A SEAL at Heart

October 8, 2012
John Matthew Roaker, petty officer first class, is first and foremost a SEAL; his life revolves around his work. That changes after a disastrous mission damages Jack’s memory and kills his close friend. Jack ends up on temporary medical leave that may become permanent if he can’t recall what went wrong and how. Fortunately he winds up in the capable hands of Laurie Smith, a physical therapist who has the power to heal his body and his soul—though she has her own scars from her father’s time as a SEAL. The connection between Jack and Laurie is instantaneous and combustible, but some readers may be put off by the conflation of romantic and therapeutic touch, and the wooden characters’ unhappy pasts mostly serve as excuses to trowel on information about SEAL teams and their work. Agent: Eric Ruben, Ruben Literary Agency.

November 1, 2012
Navy SEAL John Roaker, known to his buddies as Red Jack, survives a mission that turns into a massacre. The body count includes his best friend, Don. Wounded in soul and spirit as well as body, Jack is sent to recuperate stateside. Filled with survivor's guilt and suffering from PTSD, Jack is one step away from being another suicide statistic. The first time Laurie Smith sees Jack, she's instantly attracted and comes close to having a one-night stand with him. But Laurie is a therapist who specializes in nontraditional treatments, and as the daughter of a SEAL herself, she recognizes Jack's symptoms. In fact, from her father's drinking and desertion, Laurie has some problems of her own. Two wounded souls find healing through love in Elizabeth's romance. Readers will find this book an accurate reflection of what's happening in the world today and perhaps be uplifted by its message of hope.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)