Where there’s “Smoke”, there’s definitely fire.
Former SEAL Steve “Smoke” Tannen is finding the transition back to civilian life more of a challenge than he’d expected. Not only is he dealing with the aftereffects of a horrific ordeal overseas, he doesn’t know what normal is anymore. When his former team leader enlists his help in a project to help other vets, Steve doesn’t hesitate to sign on … hesitate to sign on with a new team.
Samantha Appelhoff dreams of owning her own coffee and bake shop, but a persistent stalker and dark rumors about her past aren’t making things easy. When the sexy, chivalrous guy moves in next door, she plans to keep her distance, but that’s hard to do when he keeps showing up when least expected but always just when she needs him.
Are they just nice neighbors or could they be something more than friends? The attraction is instant and their connection is real, but is that enough to convince Steve and Sam they can have their own happy ending?
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Protecting Sam by Annie Sanders
This is the first book in her new series
Sam is a baker by trade and with a former Navy SEAL Steve “Smoke” Tannen moving next door they will take on a stalker who has followed her from her previous job killing all who get in his way. His goal is to make her agree to stay with him forever even if he has to burn everything and everyone down to the ground .
When Steve Tannen moves next door and discovers Sam’s coffee shop and her muffins on his way to the new job helping some former teams guys renovation a old hotel into a retreat. They hope to open the resort for transitioning service members and families into their new life post military. But when Sam’s stalker takes her hostage Steve and his friends will move heaven and earth to get her home safely.
In book one in the Sanctuary series, Steve “Smoke” Tannen is looking for something to do, to believe in, since retiring from the SEALs. After his buddy and former team leader Church asks for his help in remodeling a rundown resort, Steve jumps at the chance, but he doesn’t know if he’ll stay for the long-term. Then he meets his sexy next-door neighbor Sam. An air of strength and vulnerability surrounds her, and he soon realizes she might be in trouble.
Bakery chef Samantha Appelhoff knows someone is stalking her, but she doesn’t have proof. Now that she’s moved into a new apartment, she’s trying to focus on the future, but fear and paranoia still has a grip on her. Then she meets Steve. Though he’s gorgeous, she’s too busy and preoccupied for romance, and she’s not into flings. But when her stalker returns, she may not have a choice but to accept the help of the SEAL living down the hall.
Steve and Sam are amazing, well rounded, three-dimensional characters, and they fit well together. They’re both fighting personal demons, but they’re not letting those demons control them. There was only one sex scene, which is surprising due to the drool-worthy cover, but it made sense that the H/h waited so long to fall into bed.
Steve’s military buddies are awesome, and I would love to know more about them. I’m sure they’ll all be getting books, which I’ll search for.
The villain was a piece of work. I felt sorry for him and hated him at the same time.
There are two unanswered questions, neither of which affected the overall story—What did Sam tell the police in order to explain her apartment fire; and what did the police think when they found Mrs. Himmelwright’s apartment?
Anyway, I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t find any typos, and Ms. Zanders writing style was smooth and easy to follow. I would love to read more of her books.
5 Stars
This saying is true in several ways in this book, though you will just have to read it to see how! Steve “Smoke” Tannen has just moved next door to Sam and soon discovers that she has a stalker. Being the protective Seal that he is, he decides to watch over her discretely. Sam isn’t your typical simpering damsel in distress though. She is a tough, independent woman, which is a refreshing change from most stories. I loved the way the author made both of these characters real. Steve wasn’t just a macho, alpha in your face character, he was a bit skittish about getting into a relationship however he still treated Sam with care and respect. I also loved the reference to the Callaghan brothers and am hoping they are included more as the series develops. The secondary characters in the story were all intriguing and I can’t wait to hear their stories. This book had it all, suspense, romance and action and I enjoyed every minute of it. Abbie Zanders never fails to entertain that’s for certain. Pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed.
When I first read this book it was a new author for me and let me tell you the re-read was just as good as the first time. The characters were engaging and very three dimensional, everything was so life like and real. I can’t wait for what happens next.
Abbie Zanders is a new favorite author of mine — after reading her book in a different series, I went and bought all of the books in the Sanctuary series. The lead book was better than I was anticipating. Strong men and a stronger woman. The characters are well developed, warm and friendly and determined. Friendship, family, romance and a stalker. A page turner and a standalone. Beloved characters we will meet again in upcoming books. Bravo!! I am already in book 2 and looking forward to many more books.
If Protecting Sam is any indication, the Sanctuary series by Abbie Zanders is going to be outstanding. Getting to briefly meet all the owners of Sanctuary, gives us some insight into this Alpha group of former SEALs. Steve “Smoke” Tannen arrived in Sumneyville not sure how long he’s going to stay or if he’s going to fully commit to the Sanctuary project. His new next door neighbor, Samantha Appelhoff, intrigues him with her skittish nature and aloof demeanor. He sets about winning her trust and worming his way into her life. For the first time in ever so long Sam feels safe and that’s because of Steve. He’s there for her like no one else has been 8n many years. When it becomes apparent her life may be in jeopardy from a mentally deranged individual, he along with his teammates pull out all the stops along the way.
Great read, as are all of Abby Zanders’ books!
this is Smoke’s story he was a great neighbor didn’t want to scare her but when they both get surprises in their apartments he becomes her protector they have sizzling romance and fall in love she finds a family in the place where he works wonderful happy ending
Abbie Zanders lights fires with Book 1 of her Sanctuary series.
Start with a group of former Navy SEALs who live and work together to make a place where other service members can transition to civilian life. Add a nearby small town where outsiders are not welcomed by all and nepotism breeds danger. Mix in an attraction between “Smoke” (SEAL Steve Tannen) and coffee shop manager Sam (Samantha). The result is a hot combination of suspense, action, and characters to love.
Like eating one chip leaves you wanting more, the characters and story in Protecting Sam will have you reaching for the next book in the Sanctuary series.
Loved Sam and Steve. What a great read. Enjoyed every part of the story, twist and turns, a little heat, and friends that are family. A recommend read you won’t want to put down.
New author to me and with whom I am delighted! I read this book and immediately ordered the next, and look forward to more in the series!
worth reading
The plot could have been developed more.
I love it when one of my “must-read” authors starts a new series (also incorporates another in it) and you know that each character in the book will eventually have their own book. Love looking forward to another book. Great alpha male rescuing a kick-ass female. Great start to a new series.