Review - SEALed with a Kiss

I won this book in a contest over at The Book Binge and I am so glad I did because it is a wonderful story.

Title: SEALed with a Kiss
Author: Mary Margret Daughtridge
Publishing Date: April 2008
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: A
Sensuality: Hot

Jax Graham is a Navy SEAL whose ex-wife has recently passed away. They had a four year old son from the marriage whom the wife had custody of. Because Jax is out of the country on missions a lot, he isn’t sure what the best thing for his son would be. So he takes 30 days of leave to figure it out. He heads down to North Carolina to spend time with his son. A hurricane hits the coast and Jax has to evacuate the beach house where they were staying. They run out of options and eventually stay with Pickett, who Jax met briefly one afternoon on the beach. Pickett is a therapist at the local naval base and also has a private practice on the side. While together during the storm, they realize they have a mutual attraction to each other.

I loved SEALed with a Kiss for so many reasons. First of all, even though it is a story about a Navy SEAL, no one is shot at, no one is running for their lives and there is not one dead body in the whole book. The main focus of this story is the emotional development of Pickett and Jax’s relationship. It is about the emotional processes that people go through when confronted with change. This book provided so much insight into the human mind and how men, women and children process emotions and information differently. I found it quite fascinating.

Both Jax and Pickett have baggage. They both have issues that they have dealt with all their life since childhood. It is so great to see them work through it and overcome these issues with – get this - conversation. Neither one makes assumptions that usually lead to misunderstandings. They actually TALK about their problems.

I loved Jax. He has to be inducted into the hero hall of fame. Jax is great because of how wonderful he treats Pickett. He thinks about things he can do for Pickett to help her or he likes to buy little things for her just to be nice. He listens to her and is always aware of her presence in a room. He loves all her feminine curves and her expressive face. He loves her and wouldn’t ever think of changing her, even when she goes into “Queen Pickett” mode. I love how he makes sure his son is always very careful around Pickett so that he doesn’t accidentally hurt her. There are just so many little things that add up to make a big impact.

Pickett was a heroine that I could relate too. Who hasn’t had feelings of inadequacy when it comes to family? Jax is there to support Pickett and encourage her to confront her family when they treat her with anything less than respect. Pickett has courage, honesty and is much tougher than she gives herself credit for. This story is about two normal people, with normal problems, that are fortunate enough to have found an extraordinary love for each other. I am just tickled pink with this book and I am so glad I read it.

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