This is very much a combat training and survival book. While the boys moon over each other, a lot of it is from afar (really through the friendship lens). They must work so hard, and focus so much to achieve an almost impossible goal of making navy seal status, that there is very little time for flirting and falling in love.

This book exposes much detail about what's involved in the training, and explores this process and how it impacts on the cadets. It was sometimes hard going, because they endure so much.

Definitely a more HFN than HEA ending, but it appears as if the sequel doesn't follow their relationship, but another pair instead (mf). But I am sure Matt and Shane will make appearances.

I kind of liked how absorbing it was, but I would have liked more of the romance.

Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Due out November 29 (today).

Excellent writing and an interesting plot. Realistic without falling over the side into too much minutia. The characters are relatable and fun. The relationship progression was great, not too fast and not too slow. I'm curious to see how the relationship will progress in the next book.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Full disclosure, I read Point of Contact several months ago and loved it (5 stars) and was expecting a similar feeling story with Loving a Warrior. I did not get that and so this review will be hard.

Yes, I did absolutely enjoying reading about Shane and Matt, but for me, the intense feelings were missing. I don't know why but I wasn't emotionally invested in these two. Partly I think it could be because the story focuses 100% on their time training to make it thru SEAL training. There are a few glimpses of them outside of that, but their romance was stilted because they didn't want to be distracted during the grueling weeks and months of training. They do redeem themselves because when they finally do get together it's loving and sweet and tender. Sure they are training to be SEALs but they are also caring men who despite the bad timing, are falling in love.

What I loved about this story is the attention to detail Melanie Hansen brought to the SEAL training. I know as much about what it takes to go thru that training as the general population watching movies. If any of what MH says about the training and organization is true, she did a lot of research and this really drew me into the story. I felt like I was suffering right along with Matt and Shane, and OMG, I hate being cold so what they went thru was doubly bad for me. :) The physical and mental endurance these guys have to have to push past what their body is telling them it can do is amazing. Matt has fear of the water and really struggles with that part of the training/weeding out process. Shane is suffering from muscle spasms and his running speed/endurance is lagging as a result. They each prop the other up so when they feel down and as if they are going to be kicked out of the program, they find a way to encourage the other and move beyond that struggle to the next. Shane tells Matt that all you should think about is your 3 foot diameter - don't think about the miles you have to run, or the yards you have to swim, think about what is in your immediate area and control and take it one foot at a time until eventually you make it to the end.

Each are fighting their own demons and their pasts do creep up on them and manage to distract them. I loved how when one was weak or down, the other was right there. It was more than obvious they were going to find a way to be together even if they were on opposite sides of the world. As I mentioned earlier, I didn't feel connected to these two and one reason is because the story focused on their training, and that leads to reason #2. I don't get to see them just living. Every second of every day is about their training and mission. There is no, "oh hey go pick up some milk and bread," or "shoot, the cable bill is late," or any of the other thousands of things couples do in life. And as a result I don't know what their life together is going to be like. How will they really handle being apart during missions, how will they handle being together and telling their teammates (which they both agreed to keep their relationship on the DL) they are in a relationship? Do they want kids, do they want to do anything else with their life when their time with the SEALs is over? I don't know if there will be another book about Matt and Shane, or even a short story catch up. The epilogue was nice and deals with their life after they make it in the SEALs, but we don't SEE them together. There is on page telling that they don't see each other often and they will leave kind of notes behind. It would have been nice to see them finally together and able to relax without all that outside pressure. The good news is I can visualize it perfectly and see them finding their rhythm and making it work.

3 stars, for now.

set during navy seals bud/s training, loving a warrior is a slow-burn romance between two leads who have chemistry so explosive they nearly tear each other to pieces before they figure it out. shane hovland and matt knytych have a lot to prove to themselves, to their families, to their teammates before training is over. the rivalry that sparks up between them is enough to keep them strong throughout training, but it's also what keeps them apart. teammates can't be in romantic relationships with each other. not that either of them is looking for a relationship.

i'm not kidding when i say this is a total slow burn of a story, but the deep emotions and feelings that these characters feel for each other. the understanding and bond that they share, you believe it because they endure the unendurable and hold each other up in the end. i enjoyed this romance and loved these two characters together.

**loving a warrior will publish on november 26, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/carina press in exchange for my honest review.

First off, after learning what BUD/S entails, you'll see why Navy SEAL training is widely considered as the toughest military training in the world. Becoming a Navy SEAL is an unbelievable process. It's learning that the human body can do ten times more than the mind allows you to believe. It's hell .... and then there's Hell Week. In "Loving a Warrior" you'll get lots of details about the six month training program. Lots.Of.Details. I rarely this do, but I ended up putting this book aside for a month or so because the book so heavily focuses on the training aspect and overshadows the personal aspect and it took a while for the plot to really engage my interest.

Matt and Shane meet during BUD/S and over the six month program move from enemies to friends to lovers, but not until after the end of BUD/S because Matt does not want any distraction. There is a shed load of UST here and the slow, slow burn is all kinds of steamy and sexy and they finally umm, "seal the deal" around 2/3s through the book. But while their physical relationship sizzles, their emotional commitment lags behind, because neither man knows where he will be based and they realize how difficult it will be to develop and nurture a strong relationship. We are left with a HFN, but with the promise of a second book in the series, I imagine their story will continue and grow.

I wanted to love this book because everything I've read by Melanie Hansen has been exceptional, especially "Point of Contact" but some elements of this story did not work for me. With the main focus being the BUD/S program, character development and growth is moved into second place and I wanted to get a deeper view of Matt and Shane's emotions. Also Shane and his relationship with Jon is something that is crucial to his character, as well as that of his sister, but it seems thrown into the plot at the last minute, IMHO, and too lightly discussed. Also, it just plain bothers me that Jon was a SEAL when it seems that he embodied none of the qualities required - loyalty, honesty, teamwork, etc. But maybe that's just me ...

I appreciate getting in-depth details on the extraordinary amount of dedication it takes to become a Navy SEAL, but feel the personal relationship between Matt and Shane needs more focus and attention. And while their sexual chemistry is off the chain, at times I did not feel the emotional aspect measured up. I'm giving "Loving a Warrior" 3.5 stars and looking forward to the next book in the series to see how their relationship grows and develops.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/M Military Romance
Triggers: Addiction, Death

This is a story about love, loss, and in a way, destiny. Matt has always wanted to become a SEAL. He has a family member who helped him get in shape, deal with life, and showed him what it was to be mature enough – physically and mentally – to beat the challenge of hell week. Matt's road was twisty and long, but in the end, he knew where he wanted to be and knew what he had to do. What he wasn't expecting was to find someone he wanted to share his life with. It knocked him on his butt and threw him for a loop, all while churning him in the ocean.

Then you have Shane. He is striving to be a SEAL, but not quite sure why he's doing it. Is it for himself? His sister? His friend? The distraction that Matt presents is tricky, but Shane also knows what it's like to love someone and not have their affections returned. He also isn't sure what his place is, where he's heading, or if he truly wants this path. It makes for a very confused path, indeed. But he's loyal to a fault, strong, and wants to find his place. I really enjoyed watching his character figure himself out.

Hansen has a way of writing her military stories with such vivid detail. I felt that I was with Shane and Matt during their grueling training. You could feel their attraction jump off the page and their worry too. This was a well-developed story with a lot going on. I do wish that we had gotten to see their relationship further in to the future. It felt a little unfinished to me. But I enjoyed it a lot.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this book! This story is a perfect mix of exciting SEAL action and an intense, slow burn romance. Matt and Shane are wonderfully crafted characters and I fell hard for both of them. I can’t imagine how much research must have gone into the vivid descriptions of the US Navy SEAL BUD/S selection process – but the action scenes in this story are fantastic.

At the start of this story, Matt and Shane are pitted against each other as they fight their way through BUD/S. Matt’s skills are exceptional but Shane has better people skills. I love the way Matt and Shane’s relationship develops against the grueling training regime and I love the personal development that happens away from the training environment.

I don’t want to give away any plot points, but I love that this book manages to avoid military romance clichés. Both Matt and Shane are believable as wannabe SEALs. Both have a singular focus and the sacrifices they make for their jobs feel honest. There aren’t any sappy or sentimental scenes – just two guys who aren’t too sure what to do with a relationship they can’t avoid. This is one of those books I couldn’t put down and I hope other readers enjoy it as much as I did.


Angie – ☆☆☆
This blurb had me from the start. I just wish the book did the same for me. If you want to know anything and everything there is to know about BUD/S training, this is the book for you. I feel like I learned about that and not really about Shane and Matt. There were a few times that the training didn't come up, but not enough. I couldn't connect with Shane and Matt as a couple. While going through their training was interesting, I wanted more of them. This book had potential it just didn't hit the mark for me. I at least know now that I would ring that bell within a few minutes and that SEALs are bad asses!

Wow! I couldn't put this book down! One of my favorite reads of the year!

"Stay in your three-foot world. Control what you can control."

First off, let me say that this book is about equal parts romance and NavySEAL training. I know for some there may be too much of the training, but I was fascinated! Especially, since the training is such an integral part of Shane and Matt's life. Not only what they're going through now, but what their future holds.

And I'm not gonna lie, I totally fired up G.I. Jane after I finished reading this book!

I absolutely ADORED both guys. Both Matt and Shane were such well developed characters. I felt like I knew the heart of each guy so well.

Their relationship was a slow burn that bubbled underneath sore muscles, mental fortitude, and healthy competition. But when that inferno ignited, the passion and yearning couldn't be denied. And both guys quickly realized, even if they couldn't yet say it out loud, that this relationship wouldn't be something they could walk away from.

"What do you want?"

"I want it all baby. I want it all."

And it still won't be enough.

GAH! I just loved these two! And I loved how supportive they are of each other, the way they talked and opened up, the way their competitive spirit fueled so many aspects of their relationship....and I definitely loved their chemistry. A fantastic combination of passion and intimacy.

Everything about this book felt realistic and organic. The way the story unfolded, the way Matt and Shane's relationship evolved, and the reality of their lives and future.

"Why not dream?

After all, if anyone had told him he'd go to BUD/S and end up falling in love, he'd have laughed in their face and probably punched it, too."

And with the title of the next book "Keeping a Warrior" I'm thinking we may get more of these two!

But fear not, this book DOES NOT end on a cliffhanger, but rather a VERY satisfying HFN. Even if this is the only book for Matt and Shane, I'd be completely satisfied with the ending.

And what a sweet and wonderful ending it was!

4.5 stars
Matt has always wanted to be a navy SEAL and now that training is about to start he is on his way. He doesn’t need any distractions, especially one as good looking as Shane. Shane is ready for a new start. He might have come to training by way of the Marines, but he’s knows he has what it takes. The guys have to keep their heads down and their eyes on the finish line but being in close quarters doesn’t make it easy.

Melanie Hansen writes military romance from a knowledgeable perspective and the training Matt and Shane are going through takes center stage. The training was fascinating to read about, but, you would want to be at least interested in the topic to enjoy this book.

Matt and Shane become friends and Matt is reluctant to let it go any further, but Shane gets him like no one else ever has. The chemistry between the men is right there and it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. Their relationship is a slower burn which makes sense for their situation and it does take a longer time for the men to admit to wanting something more. Hansen also shows how difficult it is to maintain a relationship and be a SEAL at the same time.

There was a side story with Shane’s sister that didn’t fully fit in here for me. The guys also don’t spend that much time together as a couple and more scenes together would have rounded out the story. I liked the guys and I liked the story and I would certainly like to read a follow-up that takes these guys further into their relationship and careers.

This is a hard review for me to write because, well, I don't *want* to feel the way I do about Loving a Warrior.

I mean, I love Melanie Hansen, and Point of Contact will probably be my favorite book of 2018, but Loving a Warrior left me feeling... nothing.

I waited and waited for the whole story to get into it, and I even debated DNFing at 75%, but I pushed on in the hopes that I would like it more. I did, a little, but it just never gelled for me.

The overall impression that I got from the story is that it was very dude-bro. If you like your MCs calling each other "soup" and "clown" and like the majority of the plot to be about trying to be a SEAL, then this book might be for you. I just couldn't bring myself to care about the two guys, either individually or as a couple, and I even spaced out on their names while I was still reading the story.

Look, "Loving a Warrior" is not a bad book, but I couldn't put my finger on why it never worked for me. I feel like the editing was off- too much focus and page time on things I didn't care about- and not enough romance. I'll still forever read Melanie Hansen, but I'm in the minority with this one.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Anyone who likes military romances will find a lot to love about Loving a Warrior. I’m not particularly a fan of the genre, but if all of them were as good as this one, I’d have to change my mind.

It’s the story of Matt and Shane, who meet while they are in training to be Navy SEALs. I must admit, I’ve always thought people in special forces must be slightly crazy to do what they do, and this novel certainly does nothing to change my mind. There’s a LOT of description of the training that SEALs go through, and it is BRUTAL. It does affect the romance between the two men, because they are often simply unable to be together because of the demands of their training schedules. I suppose that might bother readers who want the focus to be firmly on the love story, but I was fascinated enough by what they were going through not to mind.

I don’t think I’ve read another romance where the leads are as aggressive with each other as in this book. Even when they aren’t irritated about something, there’s elbowing, shoving, tackling, etc. They do a lot of s**t-talking, too. That physical and verbal sparring is probably true to the testosterone-laden military environment that Matt and Shane live in, and it made the story feel much more genuine to me.

I also thought the way the story ended was very realistic. Hansen is from a military family, so she knows how hard it can be to maintain a relationship through deployments. She acknowledges the effort that it will take for Matt and Shane to stay together when both men are in service but still made me believe that their love will hold true. And that’s the sign of a truly good romance, right?

This book is the first in a series, with the next being a m/f romance featuring a character who makes a brief appearance in this one. I can’t wait to get my copy!

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

A romance about SEALs that's different from any other I've read.

I've read a lot of SEAL romances, both M/M and M/F, but Loving a Warrior was quite a bit different from any other and I loved it. I read a few reviews where people complained that there was too much information about BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training. For me, this is what really set this book apart from other SEAL romances and I thought it was great that Melanie Hansen used this information in the book.

Loving a Warrior is a fairly longish read at 310 pages but I couldn't put it down. Ms. Hansen just about ripped my heart out with her book, Point of Contact (a very complex story). Loving a Warrior wasn't quite as gut-wrenching for me but it affected me in other ways. If the BUD/S training she writes about in this book is even half as grueling as what she describes, my appreciation for this outstanding group of armed service members hasn't been strong enough previously.

The level of emotional stuff going on in this story was high and I was in tears more than once. Besides the UST (unresolved sexual tension) between Matt and Shane, there is the story of Shane's sister and her relationship with his best friend. This is one meaty story.

I was really happy to learn that there would be another book in this series coming out next year. A bit of warning to those who will read only M/M books, Keeping a Warrior is an M/F story. Lucky for me I enjoy all types of pairings in my romance books. 😊

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting on November 26, 2018)

4* A 'proper' SEAL tale, by a quality author who doesn't stint on her research and who has...

... more than a little experience with things 'US military'.

I was lucky enough to be a beta for this tale, which isn't a fluffy, romanticised, 'pays lip service to' SEALS one. It's one that keeps it real by showing us how tough the training is mentally and physically, and how many candidates don't make it despite their backgrounds that in theory could/should have prepared them for the role. It gives us leads who are not softened, romantic, swoon-inducing versions of tough guys, but believable, real tough guys, and it does so without using any tropes. I admire MH's confidence in writing the book she wanted to write, the one that spoke to her, not one that she felt she needed to write to meet a certain criteria for it to be a success in MM romance. I think it's a very different tale to what many might assume, which I mean as nothing but a compliment.

As always, a MH book shows her undisputed talent and quality - which ranges from the harrowing Unquiet and the heartbreaking-and-yet-affirming Point of Contact, two books which caused floods of tears, to this one that had me in awe of her research and knowledge. It has a lot of detail and reality, and it de-glamorises and debunks the many SEALS tales that abound. It's a sometimes raw, sometimes brutal, intelligent and satisfying read, because MH always does her research, and here she's drawn on some of her family's close connections to the US military to portray everything authentically and accurately.

So, is it a romance novel? Hmm. I think that could be up for debate; accurately it's listed as Fiction>Gay, Fiction>Romance>Gay, as I think it's a mix. For me, personally, technically, yes it was, because there's love and caring and respect in this, and a relationship that will endure, and there were parts that were very romantic, but not in expected ways. And, technically, maybe also kind of not, in the pop sense of what readers likely expect from MM these days, because it's not an out-and-out, hearts-and-roses, sweet, gushy romance. But, I believed in Shane and Matt, and their connection, so much more than in the many tales where guys talk a lot about feelings and dreams and hurts and traumas and pasts, and about fluffy bunnies, kids and picket fences and the likes. I think this is a book that's equally a girl's and a guy's tale, and that may even gain MH more guy fans.

The 'not' part is despite the leads being attracted to each other from the start, because their personal quests and mission and country come first, and because MH kept it real. That might make the guys sound selfish, but as you read the tale you'll see why - each has had a very different journey to get to this point, and very personal and very different reasons for wanting to be a SEAL, and for one in particular, it's been his driving force and his redemption, and for both, it's warts and all. Wanting to be *the* best warrior, wanting to challenge each other, wanting to prove something to themselves was what pitted them against each other, but also honed them for a relationship that distance, duty, country and time spent apart couldn't and wouldn't lessen.

As the title says, they're first and foremost warriors, but there's a strong connection between them and the camaraderie they build and the trials they undertake cement them in ways that pure romantic/traditional romance and/or sex could not. For me, the depiction of Matt and Shane's love and commitment at the end of the tale says more than a sex scene or words could, it was something that spoke louder than words, and this was one of the romantic parts for me. And yes, greedy me wanted to see the next chapter in their lives, because theirs will never be easy. But, I have it on good authority that we'll see more of them in the next book in the series, which goes where MH has not yet gone before. It's called Keeping A Warrior and it's out on 22 April 2019. I think some readers will be surprised, and I suspect it'll gain her a whole new audience. For me, if she writes it, I'll read it.

Matt and Shane meet in BUD/S training, where the focus needs to be on survival, not romance, in order to become a Navy SEAL. Despite the enormous problems, their attraction keeps growing, and I enjoyed seeing how they grew, adjusted, and finally emerged successfully in both career and love.

This one, for me, wasn't as enjoyable as book one in the series.

In this story you have two, stubborn men, both going through Seal training. A vast majority of the story is based within the land of that training itself which, I have to say, was filler for me and I skimmed a majority of those pages.

The story between the boys, I felt was often forced and I found Matt to be...80% of the time, a jerk. It was because he was so focused on his training he did not want to even think about an actual future with Shane. Because of this, I did think Shane would have been better off without him. But, he stuck it out and eventually Matt let go of whatever was holding him back and the two moved forward in a relationship. Well, as much as two men who are in separate SEAL teams can be when they are often both gone on training missions at different times.

All in all, I gave this one 3 stars. It was ok for me, but, I did not love it.

Loads of anticipation and some hot romance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I grabbed this book because of two factors - one military men in their hotness and the MM factor tied with the storyline. I was in the mood for something different.

This is the first time I read this author and she did a great job with the story and the background. Two guys trying to get through Bud/s became very close friends, teammates, and struggled to become more than that.

These two ended up becoming very close friends that knew intimate secrets about each other. They were supportive of each other. Honest and straightforward. But they both had their eye on the bigger goal or so it seems.

I have to admit I was a little frustrated with the story at times because I was looking for more of the intimate connection. Their physical relationship took a long time to show up as the author focused mainly on their emotional relationship.

On one hand I commend her for writing the characters as strong men who were focused and determined. But on the other hand, I felt they could’ve moved along a lot faster had they had a more physical relationship. A lot of the book was the day to day life in Navy SEAL Bud/s training.

I definitely cannot discount the fact that this book was loaded with hot muscular men and there’s never anything wrong with that. A great story with some seriously hot men that connect on an emotional level and definitely, finally, on a steamy physical level.

Tons of anticipation, hot connections, and solid friendship made this an engaging read.

Torn on reviewing this one. Overall I enjoyed the story very much. It's a wonderful M/M romance between Matt and Shane. They first meet in BUD/S training. Their relationship is a great slow burn as they initially resist getting involved considering the training they were going through. The heart wants what it wants though. What troubled me about these characters is that neither of them seem to have that alpha male trait one needs to reach this level of military service. Sexuality aside they just didn't feel very SEAL like. Perhaps I am generalizing but again I just don't see someone reaching this level without that trait. That said I still enjoyed this story very much and both the main characters are memorable making it a great read I would recommend to others.

4 Stars

While I enjoyed this story, I wouldn’t say the romance is the main focus. Scott and Shane making it through BUD/S training to become Navy SEALS is definitely the main focus of the story with the romance portion taking a backseat to that. Although I wasn’t quite sure how two men who seemed to hate one another and couldn’t even have a friendly game of one on one basketball without them both ending up bloodied and bruised could ever find love together, once they did, they were all in.

Shane and Scott had amazing chemistry and the sexual tension between them was palpable. It took FOREVER for them to give into the physical need/want, but once they did, they were explosive and hot together.

I actually found it interesting to watch the process of them going through training. I can’t even imagine what these men go through. I was exhausted and cold just reading all the drills, workouts and not to mention them constantly being wet and caked in sand. Yea, no thanks.

The story was well-written and for the most part it flowed well, it was just maybe a tad slow in the middle. It was also obviously well-researched and the author clearly has a lot of knowledge on the training process to becoming a Navy SEAL. I’m glad this will be a series, because not only am I looking forward to getting to revisit Scott and Shane in the future, but I’m curious as to whose story will be next. I found there were a few loose ends left, and I’m hoping they will be tied up as we get to revisit Shane and Scott in future stories in this series. This was an enjoyable read that I’d definitely recommend!

*copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an

Sometimes, all you need to fall in love is one big push. Matt and Shane are both in BUD/s training to become Navy SEALS. The training is difficult, physically, mentally and spiritually. The last thing either of these men need is the distraction of sexual attraction. So both push the other to their limits, more often to angry physicality. BUT they both know that all this anger is hiding the fear that their connection could prove detrimental to their dreams of becoming SEALS and to their concentration when they need it most. Little do they know that they NEED each other and that their connection in the end could save them. I found the book to be a nice slow burn, sexy and emotional with some great laugh out loud moments. Book provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

Matt and Shane are in training to be SEALs. The first meeting wasn’t an easy one but they still sparked off each other. Their interactions got more intimate even though they weren’t. They realized that the other person brought a sense of right to their lives.

I know nothing about SEAL training other than movies I’ve seen so I can’t address the realism of the book. However I know SEALs have to be the best of the best and I think that was portrayed very well.

This was a very slow burn story. I liked how they slowly fell for each other, no Insta-love here. They had a HFN ending. Not real happy about that. The author has a second book in the series coming out. Maybe they will get their HEA in it.

Sexy, sweet, and evocative!

Loving a Warrior is a passionate, military romance that delves into the rigorous physical, emotional, and psychological demands involved in becoming a Navy Seal, and touches on the patience, understanding, support, and trust required to maintain a relationship under those conditions.

The writing is informative and authentic. The characters are rugged, single-minded, and encouraging. And the plot is a slow-burning tale full of explosive chemistry, undeniable attraction, grit, determination, perseverance, sacrifice, competition, and love.

Overall, even though I didn't find Loving a Warrior as raw and emotional as Hansen's previous novel, Point of Contact, it is still an intense, enjoyable, enlightening read that showcases her exceptional knowledge into the expectations, pressures, and challenges of Navy life.