A few months ago, the New York Times ran this photo of U.S. Navy SEALs as they prepare for a night mission to capture Iraqi insurgent leaders near Fallujah, Iraq. My guess is there were a lot of newspapers dampened with drool that morning. I know mine was. In a matter of hours, the photo had hit Twitter, courtesy of a few romance writers who no doubt stared at that shot and invented that hero’s goal, motivation, conflict, heroine, backstory, and probably an entire new SEAL series. Can’t you just see him on a cover? As a matter of fact, someone did! 
The original tweeters, Christie Ridgway and Alison Kent, started chatting about how inspired they were by the photo. That man is the essence of a hero — fearless, loyal, honorable, and willing to die for what he knows is right. The tat, scar, and physique spell sexy, but it’s where he is and what he’s about to do that takes my breath away. That online admiration led to the SEAL of My Dreams anthology for charity.
Within days, Christie and Alison had arranged to obtain the rights for the picture and contacted a group of authors known for their love of a good military hero, asking if we would write short stories with a Navy SEAL hero and donate the proceeds to a military charity.
I was honored and humbled to participate in this remarkable project, one of nineteen authors who contributed eighteen short stories and one tear-jerking forward by Robyn Carr. When I first heard the ambitious schedule and the quality and quantity of the authors (oh, the deadlines!) I admit I was skeptical that this concept could fly. Lesson to me: never doubt the power of a Navy SEAL.
SEAL of My Dreams releases on 11/11/11, with eighteen glorious Navy SEAL heroes. Click here for sneak peaks of stories written by Jami Alden, Stephanie Bond, Kylie Brant, Helen Brenna, HelenKay Dimon, Cindy Gerard, Tara Janzen, Leslie Kelly, Elle Kennedy, Allison Kent, Gennita Low, Jo Leigh, Marliss Melton, Christie Ridgway, Barbara Samuel, Stephanie Tyler, Loreth Anne White, and yours truly. Wow, that is some incredible company to be in!
And very special thanks to awesome Bell Bridge Books for publishing the paperback and ebook versions of SEAL of my Dreams, with all proceeds pledged to the Veterans Research Corporation, a non-profit foundation supporting veterans’ medical research.
Many of these authors don’t just write about military heroes, we also have a few special ones in our hearts and lives. My nephew, an Army Ranger I’ve mentioned here a few times, spent fifteen months in Baghdad and while he returned home to us healthy and whole, his health care costs and issues can be daunting. I was thrilled to give my time and talent for a program that I know will help thousands of heroes just like my nephew.
My story, “Whirlwind,” is set on the shores of Barefoot Bay, giving readers their first snapshot of the island location that will be front and center in my upcoming contemporary romance series. I’ve read through the whole anthology and I can assure you this collection is power-packed with romance, passion, danger, action, emotion, and eighteen breathtaking Navy SEALs.
I hope all of the Murder She Writes community members will support the Veterans Research Corporation and pick up a copy of an anthology that celebrates the men of the Navy SEALS and the women who love them.
To help that effort, I’m giving a $25 gift card to the online book retailer of your choice to one commenter. Just tell us who is your favorite fictional Navy SEAL hero! (Or real life hero, if you prefer!) The only stipulation…the winner has to promise to spend $9.99 on SEAL of My Dreams. The rest is just for fun reading and, trust me, if you read this antho, you are going to have some new favorite authors! Please support the project and this wonderful organization that helps our heroes after they come home to us.
As drool-worthy as he is, I hope a story or two include his friend in the background, there.
Heh, I wonder if he knows the commotion he’s caused…
Definitely the friend – I almost mentioned him in the blog! xo
This is hilarious because I never before even noticed the guy in the background! Wow, was I distracted!! So happy to have been a part of making this happen. It’s truly TRULY an amazing thing.
Seriously? Oh, I’ve thought about him a lot. You know, in a “secondary character” kind of way. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Alison, and for the ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS work you’ve done to make this happen! xo
I had no idea how the anthology got started. That’s so amazing! Plan on buying
it for sure. I don’t have a fave Navy Seal but that is one of my fave themes for a story. I guess I’ll have to say it’s the real life ones that inspire so many of my fave authors to write about them.
Isn’t it a great story, Mary? Thanks! xo
i dont have a favorite i love them all 🙂
Yup! xo
I pre-ordered it almost the second it went live on Amazon. What could be better….a whole slew of my fave authors writing about my fave subject with a smokin hot guy on the cover and proceeds to an amazing charity. Thanks so much to all the authors who participated!!!!
Thank you, Kris! I know – I’m so amazed by the company I’m in. I love ALL the writers in this antho! xo
all navy seals are my heroes. Men who are real men and are brave and principled.
And they are, Annie! Thanks! xo
i love the story of how this came to be. kudos to the authors, bell bridge books, and the NYT for making this happen!
I know, Sophie – the power of Twitter and a hot Navy SEAL. (Redundant.) xo
I love this picture, the tattoo is gorgeous, but the scar on his back… that got to me BIG TIME, you have no idea…
EVERYONE mentions the scar. One little nick that has so much emotion in it, huh? xo
I had no idea the pic was “real”. How awesome!
Wasn’t Zane Mackenzie from Linda Howard a SEAL???? Even if he wansn’t, I’m picking him!
Your co-author Stephanie Tyler has some amazing SEAL’s in her books. Just finished her Shadow Force series. Wow!
I don’t know about Zane, but all those Mackenzies are hot. Stephanie’s books are amazing, too! xo
Zane Mackenzie from Mackenzie’s Pleasure by Linda Howard; it’s an older title but was very good. I still have my original copy! And all the Mackenzie books by her.
All right, it’s confirmed. I’m ordering Mackenzie’s Pleasure! xo
Not too long ago I read Breaking Point by Pamela Clare and Zach McBride is a former Navy SEAL. What a great idea this book is.
I haven’t read that one, but it gets rave reviews. Didn’t know the hero was a SEAL! xo
Navy Seals as a group qualify as heroes in my eyes, real life heroes to boot.
Yes, they do, LLL! xo
I love this picture. I think i saw it when it was first on twitter before i got turned into a cover for this book. I tweeted with someone about it. You know how i feel about veterans and people in the service. I was really happy when i heard about this book but not surprised authors got together to put it together. Authors are a great group of people who always think of others. Finding ways to help people. If i win i’ll buy one copy for myself cause i really really want one but i’ll also buy one for my local library to share the stories with and send the message. $25 is plenty to do that with. I am really excited for this book.
As for a navy seals there is one from my hometown here and he was the one who they had commenting on the news CNN etc about the whole raid on Bin Laden. His name is Chris Tyll and he’s a retired Navy Seal.
Thanks you from all vets and those serving for putting this together and supporting the troops.
Lisa B
Oh, Lisa, one for the library! What an awesome idea! Thank you! xo
Wow! What an amazing project. And what a sexy picture. I think I did drool a bit. 😉
My favorite Navy SEAL would have to be one of Suzanne Brockmann’s from her SEAL Team 16 / Troubleshooter series. I don’t know that I could choose a favorite though. o_O
Oh, yeah. Suz pretty much put the SEAL romance on the map, no doubt about it. I LOVE HER BOOKS! xo
“focused, intense, dedicated, selfless”, and on and on the picture speaks to me!
and I am right now thinking of all the people I will give this to for Christmas! plus, what a great stocking stuffer it would make too!
my favorite fictional SEAL …. hmmm…sorry, I don’t think I can choose just one, so those named above and I would add to the list Marliss Melton’s SEAL’s
Christy! A stocking stuffer! Perfection – thank you! xo
I’ve already pre-ordered SEAL of my Dreams. I love what the book is about and that the proceeds will go for a great cause.
I’ve been trying to think of my favorite SEAL hero, but it’s too hard to narrow down. Every man and woman who is in any branch of the military is a hero to me.
So true, Stephanie. And it’ll be even harder to narrow it down when you read these stories! xo
SEAL stories are some of my absolute favourites! Suzanne Brockmann had some pretty steamy and heroic SEALS in her Troubleshooters series, who were definitely drool-worthy! Man, do I have a soft spot for Cosmo Richter from Hot Target!!!
And that picture? Perfection! Can’t wait for the anthology to come out, it was great to read how it came about for such a great cause!
OMG! He is awesome! I can’t wait to read all those delicious stories!
Sounds like a great book! I can’t say I have read a lot of seal stories but may have to change that. I may have to start looking for more of these type books because this sounds really good. May just be what I need to get out of my reading slump. Just having problems finding the right book lately.
What a great anthology to support a wonderful cause. That SEAL is definitely drool worthy. I think all SEALs are amazing people.
What a great idea! I want to get it but even though it says it will be available in print I only see links to it for ebook formats 🙁
I forgot to ad that my favorite fictional seals are the ones Susanne Brockman has created.
I am another that cannot choose a favorite fictional SEAL as I have loved each and every one I have ever read about. As I was reading the comments, I nodded my head and agreed with those suggested, but I’m also sure there are more I can’t remember!
I have been following Seal of My Dreams so I could pre-order and was hoping it would be on The Book Depository, nothing yet; it will be mine, though!
I hope it’s at the Book Depository! Will check on that! xo
My favorite SEAL hero in books is Zach McBride in Pamela Clare’s “Breaking Point.” He’s a former SEAL.
I *really* have to read that book! xo
I’ve already pre-ordered the book for my Kindle! Did so this morning on Leslie Kelly’s “orders”. 😉
Okay, favorite SEAL. Hrm…Well, he’s Special Forces, not SEAL, but Zach Angelino has a special place in my heart.
Awww. You’re a doll, you know that? I love my Zach, too. xo
What a wonderful idea & cause to support our military. My favorite fictional SEAL is Sam Starrett from Suz Brockmann’s world of Troubleshooters!
OMG – Sam. Yeah. He’s in the top ten, no question! xo
Love that picture. I dont have a favorite seal story, just love the stories with a military hero. I have the book pre-ordered, not just for the yummy cover, but the list of authors is awesome.
Yummy cover, great stories! You’ll be happy! xo
I love men in uniform! JoAnn Ross has a great series about them, High Risk. One of my favorite hero is Shane Garrett from Shattered. Hmm, now that I think about it I don’t read a lot of Seal books. I’m going to need to remedy that 🙂 I will definitely look forward to Seal of my Dreams.
Must remedy that, Na!! xo
oh yum..love that picture. I don’t think I’ve ever read a SEAL book.But I will now 🙂
Whoa, yes you must remedy that. Start on 11/11/11! xo
i come from a family that almost all have served in the militay. my dad,2 brothers and a sister were in the Navy, 1 brother in the Army and a sister that was anAir Force wife for 15 years. that is just the immeadiate family we also have a long history of service. although i did not serve in the military i do my best to contibute to various charities when i can and i would love to have this book and know that i am supporting a wonderful cause.
I love that the cover is of an actual hero and not just a model and i have to just take a moment to thank him and his team for all they do. Can’t wait to read all of the wonderful author stories. if i win i will definite be buy the book.
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com
Thank you, Tammy, and a million hugs of heartfelt gratitude to your family — they’ve done so much for our country! xo
What a great idea for an anthology and for such a worthy cause.
I’m going to mention my real-life hero. My Dad was an Army vet who served in WWII. While stationed in North Africa under Patton, Dad received the Soldier’s Medal for non-combat heroism. On his return home, he continued to protect and serve as a police officer. His four brothers were no slouches, either; each of them served in (and returned from) WWII.
WOW! That’s incredible – what a hero! xo
Zane Mackenzie of Mackenzie’s Pleasure because it was the first story I read about a Navy SEAL.
Have the anthology on preorder from
BN.com – can’t wait to read it!
Another vote for Zane Mackenzie – how did I miss that book? xo
Love the pic and the cover of book!
Thanks, runner! xo
Love that picture. I dont have a favorite seal story, just love the stories with a military hero. I have the book pre-ordered, not just for the yummy cover, but the list of authors is awesome.
Thank you, Trish! xo
Love the story behind the pic!
The SEAL stories that come to mind are the time traveling ones by Sandra Hill.
Oh, I’ll have to check that out! xo
Favorite Seal – Well I have to give that title to Stephanie Tyler’s books. She was my first introduction into them and rawr!
My favorite fictional SEAL in the whole wide world is Zane Mackenzie from Linda Howard’s Mackenzie’s Pleasure. O.M.G. I fell in love with Zane when I first read his story years ago. And now I consider myself a total slut for falling in love with a father AND son! lol!
I, too, think its great what the SEALs and ALL military do for our country, they deserve the best care we can give them when they need help.
Wait – I think I have this book upstairs and haven’t read it yet. I know what I’m reading tonight! xo
What a wonderful idea! I am going to go pre-order now.
It’s hard to pick just one Navy Seal, but if I can narrow it down a little–love, love, love the Seals from Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooter series.
I knew there would be a lot of votes for SB’s Troubleshooters! Thanks! xo
i had to go order it
meandi09@yahoo.com
Thank you, Jennifer! xo
I always get seals and sea-lions confused.
How can I even answer that? 🙂 xo
Love to hear the enthusiasm for our SEAL project. All inspired by that awesome photo. A stocking stuffer is a great idea, I know at least two of the eighteen stories have a holiday theme, too (though every day is a great day for a military hero!).
Christie!!! Thanks for stopping by! And thanks again for including me in this awesome project! xo
They are such awesome men to risk their lives like they do. I don’t have a favorite but I definitely admire them. I definitely plan to buy it no matter what.
Thank you, Joyce! xo
Like Rocki and Christie I LOVE hearing all this excitement and support for the project. It truly was a labor of love and I think I speak for all the authors when I say how proud we all are to be a part of it.
OMG, your story is SO GOOD. As always, you had me at word one. Thanks for stopping by, Cindy! xo
Wow. thanks, Rocki. Love hearing that – especially coming from you. I haven’t read all the stories yet but the ones I have read are amazing! Can’t wait to read yours.
Hugs
Cindy
I always love Navy SEALs theme in books. My favorite fictional SEALs will be Sam Starrett from Suz Brockmann’s Troubleshooter series. No matter what people say about Sam, I still love him 😉 But I love all the other characters in series too.
I think it a wonderful project to support this wonderful book, Seals of My Dreams! I’m excited to see all the wonderful authors in it. Especially your, Roxanne! 🙂
Thank you, Julia! We are all so proud of it, as I’m sure you can tell! xo
I haven’t read enough books with Navy SEALs in them to have a favorite but I would love to read this antho!
Does the guy in this photograph know how famous he now is? It’s a great picture; I could stare at it for hours.
I don’t know if he knows he’s famous! If so, I hope he knows how much we appreciate EVERYTHING about him. xo
That picture gets to me everytime I see it. Not just for the hotness of it but for what the SEALS stand for. He’s the one I picture in any SEALS book now. I’m pre-ordering today.
Thank you, Denise! The picture gets me, too. I lost a few hours staring while writing this blog, LOL! xo
I like all the heroes from Suzanne Brockmann’s Tall, Dark and Dangerous series.
Oh YES! The category books that started it all, right? Good choice! xo
My all time favorite SEAL is Admiral Jake Robinson of Suzanne Brockmann’s Tall, Dark and Dangerous series. Gotta love a tough, older guy.
Thanks for the giveaway and I’d be happy to buy the anthology if I win the gift card!
Siobhan
nevadafox at gmail dot com
Siobhan! I *loved* Admiral Robinson. Definitely, definitely one of my favorites. He had the blonde heroine, right? A shower scene? (Ask any of my readers how much I like those.) Good call! xo
Rocki, I’m so excited about this book I can barely stand it! This is the first short story I’ve ever written and to be a part of this particular anthology, with all these amazing authors … well, let’s just say I’m still pinching myself!
Helen, I agree! This is a truly exciting project with so many remarkable names involved. We’re ALL pinching ourselves! I was so scared I wasn’t going to be able to squeeze it in that I was prepared to get up at 5:00 every day to write, just to get the story done. Thanks for stopping by! xo
Love this story! 🙂 Great cover and great concept.
Thank you, Allison. It IS a great cover, isn’t it? Sigh. xo
I like Suzanne Brockmann’s seal heroes
Don’t we all??? 🙂 xo
I can’t wait to read this book! And not just for the cover. I love all sexy military men and it is hard to pick just one!
I am SO thankful for everyone involved in the project because it is such a good cause! My husband is a disabled veteran (USMC) from the Gulf War era and we have had ongoing medical issues for nearly 20 years. All military men (and women) are my heroes and they deserve our respect and our continued support. They are the reason we are free!
After reading all the posts here I’ve added more books to my wish list! Can’t wait until 11/11/11!!!
Oh, Heather, how wonderful to hear from you. Please give your husband our love and gratitude! Tell him our book is just for heroes like him! Thanks for coming by! xo
Didn’t even realize the release date is on VETERANS DAY!!! How cool is that!
lora leigh’s navy seals
mainly Nathan Malone(Noah Blake)
stephanie tyler’s groups are another
hot list
Thanks u and the other writers for help to honor our military!!
Shame on me for not having read a Lora Leigh Navy SEAL. I understand they are *smokin’* hot! Love Stephanie Tyler’s guys, too. Thanks for stopping by! xo
I never noticed the guy in the background until I read some of the comments.
I love Suz Brockmann’s SEALS!
Poor background guy! He’s lost with that glorious back! xo
Love the Seals in the Marliss Melton books. Really want to read your book, too. Thanks for the infor.
Thanks, Sue. Marliss Melton’s books are fantastic! xo
For me it’s a toss up between Sam and Cosmo from Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters. I love them because they are opposite ends of the same group! That is one beautiful picture!
Ooh, we forgot about Cosmo! Good call, Jen! xo
I’ve loved all of Suzanne Brockmann’s Seals! And I promise to buy Seal of My Dreams!!
Thank you, Diane!! xo
I don’t have a favorite fictional Navy SEAL hero, but would love to read about some. =)
LOL, Shannon…I know *just * the book for you. 🙂 xo
Favorite fictional Seal….Sam Starrett.
Sam is getting a lotta love today — for good reason! xo
I just read two non-fiction books written by 1) the founder of Seal Team Six, and 2) a more recent memoir of a sniper with the Team.
These guys are hardly like their fictional counterparts, but the dedication to their work and Teammates is something that does carry over into fiction.
Terry
Terry’s Place
I’ve heard that SEAL Team Six book is amazing. Of course they aren’t like they’re fictional counterparts…that’s why it’s fiction! Thanks for stopping by! xo
My latest favorite Seal is Jax Graham from Sealed with a Kiss by Mary Daughtridge. I also love Sandra Hill’s Seals, all of them.
I haven’t read Mary Daughtridge yet, but have heard great things. Will check out Jax! xo
Late to the party after a rough day at work and a long night of divorce group stuff.
What a terrific sounding book! I’ll have to look for the Kindle version (though having that cover on my nightstand would be nice too). I love a good SEAL romance and can’t wait for my first peek at Barefoot Bay.
Good onya to all the authors who contributed to this fine project. Just proves romance writers ROCK!
You can have both! Sorry your day was rough – you are sweet to stop in. Romance writers do rock, it’s kind of true. xo
I always like Michael Biehn’s character ni the movie NAVY SEALS.
The photograph is amazing.
The movie! Good reminder – I forgot about that one. My son loved that movie! xo
I don’t have a favorite SEAL, they are all heroes in my book. And I’m sorry to have to mention it again, but WOW that’s one nice looking back. I’m a back girl, and add that awesome tattoo and sexy scar and you just gave me enough reason to smile for the rest of the year!
I didn’t know I was a “back girl” until I saw this picture. I’m all in! xo
I saw the cover on one of the blogs yesterday and it definitely got my attention! I like the real picture better than the cover’s reddish version.
I would say Ethan Kelly from Maya Banks’ The Darkest Hour.
I have to find the blog – do you know where it was? xo
UGH! I forgot about Rocki Tuesday’s this week.
Favorite (fictional) SEAL? Suz Brockmann’s Sam Starrett hands down. Hot, sexy, brave, loyal, a little screwed up in the head, and a smart ass. Hits all my buttons every time. Although it’s Jules’ line to & about Sam, “Fuck is like your aloha,” that never fails to
crack me up.
A close second is Zane MacKenzie, plus he was my “first” SEAL hero. That MacKenzie’s Pleasure is a freaking hot book too.
I have this NYT SEAL pic on my computer and it makes a regular appearance on twitter on #ManCandyMondays, often enough that I get pinged for it by the other MCM maniacs – but they love it. It took a few posting for me to notice the other SEAL in the back corner of the pic, crouched down, sadly shirt on, quietly prepping his gear, just as compelling as his ripped comrade in a totally different way.
I have SEALed for Your Pleasure debut date written on my calendar – in ink! – so I don’t forget to go get it (as if). So glad your nephew came home well. My boss’ son just went thro Ranger school and he was the one picked every single time to repeat the section, so he’s basically a Ranger twice over!
Rangers lead the way, baby!
Yeah. totally just realized wrote SEALed for Your Pleasure instead of SEAL of Your Dreams. Freudian much?
All of Suz Brockmann’s Navy Seals for sure…too many great ones to narrow down..Stan, Danny. Marliss Meltons Seals too are dreamy!
Oh and I will definitely be buying this book..not downloading it on my Kindle. That picture is drool worthy for sure!
Cant wait to read it. I dont really have one favorite. But I do love the BOIs in Cindy Gerards Black Ops series.
Wow, I’ve seen this around a few blogs but I didn’t know this was an acutal picture of a real SEAL. I cannot wait to read this. I can’t recal a book I’ve read with a SEAL. There are several with military men, but no SEAL’s. I’m definitley taking note though and reading through all the comments 🙂
Nathan Malone/Noah Blake from Lora Leigh’s Wild Card is near the top of my list. So is Chris Waldron from Stephanie Tyler’s Hold on Tight. Even though he is an ex-Seal, it is hard to forget Ethan Kelly from Maya Bank’s KGI Series The Darkest Hour. And now that I think about it….there are soooo many more. How can you not fall in love with a Seal! That picture is awesome on so many different levels.
stephanie tylers seals are hot
great book and cause love it willdo if win
such ahot cover congrats
Wow I love that picture! I think my favorite Navy Seal is Zane Scott from Stephanie Tyler’s Promises in the Dark! I’m loving her Shadowforce series!
i have way to many navy heros that i love. i dont think i could name just one. lora leigh has a few and i love them! 😉
I do not know how I missed this post, but I totally love that this comes out on my birthday! Happy birthday to me!! 🙂
I love all SEALS- fictional or not (though, I really have to meet a real-life one someday)
Oh, my. That is one hawt picture. It took me a few minutes to get all the way down to make a comment, as I’ve been drooling at it for the better part of… well, let’s just say a long time.
Oh, I’m sad in my heart for all those readers out there who’ve said they’ve never read a SEAL book! Suz Brockmann’s SEAL Team Ten were my first romances. While I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Sam Starrett, I have to say my go to guy is Blue McCoy from Forever Blue (Team Ten’s second book)I’ve read that one about a dozen times.
Also got a special place in my heart for the real Seal Team Six, whoever they may be.
Ordering this book ASAP, in paperback so I can hang it over my desk to drool some more.
Have this book preordered of COURSE. I echo what others have said – I appreciate all the Navy SEALs and other American servicemen and women who go in harm’s way for the rest of us. Brave souls! My favorite SEAL is Matt Sanders in Pursuit by Elizabeth Jennings. He really caught my fancy and the book is dog eared!
I was able to order from the Book Depository last night – didn’t show as Pre-Order though.