You have it all in this book. Go get it. You will not be disappointed

Shayma was a distraction he didn’t want or need when he as desperate to find his sister. However, he reluctantly accepted her help to get the information he needed as he searched for clues on Aileen’s disappearance. He tried to ignore the feelings that consumed him every time she was near. He was a Seal and had been in situations that threatened his life. This would be a fight he would lose and he succumbed to her as she pulled him deeper into her life.

This is one of those books where I repeatedly questioned the actions of characters. Over and over and over. This put a damper on my interest in the story. The mystery wasn’t enough to keep me engaged.

This was….. a let down *sigh*

It was an even bigger let down, because it started good. Really good. I was hooked from the first pages and immediately liked Shayma. She is fierce and strong willed, but also a “girl” in the sense she likes her expensive clothes and jewelry and rich life. Even after reading the whole book she is the only good thing I remember.

My main problem is how rushed this novel was. Or more correctly a novella?? It is extremely small and that shows. I feel like the potential of the story was too large for the amount of pages. The author couldn’t possibly explore all she wanted in 144 pages, and of cource she didn’t, even though she tried. The result of that? Rushed plot line, rushed romance -yes I’m talking about insta love and yes I know what I’m talking about; it was not insta lust, even though it existed and it is natural it does; no it was complete and total I’m deeply in love with you and would do anything after spending 24h with you. Yikes.

Due to this rushiness (totally making up words here) the characters were left underdeveloped and I’m really tearing my hair out right here cause SHAYMA HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I feel robbed.

As far as the male protagonist is concerned he was……boring? Your typical brooding, sulking male but without the things that make a person interesting. I literally cannot say anything about him, precisely because I don’t remember anything about the guy. Looking at my notes I see I have written “Murphy= underdeveloped cliche” and he is exactly that.

Last but not list, the writing style. The story is told through 2 POVs, Shayma’s and Murphy’s. At first I liked the writing style. Not blown away by it, but it was good enough. As the story progressed though, it got veeery repetitive. Not only was the plot underdeveloped, but the author also wasted valuable space by repeating things we already know: how Murphy has trust issues and can’t open himself to love, how much they want each other blah blah blah.

General Thoughts: A romance novel told through 2 POVs taking place during Christmas time. It definitely gets you in a festive mood, but unfortunately the plot and romace falls flat. I ended up neither caring at all about the 2 protagonists nor about the storyline. Disappointment.

I received this E-ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Emotionally thrilling, action packed and intreguing romantic adventure filled with passion, danger, mystery and betrayal..

Navy SEAL Murphy Coen is a darkly brooding, sexy hot, strong and protective alpha male looking for his missing sister with the help of his closest friends and very impatient with the lackluster results they are having. Shayma bint Amr Kahlan is enjoying the sights in New York after ending her engagement with the man her father chose for her (Daveed). So when Daveed asks her to help keep Murphy calm while they safely search for his lost sister Aileen she sees an opportunity to help a friend and maybe get back in her fathers good graces. What she does not bargain for is the explosive chemistry between her and the handsome brooding Navy SEAL.....

In this second book in series , the reader has Shayma and Murphy’s story. While both of them have a mission, their attraction pulls them together. Good addition to this series. Will be reading the third book.

Ebook from net galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

Have to say it was a decent read. Nothing really stood out for me. Was your typical Christmas romance. It had a few truly good moments but, for the most part pretty basic.

I am not going to post a review on goodreads for this book as I didn't like it.
I found it odd. I like Leslie north but this book wasn't for me.

I read other reviews on this book and most people liked it. I couldnt get into it and seemed to skip about half or more.
Thanks for the opportunity.

Another fantastic book by this amazing and talented author and another fantastic Christmas book too. I absolutely love this author and her books and this is the second book in this Christmas series and I absolutely loved it from start to finish and I’m super excited for the next book. I would totally recommend both this book and this author to everyone

Great story. I read the book in one sitting. It is the second book of a three book series. The list of characters are the same.. I just wish we could find out if Murphy finally finds his sister in the end.

This was an enjoyable read. I really felt for Murphy, with all he was going through. Characters showed great personality. Overall a good read.

It was good. References to the previous book are made but it stands alone.

With Murphy’s sister gone missing he doesn’t have time for nice, intimate moments that involve anything resembling romance. He certainly didn’t intend to get wrapped up in one of his best friends’ former arranged marriage partner either, but then life usually doesn’t go as intended for Murphy anyway. Shayma enjoyed the freedom of New York City, sure she wasn’t marrying the man she’d been promised to but that had worked out well for everyone especially Daveed and his lovely lady. Now she can breathe and figure out what comes next for her. If it wasn’t for an infuriating, handsome friend of Daveed’s she’d be doing just fine. But Murphy tugs at her heart, and his desperate quest to find his sister hits that soft spot she has. She might have agreed to help Murphy look for his sister, or rather keep him out of trouble while others went on the search just to help her own family. But the reality is that she finds this man has a definite attraction for her one she returns, and the sparks are about to get lit up.

A SEAL For Christmas is a fast paced romance that is part romance, part action. Shayma and Murphy work well together, except for those times when Murphy does the stupid guy things. He’s better at pushing people away than drawing them in close. I easily got caught up in their story and was completely entertained by their banter and growing feelings for each other… in spite of each other. I’d recommend this one for any Romance reader who enjoys a good story, some sizzling moments and a couple to cheer on toward their happy ending.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

The second in a series. This is the story of Shayma and Murphy. Murphy shows up looking for his sister who was kidnapped. Shayma agrees to help him, and the sparks of attraction start to fly. A good story overall, and I do recommend it, although it helps to read the series in order. The main trouble I have is that because it is a novella, there tends to be parts that are not fully described and feel a little lost at times. Minor though, and still enjoyable.

Navy SEAL Murphy Coen and Shayma’s story is another winner from Leslie North. I enjoyed this story and the characters and look forward to reading many more books by this author.

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
Shayma is trying to do the right thing by helping Murphy find his sister
At the same time, she also wants to help her father.
Murphy is trying to find his sister w/ no success.
They are the unlikely of allies.
However, they also cannot deny their chemistry. Sizzling Hot!
Loved the storytelling + the characters!