have told you that on the phone,” he finally said, his voice soft, with an underlying layer of surprise.
“Bastian.” I tried out the name. I liked Sebastian, but Bastian seemed even more like it suited the owner. Be nice to him, Jenny had said. Could it be there had been someone who really hadn’t been nice to him? Was it a childhood issue? What was his secret? “It’s nice to actually meet you.”
His thumb stroked over the back of my hand, almost like he was testing out what my skin felt like. How long had it been since he’d had some kind of physical contact. “I’m sorry I was short with you last week. You... I expected Jenny.”
I swallowed, my focus on his thumb sliding over the back of my hand, turning my legs into jelly. “I’m sorry that I startled you.” Each stroke was unraveling me, the warmth traveling from the spot he touched straight up to my cheeks. “I... have to get home. M-my dog is... Will I see you next week?”
He laughed, and it was the most lyrical laugh I’d ever heard. Not helping the flush heating my body at the moment. “Nah, but I’ll probably order groceries. I’d love for you to bring them.”
I grinned, but as he released my hand, it faded. I wasn’t ready to let go. I doubted I ever would be. “Okay, well, I’ll be here, then.” I took a slow deliberate step away from the door. “Goodbye, Bastian.”
“Bye.”
His door shut, no slamming this time. The click of the lock was definite though. He wasn’t coming out as long as I was there. He might be ready to take my hand, but he wasn’t ready to give up all his secrets. I gave him one last wave toward the glass and bounded down to my truck.
I actually felt a little giddy for having talked to Bastian. It was strange. I didn’t know anything about him, other than he was a SEAL, and his sister was my boss, but I just had this feeling. I liked that feeling, and I always went with my gut.
Meet the Military Men of the Lucky Thirteen Series in Once Upon a Seal by Suzan Butler!
Coming May 19th is the fifth novel in the Lucky Thirteen series, ONCE UPON A SEAL from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Suzan Butler! Read how a small town girl starts to change her perceptions after conversations with a reclusive former Navy SEAL.
Check out Suzan’s recent post about summer reads on Fresh Fiction!
Follow the tour and you could win some awesome prizes!
Grand Prize: $25 Amazon or B&N gift card
Runner-up Prizes: Digital copies of any one (1) book by Suzan Butler in the Lucky Thirteen series (except Once Upon A Seal)
GIVEAWAY ONCE UPON A SEAL
About ONCE UPON A SEAL
Maddie Benson has spent her entire life in Sugar Falls and has never ventured—nor wanted to venture—beyond her small town’s safe borders. But when her delivery job takes her to the doorstep of one very reclusive, former Navy SEAL, Sebastian McIntyre, her small town perceptions are challenged with every conversation they have. It’s not long before she’s losing herself—and her heart—to the mysterious man behind the door.
Bastian’s scars are deeper than the surface. They’re embedded into his soul, and he’s content to keep them buried. But the second Maddie ends up on his doorstep with her sparkling smile and her sunshine hair, his quiet new life shatters and she just might be able to excise the demons he’s tried hard to keep tucked away—if he lets her in.
When Bastian’s old life comes haunting them, he knows he should let her go. But the light she shines on his soul keeps the darkness within him at bay. Letting her go may take more strength than he has, and keeping her close could get her killed.
On Sale in Print and Digital: May 19, 2015
Add ONCE UPON A SEAL to your TBR pile on Goodreads!
Author Bio:
Suzan Butler writes adult contemporary romance and has a penchant for Dr. Pepper, ice hockey, and world domination. She lives in Texas under a not-so-secret identity with two monsters, writing naughty books and planning the next step in her evil plans into the twilight hours of the night because that's when it's quiet in the house. She loves to hear from readers.
Suzan also has a monthly newsletter she shares with her alter ego, New York Times and USA Today bestseller, S.M. Butler, who writes new adult romantic suspense and military romance. In the newsletter, you'll find information about new releases, updates on future books, contests, giveaways, get first peek at new covers, and find out where she'll be visiting through books signings and conventions throughout the year.
Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram
Synopsis: Navy SEAL Brody Battles' last mission ended with him shot twice. He's made enemies he'd like to forget ever existed all over the world. He's more than ready to go home to the family he left behind, but when he returns, he faces sleepless nights, a possible security breach and the fear that his family has moved on without him.
Marrying her childhood sweetheart sounds like a fairy tale dream come true, but not for Devyn. Thanks to his job, her husband has been off on a secret mission for so long, he's never even seen his daughters in person. But now he's back, and the fairy tale life is in sight, but Devyn's not sure the man that returned is the same man who left.
Stitching their broken family back together proves difficult when nightmares and secrets build a wall between them. And while they're adjusting to being a family again, an enemy waits in the shadows, salivating for the sweet taste of revenge.
***oh and did I mention it is FREE right now?
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