Book Review : Seal Under Siege ***WINNER CHOSEN

Book Title: Seal Under Siege
Author: Liz Johnson
Publisher’s Synopsis: SHE’S NOT SAFE YET
When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her. Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love? 

Men of Valor: These navy SEALS were born to excel….

I want to start off with saying something I’ve never said about Liz Johnson’s book.  She writes for “Love Inspired.”  I would normally never have picked up a book with this title on it.  However, I received one of her books to review years ago and loved it.  So, even had she not sent me this one for review, I would have purchased it.

And… I would not have regretted it.  In similar style to her previous books A Promise to Protect and the FBI Special Agent Series, Seal Under Siege is packed with suspense and not overdone romance.  Somehow, Liz Johnson manages to pack all the plot, characterization, and action of a full length novel into a 226 page mass market paperback.  That takes some serious skills.

What I liked:  This book is character driven, fast paced, action packed, and has a strong plot.  I love Tristan and Staci both as individuals and then as they become a couple.  I love that their relationship is believable and while you could argue that it was initially prompted by the stress and tension of their experiences, she gave it a concrete foundation too.

The plot is intriguing and involves elements we all hear of, but I’ve never actually read in a book.  Staci, a prisoner in a Middle Eastern prison, is rescued by a team of Navy Seals led by Tristan.  Having overheard much and with a scrap of paper indicating a looming plot to attack America, she fights to get people to listen to her–and no one will.  Even Tristan, when she brings the information to him, finds it difficult to believe but his innate desire to protect the woman he’s already saved, listens, investigates, and then things really get going.

And, from what I can tell, the book FEELS very well-researched.  I can’t verify her accuracy, but it seems to hold little nuances that show research time and attention to detail.

Because this is the “Inspired” genre, I have to address the faith issue.  It wasn’t peachy, it wasn’t “deep” but an underlying theme of “God’s got this” is there and it encourages.

What I didn’t like:  Honestly, there wasn’t much.  Would I have preferred it even more developed?  Definitely.  Did it fail not being?  Not on your life.  All of my “complaints” are like that.  She took the limitations of her project and made them work for her.

Do I recommend this book?  Definitely.  Just get it.  I can’t imagine how you’ll regret it.  And I want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to review again.  I really appreciate it.  She’s a lovely woman.  🙂

To win a copy, just leave a comment and tell me if you’ve ever read of one of Liz’ books and if so, which one is your favorite?  I’ll draw a name and you can choose between a Kindle, Nook, or paperback version!  Congratulations Mary!