My number one objective should be protecting her...instead I'm fighting not to kiss her.
Sawyer
First rule of protection detail. Don't get too attached. Too bad I've already broken that rule—danger is closing in as fast as I'm falling for her.
I need to focus on keeping her safe, but with her honey colored eyes haunting my dreams, all I can think about is touching her, kissing her, worshipping her.
As former military, I've fought every type of unseen enemy. So why can't I fight the fantasies about the beautiful woman I'm charged with protecting?
Evie
Nearly five years ago, I ran from my life. And I've been hiding ever since. But I can't hide from how he makes me feel.
Sawyer King has appointed himself my protector. He'll save me from my past.
Relying on Sawyer to protect me is easier than being vulnerable with him. And falling for him? It's out of the question—even if his kisses have me wishing for more.
I don't want to see him get hurt because he's protecting me. He's just too stubborn to let me go.
I'm not sure if I can trust him with my life or my heart. My greatest fear though, is that I'll put him into the very danger I've been running from...
Soldier for the Starling is the first book in the romantic suspense series, SAFE Haven Security. Because there may be safety in the light, but security is found in the darkness.
Breanna Lynn is a self-proclaimed Jane Austen-loving, romcom addicted, popcorn eating, binge-reading, caffeinated mother of four—two sets of twins seventeen months apart. Hailing from Colorado, she spends the majority of her time at her day job or keeping the Twinx (aka Minions when they’re naughty) from plotting to take over the world with their four sidekicks—two dogs and two cats. Add in the latest additions to her household—her boyfriend, his son, and his cat—and the house is a crazy mix of chaos that she can't imagine not being surrounded by!
A classy connoisseur of all things coffee, Breanna can often be found binge reading, listening to music (and curating her next playlist) while crafting her next swoony romance!
Follow Breanna on social media or subscribe to her newsletter for her latest book news, caffeine inspired ramblings, or tales of Twinx Tasmania by clicking here: https://linktr.ee/authorbreannalynn.
As an avid lover of bodyguard romances, this bad boy hit the spot. Even though the only bad boy here is Brad and he is absolute basura and deserves NOTHING.
Evie was so well written. Often with bodyguard romances, the fmc is hit or miss for me. They're either too selfless/borderline stupid or an overdone damsel in distress that can't think for herself. Evie is neither of those. She went through unthinkable things working under Brad (TW: SA and abuse), but we get to see her grow immensely throughout the book. Her character was the perfect mix of independent but also vulnerable. Sawyer follows the perfect bodyguard blueprint - overprotective, loving, intelligent, and does something stupid in the last 10% that the fmc has to knock some sense into him.
I really liked the slowburn between Evie and Sawyer and how obsessed they were both over one kiss. This book was well written with a good balance between suspense and romance. I LOVEDDD the whole songbird vs starling theme. It gave a really good reclaiming my life and name moment. I do think the ending was a bit rushed and that the plot would've definitely benifitted if we learned a little more about Evie before and during her time with Brad. Also - if you have a scatterbrain like me, I kept mixing up Mia and Michaela and who was pregnant/who was Sawyer's sister, so I definitely want to go back and read her other series.
Overall, this was a solid bodyguard romance. Thank you to grey’s promotion/Valentine’s PR for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Where has this crafty, gifted wordsmith been all my life?? This is my first from her and I can’t get enough. It's so freaking good! I love her writing so much that, while I’m eagerly awaiting more from SAFE Haven Security, I’ve purchased the entire Heart Beats series so I can binge all things rock star. And while this one isn’t a rock star romance, it has some of the same elements and crosses over with the other series.
Evie McBride ran away from her life and has been hiding out ever since. She's changed her name and appearance and has a good job. She keeps a low profile and tries to stay safe. And it works well for her. Until it doesn’t. Until her past catches up with her and threatens the life she's built. Threatens her freedom and her safety.
Sawyer King hasn’t been able to get Evie out of his mind since they shared a brief kiss a couple years ago. When Evie is threatened, Sawyer puts his military and security training to work. He'll do everything in his power to keep Evie safe, despite being distracted by his growing feelings for her.
Oh my heart y'all, I love this one so, so much!! Evie is this wounded bird who finally escaped her cage, but this girl! She transforms into a strong, fierce, warrior but doesn’t let circumstances rob her of her compassion and kindness. And Sawyer. Yowza! This guy is formidable, menacing protector but he's so tender and careful with Evie and with her heart. I loved seeing them together, watching them fall in love and make a life together.
Masterfully written, this one is full of poignant emotion and stunningly beautiful sentiment. Witty, evocative, smexy, and suspenseful, you absolutely won’t want to miss a second of this mesmerizing, heartfelt, extraordinary read!
I have been with this author since her first Heart Beats book. Her growth and storytelling have improved with each book. This series is a new genre, and once again, I am thrilled with the results. Evie has not had an easy time, but now she is ready to make changes. But she needs protection from the bad in her life. Be prepared. There are some heavy topics, but they are handled well, and Evie is strong. Will Sawyer keep her safe and provide the security she needs?
Evie and Sawyer appeared in prior books, so the coupling is not a complete surprise. However, their story stuck with me for days after I finished.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
If you love a good bodyguard romance than check this book out. It's the first book in a new series that has romance and suspense.
Evie has been running from her past and hiding. She meets Sawyer one night at his sister's wedding. They share a passionate kiss that night then they go their own ways.
After 2 and a half years pass, Evie's past catches up to her and she's scared and wants to flee again. However, Sawyer's sister who is friends with Evie and Evie's boss, suggest Sawyer be her bodyguard. I loved how protective Sawyer was over Evie and how he fell in love with her. Their chemistry was amazing and I'm glad Evie began to trust again especially with Sawyer.
The Bodyguard and Former Singer #Intriguingprotectorromance
Soldier for Starling by Breanna Lynn is a bodyguard romance of an actor’s assistant, Evie, who was once a budding new singer and is now hiding from her former manager Brad. Evie was one of five known victims who had been manipulated and held against their will and intimated into accepting unscrupulous and unwanted advances by the Reverb Music Manager. Evie met Sawyer, a former special forces veteran, through her employer, who is friends with his sister Michaela. After hiding for seven years, Brad finds and attacks Evie. When she manages to escape him by seeing a neighbor in her apartment building, she runs to Mia and contacts her friend Michaela to find her brother Sawyer for help. Sawyer’s attraction to Evie since their one-time kiss after his sister’s wedding never waned as he jumps at the chance to help Evie. Sawyer takes Evie to his home as his employees at his security agency work to try and ‘suss’ out Brad from hiding. After discovering that Brad had broken into her apartment and left a photograph and a note, Sawyer took Evie to his private “get-away” home in Alaska. In Alaska, Sawyer and Evie’s tension and slow heat sparks from a banked smolder to a raging inferno between them. Intrigue and passion run their course as Brad is smoked out of hiding to find Evie. Soldier for Starling is an action-packed love story that Breanna Lynn has beautifully written.
Sadly, I just wasn't the biggest fan of the book. I didn't like the jumps in time. The ones from the first chapters were fine, the ones that bothered me would be when we get a scene and the next thing you know a few days had gone by. I felt like we missed so much just skipping a couple of days. Like when Evie moved in with Sawyer at the beginning of the book it jumped immediately to like two weeks living there. I wish we got to see the awkwardness of seeing these two trying to coexist while denying their feelings for each other.
Another thing that bugged me was when they did finally give in to those feelings Evie was saying how she might never be able to have sex with Sawyer because of her past, and then the next thing you know they go have sex. Like at least leave a couple of chapters between those two scenes.
Other than that really it was an interesting read. It was predictable, but still I enjoyed reading it. I did enjoy getting to see the softer side of Sawyer that he really only shows his family and Evie. I think these two were really good for each other (except for the whole not telling her what his plan was). I loved that he wanted to train her in self defense so she was prepared for anything. I felt like he was supportive of her and I always love when the man just wants to support and protect his girl.
I think if you can look past the first two things I mentioned then you will really enjoy the book!
I need a bodyguard book boyfriend like Sawyer King. He was protective but not overly protective, respectful, let you take the relationship at your own speed, and will let you go if that’s all it takes to show his love for you. He knows how to keep his distance, but that was annoying.
Evie is a woman who ran away from a traumatizing past and tries to be invisible as she tries to live an everyday life. Her past took away who she was and her dream to be a singer.
Sawyer and Evie had chemistry from the beginning. I’m so used to banters when bodyguards are concerned. Still, I love the sweetness of how they are trying to figure out how to express their attraction without crossing the line. The story had a good amount of spice, which I love. But how Sawyer helped Evie feel free, find herself, and protect herself made me love the story more. I only wanted to understand more about Brad’s obsession with Evie. She was 1 of his 5 victims, but he was solely after her and hurting her. The ending felt rushed, but I love how it ended. Evie deserves good things after all she went through.
Thank you Grey's Promotion for the ARC ebook copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Soldier for the Starling is my first introduction to author Breanna Lynn and what a fabulous introduction it is.
As this story had the perfect amount of suspense and heat and I adore the whole bodyguard trope.
And Sawyer definitely hits my sweet spot. With his cuteness for his nephew Benji, his sorrow for the things he did and witnessed during his time in the military and his feelings for Evie. Which have been bubbling under the surface since they kissed at his sister's wedding.Yet, I do wish there had been more about Evie's past, and particularly the five years she spent with Brad.
But the story, romance, and pacing was spot on and I really liked all the characters especially the adorable Benji. And it's made me want to read more not just from this new series, but from Breanna's Hard Beats series and I would happily recommend this story to all.
My thanks to Breanna Lynn and Greys Promotions for the opportunity to read an early copy of Soldier for the Starling. 😊
“Soldier for the Starling” by Breanna Lynn was a spicy, suspenseful romance about a security/bodyguard who falls for the woman he’s protecting. I thought Sawyer and Evie’s love story was really good; they went through so much together but I truly believe they were meant to be. Their chemistry was scorching hot, even when Evie was afraid of putting herself out there. Honestly, Evie’s backstory was so freaking sad, and I just wanted to give her all the hugs. But I’m really proud of her character development over the course of the novel, and I loved how supportive and protective Sawyer was of her. Sawyer was an amazing character as well, I admired his loyalty and his devotion to keeping Evie safe and happy. If you love romantic suspense novels, I’d definitely recommend this one!
This story grabbed my heart, pulled me in and didn't let go. I loved Sawyer and Evie. They have a spark that isn't lessened over time. He's a protector, runs his own security, so of course he'd step up when Evie needs him. She's hiding from her past, and moving along a day at a time. I was taken on their journey, the pain they both have and the connection that pulls at them. I enjoyed every moment that was spent with them, the ups and downs, the nail biting, and everything in between. This is the first in a new series and I'm ready to see what more is to come!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Breanna Lynn is a new to me author and now I have to go back and read all her other books! Evie has had to endure unspeakable horrors which has led her to be unassuming and blend into the background to be undetected. But Sawyer doesn’t see her that way. From the first moment he laid eyes on her, he couldn’t look away. This is a forced proximity romance with some suspense. And I fell in love with both characters from the beginning! This is a must read if you love a sexy MMC protector and a strong FMC who is determined to turn her life around! ~Alexis💜
I love Breanna Lynn's writing and Soldier for the Starling is no exception.
If like me you've read previous books by this author, Sawyer and Evie will not be new to you, and possibly you'll have sensed something brewing. However this story is so much more.
I've read most of this book with a huge smile on my face, even when I wanted to shout at either Sawyer or Evie.
The story of Evie and Sawyer. Evie has such depth. She pulls on your heartstrings. You are routing for her to overcome what others have made of her life. Sawyer is so compassionate where Evie is concerned. He's her campion even when she doesn't know it. He's there to protect her. But learns the one kiss they shared after a wedding has embedded the seed of want in them both. Watching this story come to its climax gives you so many feelings. Read and enjoy. I know I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Soldier for the Starling is a slow burn, protector romance. Evie is on the run and does not let anyone close. Until one night after a wedding she kisses Sawyer. That is all it was, one kiss. Years later, Evie's past has caught up to her, and Sawyer takes on the role as her protector. Sawyer has feelings for Evie but takes his job seriously. These two have some serious chemistry. This was a great read. With some awesome characters.
If bodyguard romance is something that you enjoy, then you are sure to love this book. Sawyer and Evie's story has a lot to offer the reader, and I really appreciated that. Evie is an aspiring singer, and when she places her trust in someone she shouldn't have, she's now hiding out from this person. Sawyer is Evie's former bodyguard, but there has always been an unspoken chemistry between the two. Now, with Brad back in the picture, Sawyer will stop at nothing to protect Evie. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat with the tension, angst, chemistry and so much more.
Sawyer and Evie kissed a couple years back, their chemistry was off the charts; Sawyer wanted more, Evie held back - she had secrets.
Fast forward a few years, Evie needs help, her secrets are threatening her wellbeing. She reaches out, best thing she could have done - she has a chance at getting her life back, also, maybe love is in her future?
This was a very good read. Evie and Sawyer will fill your heart feels and your mind with anxiety. I really liked these characters. My heart just broke for Evie and Sawyer was incredibly swoon worthy. Their story is angsty, slow burning and emotional. There is also more than enough drama, tension, suspense and twists to keep you focused and fiercely rooting for this couple.
I couldn’t wait to read Sawyer and Evie’s story! I loved seeing previous characters in this book and series and Breanna surely didn’t disappoint. This book does touch in some hard topics, though. Evie is an aspiring singer who put her trust in someone she should t have, someone who was supposed to advance her career. After experiencing so much trauma, she has been hiding from Brad for years. But her former bodyguard Sawyer and her have this chemistry and attraction they try to deny. It’s not until brad shows up again that Sawyer will protect Evie at all costs, even taking her to his secluded cabin in Alaska while his team tries to track Brad down. But within forced proximity, tension roses and they finally give in and boy does it get hot. But what happens when Brad finds them? I loved the epilogue! Full of chemistry, trauma, healing, family, friends, danger, spice, tension, angst, suspense, protection and so much more. Can’t wait to read what Breanna has next!!
This is such a good read! Sawyer is everything I want in a man. When Evie needs protection from the bad in her life, Sawyer is the perfect man to keep her safe. Their journey is one that deals with some heavy topics but they were so well written. This one is not to be missed!
I Loved this book. it has a little bit of everything. Romance, Drama, Spice , Angst, Cameos from some of our previous loved characters and of course a HEA. Breanna Lynn Writes engaging romances that tug at your hearts and leaves you wanting more. Can't wait to see what is next
I absolutely loved this book! The amazing growth of the characters, especially the FMC was just incredible. Evie is the definition of never giving up and fighting for what you want.
This was a good book. It had love, romance and intrigue. I was so happy for Evie to finally get her confidence back, and for her love for Sawyer to be able to blossom.
Just absolutely loved Sawyer and Evie’s story! Evie is a true survivor and Sawyer is the perfect man for her.
Evie ran from her former life, changed her hair, her clothes, all to hide from a man who held her captive for 5 years by using her dreams of being a singer. She kisses Sawyer at a wedding 2 years after escaping but knows it can’t go further.
Sawyer can’t get Evie out of his head. He has been attracted to her since he first saw her. Then Evie kisses him and it is game over. But when Evie is attacked, Sawyer is the one to protect her.
Can these two fight the intense attraction between them? Can Sawyer save Evie from her past?
Having read Ms.Lynn's work a couple of times before i've been wanting to pick up more of her books! As soon as i stumbled across the announcement for this one, i knew i had to read it next. I picked it up and got right into the SAFE Haven Security world! I so enjoyed this story!
Sawyer and Evie's journey captured my attention quickly! These two have been in each other's lives for quite some time. When Evie's life is at risk, Sawyer is determined to keep her safe. As these two have to stay close together, will they ignore the sparks that's between them? or can they take a chance and stay safe in the process?
My heart broke for Evie and everything she'd been through. There was such strength to her and I admired her. How caring both Sawyer and Evie were when it came to one another got me right in the chest. I loved how Sawyer was all about Evie, especially when it came to her safety and heart. These two had me feeling it all with them and I was on edge as I waited to see how it'd all unfold.
I enjoyed getting into the SAFE Haven Security world for the first time and what the characters brought to the story!
With Solider for the Starling, Ms.Lynn has created such a good page turner of a read that brought so many emotions and had me feeling every bit! This author's writing always pulls so much from me. I can't wait to dive back into this world!
Be sure to read the author's note about content.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
I've been with this author from the beginning and every book seems to surpass my expectations !
A chance meeting and one shared kiss at his sister's wedding reception left their mark. Sawyer King can't get the beautiful siren out of his mind. Now he must protect the one who got away from the one who wants her back.
She's been hiding out for 5 years and now he's found her. Evie rely on someone else now to keep her safe. Hiding out in an Alaskan cabin seems like a great idea to draw out the man she's been hiding from, but will her heart be safe with the man she's been fantasizing about for so long?
This book has it all! Romance, suspense, and a whole lot of snow melting heat. If this is the new direction that this author is going, just take my money now, because I am all in!
Immediately goes to see what other books I can read from this author. Seriously! I was so hooked into this story. I love a good suspense line built into the story. The FMC, Evie is so beautifully strong but she cannot see it, she only sees her failures and attempts at survival. I love the connection that was easily formed with Evie and Sawyer. The way he does everything in his power to make sure she is safe and finds happiness is just, ugh so beautiful. Not to mention his nickname for her and his reasoning behind it.
I liked the book, but I was also disappointed. The writing was good, the storytelling was good, but a few things just prevented me from enjoying Sawyer and Evie's story fully.
I did not find Evie likeable during the first half of the book. Yes, she went through some bad things, but I'm sorry, but I just could not find sympathy for her past (traumatic) experiences. The reason for this was her poor-me victim mentality. Yes, Brad was horrible, but she knowingly and willingly (at least initially) did the things he wanted her to do. And she kept at it for a full FIVE YEARS. She sold her soul to the devil for fame and fortune, but it didn't pan out.
Then her past caught up to her, and what does she do? Our heroine decides to leave the protection she was given to go to her apartment because she needed a "break" - this despite having been attacked at said apartment. I can't get my head around that.
Fortunately, her mentality changed somewhat as the story progressed, but not for the better - she became this vanilla FMC with no real personality.
My other issue is with the general tone of the story. To be honest, I found it mostly depressing. For at least the first half of the book, Sawyer was pining for a lost - dead - love, while Evie was miserable because of what was done to her in the past. They hardly spoke to each other, and yet we were told they had a connection. How? Even in the last chapter, Sawyer was still thinking about his dead love. It felt like this dead love was a third character in their love story, and I could not help but wonder who Sawyer would choose if his past love miraculously appeared. The entire lost / dead love angle was just intrusive and made Sawyer's love for Evie questionable. Mind you, the background on this lost love - and their relationship - was very flimsy. The only thing that stood out was that Sawyer was constantly thinking about her (while supposedly being in love with Evie). We don't even know how long ago their relationship took place, or how long it lasted.
Sawyer and Evie's ages are not mentioned anywhere. On one occasion, Evie thinks of Michaela as a bigger sister. Now, we were told at some point that Michaela was 24 years old. Taking into consideration that Evie was a prisoner for five years, was on the run for another five years, that would place her somewhere in her late twenties IF she started her career at, say, eighteen, how can she view Michaela as an older sister.
I am constantly on the lookout for new authors in this genre, so the plot issues were disappointing because I do think the author has a talent for writing. Now I need to decide if I want to continue with Cole's story, or any other book from this author ...