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Brothers in Arms #2

SEAL Protector

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Ex-Navy SEAL Vann Highrider has given everything to Brothers-in-Arms, the boot camp he owns with his teammates. He’s facing his toughest mission yet—someone is framing the SEALs for murder. It’s up to Vann to clear their name to keep their business afloat…and his Brothers out of jail. The last thing he needs is more bad press from a stupid accident. So when he finds a petite brunette failing miserably at his survival course, the Cherokee tracker wants to send her packing. Yet there’s something about her he can’t say no to…. But if she wants a second chance, she’ll have to follow his every move.


Restaurant heiress Mercy Conde may be business savvy, but she’s always lacked physical prowess. If she wants to take her family’s empire overseas, though, she has to prove she can take care of herself. Brothers-in-Arms’ survival training seems like the perfect fit, but it doesn’t take long for this deep thinker to realize she’s in over her head. When tall, dark, handsome Vann offers to take her under his wing, she agrees to play things his way…especially when his way has her under more than just his wing.


Vann is used to being a lone wolf, but he’s eager to boost Mercy’s confidence both on the boot camp course and in the bedroom. But when their training becomes a real life or death situation, they’ll have to put their skills to the test if they want to survive.


230 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2017

About the author

Leslie North

523 books1,439 followers
New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’

Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!

In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!

Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!

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Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
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5 stars
162 (46%)
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113 (32%)
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64 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
7,949 reviews154 followers
April 7, 2017

A woman with something to prove and a man on mission, set off more sparks than the fourth of July. Seal Protector is a nail biter. I have never held my breath, so much. The lone wolf became trapped by the lioness he never saw coming. Mercy had to learn to believe in herself and Vann was just the man to help her. Through the dangerous storm that blew their lives off course and showed them something new, Mercy and Vann withstood it all and faced some hard won truths. Another alpha bad boy bites the dust.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
978 reviews106 followers
January 8, 2019
SEAL Protector (Brothers in Arms #2) by Leslie North SEAL Protector
Leslie North
Romance : Military

Ex-Navy SEAL Vann Highrider has given everything to Brothers-in-Arms, the boot camp he owns with his teammates. He’s facing his toughest mission yet—someone is framing the SEALs for murder. It’s up to Vann to clear their name to keep their business afloat…and his Brothers out of jail. The last thing he needs is more bad press from a stupid accident. So when he finds a petite brunette failing miserably at his survival course, the Cherokee tracker wants to send her packing. Yet there’s something about her he can’t say no to…. But if she wants a second chance, she’ll have to follow his every move.


Restaurant heiress Mercy Conde may be business savvy, but she’s always lacked physical prowess. If she wants to take her family’s empire overseas, though, she has to prove she can take care of herself. Brothers-in-Arms’ survival training seems like the perfect fit, but it doesn’t take long for this deep thinker to realize she’s in over her head. When tall, dark, handsome Vann offers to take her under his wing, she agrees to play things his way…especially when his way has her under more than just his wing.


Vann is used to being a lone wolf, but he’s eager to boost Mercy’s confidence both on the boot camp course and in the bedroom. But when their training becomes a real life or death situation, they’ll have to put their skills to the test if they want to survive.

My thoughts :
3.5
This is the second time I've ever read a book by Leslie North and while I did like it I just can't say that I loved it.
Why:
1 : I just couldn't stand Mercy ( I just couldn't understand her at all, like how her self-confidence could be strong when it came to business but the rest of the time it was so low)
2: in some of the beginning chapters , there was this one line that kept recurring ( like 2 ot three times, that took way from the story)( yes I got it that someone​ is after Vann and his friends ,but it didn't have to be repeated about Vann finding unknown foot steps and tracks that wasn't theirs)

What I did like:
1 : Van and his friends ,how they was more than just friends,like they was family
2: how Vann took pride in his native American heritage .
4: how they never give up .
5: it took a while and I mean along while for Mercy to make me like her ( she still not my favorite character)
While I didn't like the story as a hole , I'm going to keep the ARC copy and re read later down the road, with that said I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the chance to read it in change for my honest opinion which this is.
Profile Image for Quynh.
213 reviews20 followers
April 14, 2017
Mercy Conde has all the confidence she needs in the corporate world of running her parents restaurants. What she lacks in confidence is her abilities and strength to take care of herself in dangerous situations. To prove to her parents she can do just that and take over their international business, she enroll in Brothers In Arms self defense course.

Vann Highrider is one third of the owners of Brothers In Arms. With Cherokee blood, he's known for his tracking skills. And certain activities around their company are raising his suspicions that may be related to their last case. His job however is distracted by Mercy, who can't seem to get any closer to her goals of getting physically stronger. So he takes her under his wing one on one to improve her skills.

This is a short quick read, the relationship between Vann and Mercy develops quite fast, and their connections are instantaneous. Although the threat to the company is related to the last book, you get enough background that you don't feel lost in the story. The suspense could be built upon a bit more but I still enjoyed the overall story.

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Book Lover.
552 reviews43 followers
April 8, 2017
Merce Conde signed up for the Brothers In Arms survival/self defense class to prove to her parents that she can handle the International side of their restaurant company. She has confidence in her business acumen, but not in herself.

Vann is the wary, silent, speak only when necessary, former military, alpha. He knows there is no way she will pass the class. However, his company needs the possible boost from her contacts. So, he takes her on one on one.

Lots of lol moments as well as a few sigh worthy. These two balance each other. Overall, a good, short read. This can be read as a standalone.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the author.
Profile Image for Dawn.
465 reviews
April 19, 2017
Vann is investigating Seals murders with his company when a client's safety becomes his priority along with her heart. The second in this series and suspense keeps the pages turning . Waiting for the last in the series.

Ebook from net galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Tami .
1,123 reviews34 followers
April 10, 2017
3.5

Enjoyable romantic suspense.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Christi Fowler.
1,528 reviews17 followers
December 17, 2017
Genre: Romance - Suspense, Military, SEAL
Stand-Alone: Mostly Vann and Mercy's story is a stand-alone but there is a mystery that unfolds through all three books in the series.
Part of a Series: Yes Book 2 of the Brothers in Arms series.
POV: Mercy and Vann
Steam Level: Warm
4.5/5

SEAL Protector is the second in the series with a mystery throughout all three books. I haven't read book one but was able to quickly get caught up on the mystery so far. And to find out how it ends I'll definitely need to read book three. And with Leslie North's writing ability that wouldn't be a hassle. Once I started SEAL Protector I was quickly drawn into the story, finishing it within a few hours of starting it. Vann was sweet, smart and sexy. Also stubborn. Mercy was hilarious, with her fear of heights and her tendency for dramatics. I like how they turned her height into different advantages. I appreciate that (especially considering my own stature). The message of believing in yourself was pervasive and definitely something we need to hear more of, especially in our culture of tearing each other down. If you're looking for a fun, romantic suspense with a sexy SEAL and a feisty female then pick up SEAL Protector. It's a quick, fun read that will keep you guessing and rooting for Mercy.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary (and late) review.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,271 reviews50 followers
June 11, 2017
Mercy has a chip on her shoulder. After being sidelined by her family and made to feel less than strong by her domineering brothers and overprotective parents, she drives herself to perform perfectly at work. With a possible international position in the family firm on the line, she enrols with Brothers in Arms for a safety course. Sadly whilst Mercy may be intelligent, kiss ass businesswoman, a survivalist, badass she is not.

Enter Vann, hotter than hot former seal and now Mercy's only hope of passing her course. But with the flame of attraction burning hot between them, it's affecting both of their concentration skills!

With the continuing story arc of a conspiracy against SEALS and the Brothers In Arms, it does help to have read book 1 but it is easy to fill in the gaps if you haven't. Wonderful story with strong characters. it would have been very easy to make Mercy just another rich girl but she has a suitably flawed and vulnerable side to go with her kickass business attitude.
Profile Image for Angela.
2,986 reviews31 followers
May 18, 2017
3 - 3 1/2 stars

After the intensity in book #1, I honestly expected this to continue in book #2, and possibly become more intriguing as the story unfolds. However, this book seemed like it stalled out regarding the sub-plot of the SEAL's "suicides," except for the tracking that Vann continued to do.

Vann and Mercy's story is full of humor, angst, a bit of suspense, and a few surprise twists. Definitely an improvement from the romance in the first book, at least in my opinion. It was a short, sweet story with a little action, and I enjoyed it. I'm disappointed that there was no further story development regarding the sub-plot, and with only one book left, I guess we'll have to wait and see how it plays out.

I would recommend this book, series, and author.
Profile Image for Janice .
688 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2017
I read this on the kindle

This is the 2nd one in the series

While this is a good series i didn't think that this one was as good for ex Navy Seals they not taking the threat seriously & Vann Highrider at near the end says one thing & does something else can't say what or i spoil it
The murderer or murderers are still at large i will be reading the 3rd just to see if who i think it is will i be correct i still think they way each of the 3 co-owners do their own thing & the 2 who are in this & the 1st book seems to go off half cocked & not letting their training kick in & yet they training people to not to go half cocked
Profile Image for Hazel Harkins.
437 reviews7 followers
May 6, 2017

This book was filled with adventure, drama, mystery, murder and a sweetness that sparked into flames for Vann and Mercy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book for Leslie North and I think she is a fantastic author and gave it a 5 star rating because I felt it included everything needed to hold your attention until the HEA ending.


Thank you Leslie for allowing me to read and review this book, I look forward to reading book 3 in this series and highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a fast moving adventure with some sweet steam.
Profile Image for Kim.
933 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2017
I voluntarily read this advanced readers copy of this book. You will love reading about Vann and Mercy. Leslie North writes the best books and series. I so can't wait to read more of this series to see what else happens to Brothers In Arms. Mercy is trying to prove to her family that she can take care of herself. Vann is a owner and trainer at Brothers In Arms who is trying to help. Can Vann help Mercy build her confidence in herself? Can he figure out who is trying to hurt Brothers In Arms? Great read that I just couldn't put down once I started read it.
Profile Image for Sahuna Imran.
127 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2017
Leslie North has become one of my favourite authors now. I am happy that the cover of this book is good. I loved the book and I regret about the fact that I missed the first title in this series. The story was a good romance with a little insight about the Navy. The murder mystery was well written although incomplete I guess it will be covered in the next book.
Profile Image for Bonnie L Hampton.
136 reviews
April 18, 2018
Good story

This is the second story of this series and it was really good 👍. I know that the characters are, to an extent, are basically the same but in this one there was enough of a difference to really make the plot pop (so to speak)! I really enjoyed this story and can't wait ✋to read the next one.
Profile Image for Donna Gaudreau.
12 reviews
June 12, 2017
Adventure and Romance

Leslie North's novel is a great mix of adventure and romance. It left me with more questions than answers. I am ready for another book NOW.
Profile Image for Lylian.
625 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2018
Marcy and Vann are so hot together. What started off to me as a good story turned out to be outstandingly hot love story
Profile Image for Lisa Musgrove.
3 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2018
Good story line

I am enjoying the series. Looking forward to reading the last book
Wish there were more
I hope there is more information about why they left the seals
34 reviews
August 29, 2019
Long drawn out

Love all your other books but now you're back to much detail of description of every single thing on, around and area.
189 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2022
Cute story, but not long enough. Should. Have been a trade paperback. The characters were well thought out. Action scenes were fast as well as the adult antics. Just wished the story was longer.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,489 reviews359 followers
June 7, 2017
SEAL Protector isn't as strong of a book as its predecessor, SEAL Defender, but it was still an enjoyable romantic suspense story that kept me interested in the over-arching plot of the Brothers in Arms series.

Vann Highrider is an ex-Navy SEAL who is putting everything he has into the boot camp he owns with two of his former SEALs. After the bad press caused by the mess a few months back, Brothers-in-Arms has been struggling to hold onto clients and revamp their image. Mercy Conde, heir to one of the largest restaurant chains, joins one of the the survival courses at Brothers-in-Arms in an attempt to prove to her family she take care of herself. However, she soon finds her self completely failing the course and her path crosses with Vann who begins training her one on one in an effort to help her pass the course and generate good press for the business. Their attraction soon becomes too much to ignore and they must put their skills to the test when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.

I enjoyed the physical aspects of Vann and Mercy's relationship quite a bit. The two had an instant chemistry and were attracted to each other right away. Any scenes where the two got physical, the sparks were instantaneous and made the scenes so enjoyable to read. However, outside of their physical attraction, their relationship lacked a bit. I felt the two simply didn't connect very well and there was a bit too much manipulation going on for my tastes.

I was happy to see characters from the first book return, although there were less scenes with them than I had hoped for. Geneva does not appear at all, although she is mentioned, but all of the other characters do make appearances. Also, the continued plot dealing with the SEAL murders is still very interesting and I'm excited to see where the story-line goes in the final book.

While I did enjoy SEAL Protector, ultimately I liked the first book SEAL Defender more. I will though be continuing with the series when the final book, SEAL Guardian releases later this month.

** I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
1,250 reviews23 followers
April 7, 2017
I loved the latest from Leslie North and the men of Brothers in Arms! Vann is co-owner of the company Brother in Arms with his two buddies from his time in the SEALs and is the one who is the most solitary of them all. With all the darkness surrounding their company and the military men in general Vann finds himself even more diligent about making sure his friends and their company is safe. The last the thing he has time for is the distraction that comes in the form of Mercy Conde, a new client of their program who has her own reasons for wanting to make it through their program. Mercy Conde is determined to prove to her family she can handle the overseas portion of their restaurant empire, but finds herself failing at the survival program the Brothers in Arms offer. When Vann and Mercy meet there is an instant connection, but both fight it until they come together in a magical way. I loved Mercy and Vann! They are so perfect for each other and have this balancing affect on each other. I can't wait to see what's in store for the last of the Brothers in Arms owners. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mel Allen.
1,152 reviews7 followers
April 7, 2017
When Mercy Conde signs up to the Bothers In Arms program to prove to her parents that she can run the international part of the company she never thought she would meet the love of her life let alone find the strength within herself when she needs it.

Vann Highrider is part owner of the Brothers In Arms and does the training with all the people who come to take there courses, when he walks in and sees Mercy hanging of a wall scared and helps her, he takes it up himself to help Mercy realize she can be as confident in herself as she is in boardroom. When they spend the night together they both feel things for each other but Vann put a stop to it thinking he doesn´t need the distraction with everything going on with the seals deaths.

When Vann and Mercy go into the flatlands to train one on one they have to cut it short when they have a accident until Vann finds evidence that so one caused it he needs to get Mercy back to camp until they have a fight and things go wrong for them. Can they fix it or will they never see each other again, read to find out. I would recommended this book to everyone.
144 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2017
Mercy needs to prove to her family that she can protect herself and that she can do the job of expanding their restaurant business overseas. But being the protected only daughter that is going to be harder than she thought. To prove herself she signs up for Brother In Arms training where she meets Vann. Vann wants her out of the class because she can not cut it but Mark and Jace convince him that they need her to stay as it will be good for business and it could mean more business for them. Vann takes Mercy under his wings and the trouble she gets into will have you laughing and falling in love with her along with Vann. Can Vann protect Mercy and himself or will they become victims of the crazy people that want to destroy the Brothers in Arms business and that are killing Navy SEALS? Can Vann protect Mercy and his heart?
This is a well written story and continuation of the Brothers in Arms series by Leslie North. Although the stories continues form one to the next, each book is stand alone.
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,118 reviews24 followers
April 7, 2017
And this is why Leslie North is one of my favorite authors. From the very beginning to the very end, Ms. North has written a story that you will not want to put down. The story line is intriguing and keeps you turning the pages. Loving the Brothers In Arms series!

I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.
100 reviews
April 7, 2017
Mystery, Danger and an unexpected Love.
You will fall in love with Vann and Mercy.
Enjoyable read from start to finish.
Received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Tracie R.
2,132 reviews
April 8, 2017
Seal Protector is book 2 in the Brothers in Arms series. I enjoyed this story, Mercy and Van are great characters and storyline kept me hooked from the beginning. I look forward to reading more
68 reviews
April 11, 2017
I was given this book to read as an ARC for a honest review.
Book two of Brothers in Arms "Seal Protector"
Vann Highrider is one of the co owners if Brothers in Arms. The first book of the series was more about Mark. This story is about Vann an Ex-Navy Seal as Mark and Jace, another partner.
Restaurant heiress Mercy Conde wants to take over the family's empire overseas, but needs to show she can take care of herself. So she signs up at Brother's in Arms. Vann is not that keen on working with Mercy. While out in the training field they are caught in a rain storm and then almost drown when the small stream near-by them turns into a raging river. Vann knows this is not a accident and decides to investigate. He has been suspicious since seeing foot tracts on their property.
I could go on, but you need two read Book two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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