He never forgave her for leaving.
She never forgot the man she left behind.

And now his past has come back to put her in the crosshairs.

Former Navy SEAL Weston “Cowboy” Hayes has spent years outrunning the ghosts of his past—missions that went wrong, brothers he couldn’t save, enemies who don’t forget. Keeping his world small, quiet, and controlled is the only way he knows how to survive.

Until Reese Faye comes home.

After losing her job without warning, Reese has nowhere else to go but the town she swore she’d never return to. She expects awkward reunions and too many memories—not Weston, the only man she ever loved, standing in the middle of it all.

The chemistry between them is still combustible. The hurt is still raw. And the past they never resolved refuses to stay buried.

Then everything goes wrong.

And Weston is too late to stop it.

It doesn’t take long for him to realize this isn’t random—it’s personal. The kind of vengeance that doesn’t forget. The kind tied to a past he thought was buried for good.

Now, with Reese caught in the crossfire of enemies he made long ago, Weston has only one choice—go back into the darkness he fought to escape.

Because this time, it’s not just about survival.

It’s about her.

And Weston will burn everything to the ground before he lets them take her from him.


SEAL of Valor by Jessica Ashley
Rating:
5/5
Pages: 444
Published: August 31, 2026
Series: Iron Tide Brotherhood

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Confession: I had suspected early on in the series that this would be my favorite book, and that theory only grew with each subsequent book. That said, this book far surpassed my expectations in every way, and I absolutely loved the powerful story of heartbreak, loss, hope, and the shot at redemption found within the pages of this beautiful story. I apparently have a type, and as much as I loved the other characters on the team, Weston has always stood out. It’s not often that I find a story that hits quite like this one, but each of those that do always leave a lasting impression, and Jessica Ashley has done a remarkable job with bringing this one to life.

Both Reese and Weston have their own share of struggles, heartbreak, and fears that they faced along the way. This book presents a beautiful second-chance romance, but more than that, it shares a story of two survivors who, against the odds, were clearly put together for a reason beyond what either could imagine. Not only is it a story of second chances, but of captives being set free, of standing strong against impossible odds, a story of coming home. This is why I love this type of story so much, and it’s something this specific character type is so good at. Reese and Weston are wonderful together, and I love seeing both of them become stronger and whole as the story goes on. They help each other, but best of all, they remind each other of the One Who Is. Jesus is at the center of all good things, and this delightful tale highlights that truth time and again.

I also loved seeing the team bond and rally together that precious picture of family that makes the church so beautiful. The Church isn’t a building, but the people God places in our lives to serve Him alongside us. We are stronger together, and where two or more are gathered in His Name, He will be there in their midst. SEAL of Valor has so many touching scenes, and as hard as some parts were to read, I think that made the light spots shine all the brighter when they appeared.

I’m excited for Ryker’s story, and already know I’m going to love it, but Weston and Reese’s tale is one that will stay with me for a long long time.



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