Title: Issued
Series: Navy Seals of Little Creek (Book 1)
Author: Paris Wynters
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Description as found on Goodreads:
She needs a total life reboot… even if it means marrying a stranger
Taya Maverick has just volunteered to marry a random Navy SEAL as part of the military’s new spouse-matching program. What other choice does she have? Her former best friend killed her father and torched her house. Taya’s determined to start over, but to be safe she has to disappear. The program is the perfect opportunity, complete with refuge and a built-in bodyguard. Her Navy SEAL husband can keep her safe, right?
After one spectacularly disastrous marriage, Jim Stephens nixes round two. But his commanding officer never accepts no for an order. While an injury may have sidelined him temporarily, Jim still needs to salvage his career after a mistake in combat puts him in leadership’s cross-hairs. Being the first in the pilot program guarantees him his rank and eventual active duty clearance…as long as he can last the trial year.
The I dos are barely uttered before Jim and Taya realize they’ve each miscalculated. Their sizzling chemistry might lead to bed, but neither is prepared to open their heart. And then Taya’s past comes knocking...
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://buff.ly/3b95Zvy
Apple Books: https://buff.ly/2WwHdkC
Nook: https://buff.ly/2vAHxE8
Kobo: https://buff.ly/2Wo0Xag
Google Play: https://buff.ly/3a2Cv23
I was so excited when Paris asked me to read her latest book! I’ve read a lot of contemporary romance but I haven’t ventured into the military end of it much, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Issued. I know almost next to nothing about Navy SEALs. I even had to double check to be sure I put SEAL in all caps just now. I know… you all are probably shaking your heads at me. What I did know is that I love Paris’ writing, brooding heroes, girls with an attitude (and she’s Mongolian!), and any sort of trope that’s a fake or arranged relationship that turns into love is good in my book!
I was not disappointed. This was such a great read!
One of the first things I noticed was while Jim and Taya may not have gotten along right away, it wasn’t exactly hate to love. Instead, it was about them gradually getting to know one another, overcoming their differences, and learning to build each other into their lives. The attraction was immediate, but I loved watching them fall in love as they got to know one another naturally.
Another element I love about Paris’ writing is that even in romance, she’s not afraid to dig deep and give her characters deep and dark wounds. There is some heavy stuff to deal with in this book, and it was done in such a great way where it honored and didn’t shy away from those wounds. But at the same time, you still had the classic contemporary romance feel where you could escape for a little while and be reminded that no matter how dark our world and pasts can get, you can still have a happily ever after.
Then on top of all of that - you have elements of an action packed action book where you want to know more about what’s going on and wonder how the characters are going to get out of the situations they’ve found themselves in. There are a few nail biting moments in there!
Of course… if you couldn’t tell from the cover… it is SEXY SEXY SEXY! ::fans self:: If you like some intense sex scenes that’ll have you blasting your AC to cool down - this is for you!
Some content warnings: there is some intense backstory about war, fires, murder, and if you aren’t feeling pro-military/pro-police books right now, this might not be up your alley.
Overall, Issued is a fast, sexy, and intense contemporary romance that will have you on the edge of your seat while swooning at the same time, reminding you how even after darkness you can still have a happily ever after.