A SEAL's Courage should be renamed A SEAL's Courage and the courage of the women who love them. We expect SEAL’s to be strong and former SEAL Trent Lawson is fighting hard to recover from his time in the Navy. Nineteen months out and he is still suffering from PTSD, night terrors, the loss of his friend and his K9 partner and dealing with the scars on his body. He hasn’t been with a woman since his wife sent him a “Dear John” 2 years ago. He is working and his family is encouraging him to rejoin life. Get out. Date. Get laid. But the one woman who interests him is off limits because she is his baby sisters best friend.
Baker Lauren Hayes is a 28 year old virgin. Her mother was a serial dater and didn’t know who Lauren’s father was. Lauren is determined not to be like her mother. When her mother died Lauren was taken in by a religious woman who taught her that sex was for the marriage bed. So here she is a 28 year old virgin. Her friends set her up with a dating service Military Match and it sets her up with her best friends brother Trent Lawson, the guy she has lusted after since she was a kid.
I enjoyed watching Lauren stretch her wings and stand up for herself and what she wanted. She has been helping Trent recover and deserves a shot at happiness. This is a strong, well-written story filled with laughter and sorrow and true joy.

Told by both Trent and Lauren’s Point of view so we get the full gamut of emotion and thoughts. Trent’s is my favorite because of his strength and struggle. Struggle to come back to civilian world and his desire to live. His desire to do all that those who didn’t come back with him can’t anymore.

I found him to be strong but suffering. He went through so much before coming back that your heart goes out to him. His strength and courage to put himself out there and find someone if that is what is meant to happen is so admirable. Him diving into the dating pool and feeling alive again is wonderful. he was sexy and understanding with a little bit of saucy to him.

Lauren is sweet and wonderful. She has had a crush on her best friend’s brother forever so imagine her surprise when he is on the dating site she is on. wow. her going for it was fun to see. She was fun to watch in her interactions with Trent. Her being there for him was wonderful as well.

What do we get from these two? A book that is sexy and saucy in the romance department. quirky likable characters that you root for and see the love and attraction between. And a very real story of what someone who is a survivor goes through when they come home and has so much to deal with and re-acclimate to. A wonderful sexy tale that keeps you in the moment and loving every second as two great characters fall in love.

the first book in the military match series, a seal's courage, pairs up veteran trent lawson with 28-year -old virgin lauren hayes. i kind of wish that wasn't her biggest character trait, but unfortunately it is. lauren has always had a thing for trent, he's her best friend's older brother. and when she signs up for this military focused dating service she is stunned to find herself paired up with the object of her fantasies.

trent is equally stunned. he's always liked lauren. he knew about her crush when they were younger. and now that he's back from the war she's the one person who calms all the anxiety and ptsd symptoms down. so he doesn't want to mess with their friendship. but being matched like that changes their view of one another. and so their friendship is irrevocably changed from that moment. even though both lauren and trent try to deny this.

lauren has always wanted to pursue something with trent, and every time he rejects her a little piece of her dies. and eventually he realizes he can't keep doing that to her. especially since he's denying himself too. he tries to put the brakes on their relationship, taking things slowly in deference to her virginity. except they burn too hot for each other.

the truth is lauren is someone he wants to spend time with. so all he has to do is stop borrowing trouble. he's so convinced that he's failed the people closest to him—his brothers in arms, his k-9 partner, his ex-wife—that he's certain he'll fail lauren too. but he can't predict the future. he can't control how life turns out. this is no reason not to pursue a relationship.

he's in a relationship with lauren from the start after all. their friendship is important. falling in love can only add another, deeper, dimension to it. they have the chance to be good together, and that is something worth pursuing.

Rating~3.5 stars!
Lauren Hayes is lonely, she's never been with anyone, never been in a relationship but has in love with her best friend's brother for quite sometime. Thinking that it's finally time to move on, she and her friends sign up for a matchmaking agency for military men. After all, Lauren has a thing for men in uniform.

Trent Lawson used to be a Navy SEAL. After coming home, injured, heartbroken and grieving the loss of his friend and his K9 partner...Trent has finally decided to live his live. He doesn't think he's cut for relationships but getting out there and trying to live his life for his friend is something he wants to do, starting with signing up for dating.

Lauren and Trent have become good friends after Trent's return, finding out that they are both matched to each other is shock. They are both attracted to each other and giving into it might mean losing their friendship which isn't something Trent wants to do since he too has been hiding his feelings for Lauren.

Quibbles: I do wish a bit more of Trent's PTSD was properly dealt with and so were Lauren's issues regarding her upbringing with two parental role model's she had growing up.

I enjoyed this one, the premise of the book is certainly interesting and so are all the characters but I found myself wishing that the book would be longer so I could get to know more the characters and see their relationship develop at bit more because personally speaking at this length, it just showed a lot of their sexual relationship but not enough of their actually intimacy. It's implied and showed very little which is something I need to fully appreciate a couple and their love. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series which would be about a single dad and Lauren's friend Stephanie.

This adorable couple will melt your heart! She's sassy but sweet, he's gruff but endearing. Watching them heal each other from the scars of their individual pasts and move forward together was so rewarding! The characters are fun, the story line is a bit unorthodox but totally works for them. Can't wait to read more in this brand new series!

Lauren Hayes is tired of waiting around for Mr. Right ... and since he's obviously not going to show up, she's decided to start thinking more along the lines of Mr. Right Now! Her best friend talks her into trying out a new dating service ... and low and behold she gets matched up with the guy she's been crushing on for like forever .. her BFF's big brother!

Former Navy SEAL Trent Lawson has had a hard time adjusting to life and loss since he's been back home, so the fact that he let a friend twist his arm into trying out this dating site is surprising. Who knew he'd be matched up with the one woman he most definitely wanted ... but couldn't have? When they decide to secretly get it all out of their system and then go back to being friends, will it all blow up in their faces?

I really loved this story. I worried that it was going to be another story of a vet with PTSD issues. Not that I don't have compassion and respect for those individuals, I've just simply read too many of them recently. Luckily Ms. Stewart made this story so much more. Yes, Trent had issues but he didn't let them rule his life. After what he went through and the friends he lost he wanted to honor them by living his life to the fullest. Getting into the dating scene is hard though so he tries an online service to help him. He can't believe it when he is set up with his sisters lifelong best friend Lauren Hayes. The chemistry and attraction are there but she is off limits unless he wants his sister to cut off some vital parts of his anatomy. But there is that whole chemistry and attraction thing again..... so they both decide to have a month long fling. After that they walk away. Yeah, right!

A well done story and a book I think everyone will enjoy. I highly recommend it.

How these two thought this would work out boggles the mind.  Don’t get me wrong, I feel for them but it wasn’t the smartest decision ever made  :)

Trent came back from war with scars inside and out.  He suffers from survivor’s guilt, a little PTSD, and a bum leg.  It’s his heart that gives him the most trouble.  His wife left him while he was away and added to the guilt he feels for letting his team down causing him to pretty much turn inwards.  He’s making the motions but he’s not really living life.  The bright spot for him is his sister’s friend Lauren.  She’s the one that seems to understand what he needs during his recovery and he definitely doesn’t want to lose that.  He may be attracted to her but he doesn’t believe he’s in any shape to give away his heart again and she definitely doesn’t deserve anything less. 

Lauren has always had a crush on Trent but he doesn’t see her the same.  She’s been hiding her feelings for a long time but when they get set up by a dating agency it seems like maybe it’s a sign.  Only he’s not willing to risk their friendship (and the support she provides him).  But when their attraction starts getting the best of them they make an agreement for a month of sex … yeah, see what I mean?  They are both old enough to know that that can’t possibly go well. 

There’s a bit of back and forth at the beginning leading up to their agreement, which gives you a good feeling for where they are coming from.  And then they definitely bring all sorts of the sexy for their month together.  It’s the feels that happen afterward, though, that will definitely capture your heart and keep you coming back to see their HEA.  And have you looking forward to the next book.

A SEAL's Courage is such an amazing book to read!  I devoured it in one sitting! Food-no, Bathroom-no, Phone-off! I didn't move! It was that good!

Trent Lawson is returning home from the military SEAL unit after suffering injuries while serving.  He also is carrying the weight of his friends who lost their lives on the same mission.  He's the only one who made it out alive.  He vows to honor them and do things that they are no longer here to do.  The very first thing? Find love.  They all wanted it but it was elusive.  The thought scares him something awful, but he is bound to try.  He signs up for a dating site hoping to meet someone that lets him enjoy life again-if he makes a life match-even better.

Lauren Hays has been infatuated with her best friend's brother for what seems like forever.  Problem? She feels he's off limits and out of her league anyway.  She wants to meet that special someone, but Lauren has standards.  She won't just date anyone but she has to start somewhere.  Her friends have her join an online dating site matching military men.  They figures the men are used to rules and standards-what better place to look, right??  When Lauren arrives for her matched date, it turns out to be none other that the fabulously off-limits Trent!

I loved this romance from the start!  Both Trent and Lauren seemed real and I could be friends with them! Yes both had quirks like we all do, but they were very likable and that endeared me to their story. Trent was transitioning back to civilian life and I liked how the author was sympathetic to that.  Some do it well, but others have a hard time letting go of their feelings.  Trent seen a lot, and he lost a lot.  That's hard for anyone to deal with.  J.M. Stewart did the research to tell Trent's tale well! I also loved how we get dual POV! I always want to know what each person is thinking, and seeing things from both Lauren and Trent's views made this story very well written!

Trent and Lauren will steal your heart! Their story captivated me and I highly recommend you check it out!

reviewed by Deb

J.M. Stewart gives new meaning to the term power ballad. Lust and love have no boundaries. Characters are compelling, stories are powerful and emotions are put on full display. She's gives the vulnerable a voice in times when they need the courage to be strong. A Seal's Courage is stellar evidence of that. Trent left a hero but came back a broken man. Lauren is a woman with love to give, but no one to share it with. Still waters may run deep, but Lauren and Trent add in an inferno of heat. Sensuality does not overpower the message of hope and healing conveyed in this seduction serenade of love.

A SEAL's Courage is such an amazing book to read!  I devoured it in one sitting! Food-no, Bathroom-no, Phone-off! I didn't move! It was that good! 

Trent Lawson is returning home from the military SEAL unit after suffering injuries while serving.  He also is carrying the weight of his friends who lost their lives on the same mission.  He's the only one who made it out alive.  He vows to honor them and do things that they are no longer here to do.  The very first thing? Find love.  They all wanted it but it was elusive.  The thought scares him something awful, but he is bound to try.  He signs up for a dating site hoping to meet someone that lets him enjoy life again-if he makes a life match-even better.  

Lauren Hays has been infatuated with her best friend's brother for what seems like forever.  Problem? She feels he's off limits and out of her league anyway.  She wants to meet that special someone, but Lauren has standards.  She won't just date anyone but she has to start somewhere.  Her friends have her join an online dating site matching military men.  They figures the men are used to rules and standards-what better place to look, right??  When Lauren arrives for her matched date, it turns out to be none other that the fabulously off-limits Trent!

I loved this romance from the start!  Both Trent and Lauren seemed real and I could be friends with them! Yes both had quirks like we all do, but they were very likable and that endeared me to their story. Trent was transitioning back to civilian life and I liked how the author was sympathetic to that.  Some do it well, but others have a hard time letting go of their feelings.  Trent seen a lot, and he lost a lot.  That's hard for anyone to deal with.  J.M. Stewart did the research to tell Trent's tale well! I also loved how we get dual POV! I always want to know what each person is thinking, and seeing things from both Lauren and Trent's views made this story very well written!

Trent and Lauren will steal your heart! Their story captivated me and I highly recommend you check it out! 

5 Stars/4 Flames

This book was gifted to me for an honest review.  The review and ratings are solely my opinions.

It's got everything you can wish for in a book and it's executed so damn well!

3.5 Stars
Heat Level: Hot

Lauren Hayes is the definition of #lifegoals for most women. She’s in her mid-20s with an awesome job and the best friends a girl could ask for. There’s only one pesky little thing that keeps her from feeling like a normal adult woman…her virginity. Enter Trent Lawson, her best friend’s big brother, Lauren’s childhood crush and now her…friend?

After a gruesome exit from the Navy SEALs, Trent Lawson is unprepared for the divorce papers he’s handed when he arrives home upon being discharged. Add to that some severe PTSD and injuries sustained during his time in the military, Trent is a little hesitant to get involved with anyone. However, when his little sister’s best friend starts to become an integral part of his life, he might have some problems.

This book combined two of the best tricks of the trade: best friend’s brother and men in uniform. However, unlike most books involving the best friend’s brother, Trent and Lauren’s relationship wasn’t really an issue for her friend.

The storyline of the book remained focused almost solely on Lauren and Trent and their month-long relationship (a time limit agreed to by both parties). Throughout the novel, we really see an emotional development of both characters. Lauren (surprise surprise) learns a thing or two about intimacy, both physical and emotional, and Trent learns to lean on someone in his times of weakness regarding his PTSD. They balanced each other out and provided the other with support and acceptance.

“You opened me. Made me live. Hell. You made me want to live. You made me feel human again.” ~ Trent

Sigh. It may have taken him awhile but Trent finally realized a good thing when he had it. The chemistry between Trent and Lauren was more of a slow burn than an all-out explosion. They were friends before they were lovers which was apparent through the decisions they made regarding their relationship.

The one thing I do wish we, the readers, had gotten more of was the secondary characters. We get glimpses into their lives, such as Lauren’s brief interactions with her friends, but I feel like the author could have taken a break from just Trent/Lauren a little more to introduce us to other players in the book. Trent’s brother Will was a more dominant secondary character than some others and provided comic relief as well as some sound love advice at a key moment in the book.

Overall, this was a nice, easy read, great for a rainy day when all you want to do is curl up with a book. It should be interesting to see how the series evolves in the books to come.

~ Megan

A Seal's Courage was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. The whole book was heartwarming and kept me intrigued the whole time I was reading. I loved the characters, they were so likable and felt real. The way the author wrote you could just imagine yourself in the story and feel the same things they were feeling. The chemistry between Trent and Lauren was great, watching the relationship develop was an amazing experience. i would highly recommend this one.

Ex-Navy SEAL Trent Lawson is returning home a broken man riddled with many regrets, but he has hope that he can turn those regrets and the losses of his brothers on the battlefield into something more than a hurtful memory. After suffering his injury he made up his mind that something positive had to come from his situation, he had to do all the things his fallen brothers wouldn't be able to do, and at the top of the list was find love. Even though it scared the hell out of him, he signed up with a dating site in hopes of meeting someone that would help him start living a little again, and he wound up receiving so much more than that...a beautiful woman who completely changed his world!

Lauren Hayes has had a thing for her best friends brother for as long as she can remember, problem is that for one he is off limits, and two, he is so far out of her league. She wants to meet a man that will knock her socks off, and of course meet her long list of standards, but so far Mr. Right hasn't come knocking. Her friends are convinced she is going about it all wrong, so they sign her up with a dating site and ensure her this is the way for her to meet her match, but the man who shows up to meet her is far beyond any expectations she had... and also happens to be the one man that has always been off limits!

This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it, it was so refreshing to read something a little out of my norm, and dive into a read with no preconceived expectations. The heartwarming story line gave me a serious case of the feels and kept me captivated from start to finish! I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Trent and Lauren, their chemistry was amazing and they were very likable and realistic characters. I also appreciated how the author put a lot of time and care into detailing Trent's transition back to civilian life after leaving the service, I felt as though she did her research and covered it as accurately as possible. I highly recommend you give this book a try, Trent is sure to steal your heart!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

a really good solid romance. Enjoyed from start to finish.

This is a really well written book about a former SEAl. Trenton whose sisters best friend is Lauren. Lauren grew up very stricly and so in her twenties is still a virgin. She signs up with a military matchmaking service and Trent is her date.

This book was not my favorite from this author However it was still enjoyable and well written. So why not a better rating? Because I hate books that have sex fling end dates. It really takes away from my enjoyment of a story. I don't mind that it starts causally and flinglike, its the one month deadline in this book. It made no sense for there even to be a deadline as both L and T live in the same town and are good friends. Supposedly it was to not ruin a friendship but the resoning made no sense.

Beyond that I enjoyed the story and I did like both Trent and Mallory.

Sweet, romantic story about how real, deep love takes courage, patience, and endurance. Trent has memories of battles and things lost to overcome, while Lauren has her insecurities to deal with. Very sexy and erotic!