Clint Backwater is a Navy SEAL battling the scars of his past. Leila Ortiz is a single mother on the run from the demons of her present. When their paths collide, sparks (and bullets) fly.

Going into this book I knew what I was expecting: a fairly short insta-love type story with a protective male main character. What I wasn’t necessarily expecting was for the plot to feel like a very important and high-stakes part of the book. The book’s conflict didn’t just feel like filler fluff, as it often can with books such as this one, and I found all of the characters very lovable (especially Thomas!).

I do wish that this book had been longer. I feel like a longer book would’ve given the plot more time to fully develop as opposed to introducing a problem before quickly resolving it. Also, while I love a good insta-love, I felt that the romance aspect was rushed and would have loved this story even more with a bit more of a slow burn as Clint and Leila react to what’s happening in their lives and their feelings for one another.

Hunted is an updated and revised book that was originally published as "Guarding the Single Mother". This is a fast paced and quick read so you know there is more of an insta- feel to the romance. The characters are engaging and you want to root for them to find their HEA. This is book one of SEAL Endgame series and I will be looking for the rest of the books.

This was a nice short read, the premise of the book sounded promising with Leila wanting to learn to shoot to protect herself against her ex husband, Clint fell for her while teaching her how to shoot.
But I felt it was flat and never really got going until the last chapter.

In this first story in the authors’ series titled, SEAL Endgame, she delivers a story that will grab your attention from the first page to the last.
Clint Backwater, owner of Ask Questions Later Firearms and Training shop, is a former Navy SEAL. A man whose childhood in foster care has left him closed off to giving his heart to anyone for fear of both being hurt and left behind.
But that all changes when twenty-five year old Leila Ortiz arrives at his shop with a baby in tow . When she requests to buy a gun, Clint can see she is scared and likely never held one in her hands.
Even though he doesn’t want to get involved, he does all he can to keep the mother and child safe , while teaching her how to use a gun.
But what happens when feelings develop> What happens when Leila’s past comes back to claim her? Will Leila leave behind everything she’s built in Vegas? Will she leave behind a heartbroken Clint?
This was a touching story about survival, overcoming fears and adversities, new beginnings , and a second chance in life and love. A wonderful introduction to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

All these types of book are great for chilling out with, Takes you to another world and into another time altogether. Great.

Actual Rating: 3.5

Hunted follows single mom, Leila and her budding romance with gun store owner, former SEAL Clint.

Leila’s abusive ex-husband has gotten out of prison and is hunting down her and their son Thomas. In Leila’s attempts to feel safer, she goes to Clint’s store to purchase and learn about guns. Clint recognizes the fear in Leila’s eyes and offers to help her out more with her, her son, and their safety.

I was really into the first half of this book. I love romantic suspense style stories and was excited to try out my first Leslie North book! Leila was pretty young and with that came along with some naivety about how safe she was/could be. I really love the way that Clint approached his friendship (into relationship) with Leila and her son too! This was definitely a fun quick read for me.

Some things I didn’t super love was probably how fast the second half of this went. We had (what felt like) a super fast resolution to both Leila’s problems and the feelings Leila and Clint had for each other. I think if we had more build up to both of those aspects, this would have felt a lot smoother! However, falling fast and quick resolutions are definitely some big things in the romantic suspense world so it didn’t feel totally out of place!

Former SEAL Clint Blackwater is used to begin alone since he retired, although he does miss his teammates. Owning and running a gun shop and range, he takes his responsibility for gun safety seriously. When Leila Ortiz, with her young son Thomas, comes into his shop to purchase a gun he has questions. Why does she need a gun? Needing protection from her abusive ex-husband, who has just been released from prison, Clint decides to train her in gun safety. When he realizes that she is being targeted, he steps up to protect her and Thomas. How far will her ex go to get her back under his control? Will Clint be able to keep her safe without falling in love with her, or would that really be so bad? A shorter story that has everything you want in an exciting romantic suspense. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Leila is hesitant to trust Clint. Her son trust him instantly. That should have spoken volumes. The feelings that Clint has for Leila and her son are instantaneous. He fell hard and is determined to keep them safe. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Honestly, not much to talk about. It was cute, but also very corny. The protagonists were nice enough (the baby was adorable) and the plot was well handled for a book shorter than 200 pages. I was surprised by the lack of problematic tropes and stereotypes, though. It was an entertaining read, but an easily forgettable one.

Thanks to Relay Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a nice short romance read. I enjoyed the story line and the characters. It had only one spicy scene and it didn’t quite live up to what Clint kept fantasizing about doing with her. I found several typos and misspelled words in the book (hear instead of heart for example) I’m not used to reading such short books, this was only 112 pages compared to large novels I’m used to reading. I started last night and finished this morning.

Leila and Clint are two people with hurtful pasts you find their way to each other. I enjoyed some aspects of their story, such as Clint's relationship with Thomas, Leila's hesitation to dive into a new relationship, and Leila's person growth. There were also some things I did not enjoy as much. For example, I thought that they got together a bit too quickly and their romance (in the beginning) felt a bit forced. I also thought some of the dialogue was a bit stilted. My favorite scene was at the end, when they were at the airport and Clint was a bit shy and nervous to ask her to stay. Overall I would give this book 2.75/5 stars.