To Protect & Serve, Volume 1

Courage #1

by Staci Stallings

Houston firefighter Jeff Taylor is a fireman's fireman. He's not afraid of anything, and no situation is too dangerous to keep him on the sideline if lives are at stake. Lisa Matheson runs a semi-successful ad agency that's on the brink of falling apart. Her employees are incompetent and her schedule has become exhausting.

When she takes on a client with a brilliant idea for a big conference, she thinks that maybe, finally this is her lucky break. However, the fire station wasn't what she had in mind for finding conference speakers.

When she falls for a handsome, but shy firefighter, it's possible that life might just be going her way for a change. The only problem is she can't control Jeff and the death wish he seems to have.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary, Amazon

Audible Audio

First published May 13, 2012

About the author

A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:

Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/

Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...

Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/

Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4.5

Houston firefighter, Jeff Taylor is a fireman's fireman. He's not afraid of anything, and no situation is too dangerous to keep him on the sideline if lives are at stake. Lisa Matheson runs a semi-successful ad agency that's on the brink of falling apart. Her employees are incompetent, and her schedule has become exhausting. When she takes on a client with a brilliant idea for a big conference, she thinks that maybe, finally this is her lucky break. However, the fire station wasn't what she had in mind for finding conference speakers. When she falls for a handsome but shy firefighter, it's possible that life might just be going her way for a change. The only problem is she can't control Jeff and the death wish he seems to have.

After the first couple of chapters, I was ready to give up on this book as it seemed the two main characters were both somewhat dysfunctional and losers. BUT I am so glad I kept on going as this turned into a most incredible Christian fiction read. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 was the slow start in the beginning. But wow after that it just got more and more powerful. If you choose to read this book, make sure you do with some Kleenex close by as there are parts that will definitely bring you to tears. Stallings' characters are exceptionally well developed as they grow in both their personalities and their faith throughout this book. Jeff and Lisa both changed a lot as they learned to move beyond their limitations or personality traits. Jeff was a hidden nugget of gold that Lisa discovered when she took the time to see it underneath his shy exterior. In turn, Jeff helped Lisa realize that there was more to life than work , that the word "fun" wasn't a dirty word, and that some men will take the time to find a beautiful woman's inner beauty.

I have to say I really identified with the Houston Fire Department as I lived north of Houston for 30 years and knew many people employed with HFD. One of the major fires that happens in the story is based on a real event that took place while I lived there and was a tragedy. Stallings' research into fire departments and their workings is evident throughout the book. Overall, an excellent book. I will definitely continue reading this series.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Without trust there is no love, and without risk, love would mean nothing."

"You have this moment and only this moment. What you do with it is your choice."

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Protect & Serve was my first read of Staci Stallings. The story of Lisa Matheson falling for fireman, Jeff Taylor was intriguing. Lisa had always been seen as a pretty face and nothing more. Jeff gets tongue tied around women. I thought it was stick to that surface them.

But it didn't. Ms. Stallings went much more in depth when tragedy strikes at Jeff's job. I really liked that thread because we often see men in uniform as a handsome face, never thinking about the everyday toil saving lives bring.

I would have liked the Christianity to appear a little earlier on, but it finished out well.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent heart breaker romance

I loved this story. The relationship between the main characters built slowly and felt real. There are some tear jerker moments, so be warned. Life in a firehouse isn't easy and everyone has to learn how to cope with what might happen and has happened. Wonderful world to get immersed in.

[NaDell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am pretty sure after reading stories about firefighters, I could never marry one. As much as I respect them, I just could not handle it. I enjoyed seeing the relationship grow and evolve with the characters.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good clean romance.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was not expecting to cry.....

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible:) it had me running a gauntlet of emotions but the message in the end was great :)

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME!!!!!

This was awesome. I really enjoy reading stories involving first responders, especially when they have a Strong belief in God.

[Gophergirl58 · Rating 2 out of 5]

"To Protect & Serve" by Staci Stallings has a great story line, that of a young man who is a firefighter and a young woman who owns her own small advertising agency. I say it's a great story line - okay, it's pretty good, anyway - because it deals with the difficult subject of firefighters putting their lives on the line every time they are sent out. I only gave the story two stars, however, because it was so vague in Christian language and values. The main male character wears a gold cross around his neck that his mother gave him, but what does that tell us - it is just a symbol, my friends. Neither of the two main characters break their neck to try to attend church, nor is there much in their speech to define that they are true Christians. And then there's the faith part: it, too, was watered down so that it was difficult to tell what their faith was in. Did Lisa, in the end, [SPOILER] have faith in herself that she would learn to TRUST her employees with the jobs she pays them to do or did she have a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, and because of that she learned to be a better boss, to delegate responsibilities between her small group of employees? Did she ever become a Christian? It was never implied, to me, that she had a personal relationship with the Lord. What about the individual who died: did they know the Lord, i.e., were they saved Sorry to be so blunt about the story in this review, but I was just disappointed. I have said this different times, but to explain my review, when a book is marked as Christian in genre, I expect there to be a story that either shows one main character that has a true relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ or of a main character who comes to know the Lord Jesus Christ!

It must be difficult to be an author and see one's work be critiqued by so many, some positive and others critical like mine. It is a work of art, a labor of love, and I would think just laborious in nature because of the intensity in writing as well as developing a story, main characters, etc. If the book had not been listed as Christian fiction, I would have looked at it a little differently and enjoyed it more.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff is a firefighter and Lisa has her own ad agency. Lisa can't bring herself to delegate the workload so she is overwhelmed by the various projects she is trying to complete. Jeff is so shy he won't even talk to a woman which is quite a problem when his friends set up dates for him.

Both Lisa and Jeff were battling their pasts. Lisa thinks having someone in her life would just make matters worse. Jeff became a firefighter to try to make up for causing his house to burn down; killing his brother and father - when he was 17. They both have issues to overcome but with help from each other and God, they can do it.

When they get together and fall in love, Lisa has a hard time accepting Jeff's dangerous job. Jeff helps Lisa see that her staff are competent and would do a good job if she would just give them a chance.

The characters are unusual in To Serve & Protect. Lisa is so demanding of perfection (which she didn't get from anyone) that she was hard to like some times. With Jeff's guidance, she did come around and became a nicer person. I found it hard to believe that a firefighter could be as shy as Jeff was, since they have the image of being so brave and fearless.

This book had me feeling so many emotions that I was surprised that it was such an easy read. At times I felt anger, sadness, love and tenderness. It was very well written but I thought it took a bit too long to find out what Jeff's problem was. I would like to have learned about this earlier in the story. I loved the details on firefighters and their families. It made me realize how dangerous their jobs are and the angst their families face daily.

If you like Christian romances, you'll love this book.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great contemporary Christian romance between a beautiful workaholic who has major trust issues, and a shy firefighter with a truckload of baggage.
To Protect & Serve offers an enjoyable mix of everyday frustrations of a couple trying to take their relationship at a slow pace, combined with vividly-described action-packed segments to keep the story moving.
This book certainly gave me a fresh appreciation not only for our firefighter heroes, but also for their amazing families! I recommend this book- it'll get your heart beating a little faster every time you see a fire truck racing down the road, and maybe remind you to offer up a quick prayer for whatever awaits the brave souls willing to risk their lives to save others!

[Suzanne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I wasn't in my mid-40s, female, and out of shape, this book would inspired me to take up a service profession. However, being as I am all of those things, I will say instead that it inspires me to respect them a bit more. Staci Stallings always has a way with romance, and what she does is really more than that. For she hits at the core of what romance is, true love found in the heart instead of simply physical attraction. Along the way, she adds in faith, trust, and a belief in God. This is a wonderful story of two people who though they are unlikely lovers overcome great odds to live their lives to their fullest. Great story! A recommended read.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free for my Kindle, this was a clean, sweet, read. Jeff and Lisa, both trying to prove they can overcome parts of their past, try to close out anyone that would care about them. Jeff is a firefigher and Lisa is starting her own ad agency. Lisa struggles with the thought that Jeff could die in his line of work. Each character learns about having enough faith to rely on God and enjoy their time together however long that may be. I enjoyed the reminder to spend your time together wisely, not in anger or frustration, but being in love and being good to each other.

[Sara Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was fine but the writing was atrocious. Horrible basic grammar mistakes misspellings, words with the wrong ending, funky sentence structure. Also a heavy amount of passive voice but that didn't bug me nearly as much as the basic stuff spell check could have picked up!! If she paid for an editor they did not do their job

[Gloria Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it very much

[Honeybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-rending glimpse at firefighters and those who love them

This is a good book about trusting God and others. Particularly when there are so many things outside our control.

Firefighter Jeff Taylor is a gutsy guy willing to do whatever it takes to save lives. But he’s also painfully shy—especially when it comes to lovely ladies like Lisa.

Lisa, a self-made commercial artist, has a hard time delegating responsibilities at her advertising firm. And, thanks to bad experiences with men, she puts even less faith in the male gender in general.

When thrown together at a club where the two are reluctantly celebrating with friends, Jeff and Lisa are instantly attracted to each other, but figure that a real relationship is highly unlikely. However, Lisa’s business actually causes them to cross paths again, and the two eventually give in to Providence.

This book takes you into the thrilling and terrifying world of a firefighter and the price their loved ones can pay. It also explores how wounds and traumas from the past can shape our present. What path should we take, given the choice between love that may cost us everything and a “safe,” but isolated existence?

The author did a great job at keeping to the points of view of the two main characters without leaving any gaps or cheating to tell her story. Her characters and plot were well developed. I do wish that she showed a greater depth of faith in her characters than wearing a cross and offering the occasional prayer.

If you are interested in firefighters, this gives you an excellent idea of their challenges and victories. It also lets you glimpse the life of a professional woman. The romance between them is the main element of the plot, but there’s enough other good stuff that it’s not all fluff.

[Steve W · Rating 2 out of 5]

The description of this book sounded pretty interesting, but the book itself was a little underwhelming.

Cons:
- Story started slow and did not really hold my interest until halfway through the book when challenges mount (not sure how else to say it without spoiling it for someone).
- Story didn't seem to flow well. Jumped around, leaving me trying to understand how they scenes were fitting together.
- Would have liked to have richer descriptions of the firefighting encounters. Several seemed kind of glossed over.
- For a story touted as "Contemporary Christian Romance", Christianity seemed such a minor component of the story. Other than some focus on it at 89% through the book, references to God and Christianity were light, no more substantial than other "secular" books where people call on God in crisis.

Pros:
- Clean story. It was thankfully free of sex and light on offensive language.
- Got it free as Kindle Edition.

If I want Christian novels (romance or adventure/suspense), I have found other authors I far prefer that incorporate Christianity more effectively.
If the Christian aspect is not important, then there are lots of other more interesting choices, though the reader may have to sift through offensive language and "adult situations".

There were some touching moments, but overall it didn't scratch my itch and I would not recommend it to friends.

[Jamie (The Kansan Reader)]

DNF @ pg 31

First, this book was published five days before my high school graduation making it ten years old. Second, I am not a fan of Lisa.

I am so tired of the stereotypical man-hating woman trope. No, this isn’t she had trauma so she has issues trusting men. That actually has depth to the trope if done right. No, unfortunately, this is an all men are jerks who throw themselves at women. Blugh! Not all men are jerks nor are they all man hoes. I hope one day that men and women will one day be depicted throughout all media outlets with respect.

Along with Lisa hating men, she treats her employees like crap. She is so focused on work that when two of said them said they had plans to get to and left early, she responded without acknowledging what they said. So when she needed something and they weren’t there she thought “As usual, she was alone in the sinking boat.” She thinks she doesn’t need anybody and wishes she could do everything herself. The reason she started her own business and did not go into a bigger firm is that she isn’t really a team player.

This is not a heroine I want to root for let alone read about. I don’t have many thoughts on Jeff our hero but so far he seemed like an ordinary guy. I guess this one just isn’t for me.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book of Staci Stallings' that I have read. I thought it was exceptional. I loved all of the characters in this book; especially the main characters Jeff Taylor and Lisa Matheson. I enjoy very much how there relationship develops and the hurdles they must face not only as a couple; but individually as well. I liked the cast of supporting characters as well and I feel they add depth to the story. However my favorite part of the book is the discussion about the story from the Bible about Jesus walking on the water and Peter starts out walking on the water to meet Jesus. I like how this book tells the story and then uses it to teach life lessons that are meaningful not only to Jeff and Lisa in the story but to us as readers too. I have read that story many times in my lifetime; but I hadn't though about it in the way the discussion in this book presents it and how I can apply the lessons of the story to my own life. I think this is a big plus that this book has to offer. I love too that it doesn't include any profanity or sexually explicit dialogue. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like stories with First Responders, I think you'll like To Protect and Serve. I liked the characters and the story line, although I think the writing could be tightened. When Jeff Taylor, a recent graduate of fire-fighter training, meets Lisa Matheson, the workaholic owner of an ad agency, the attraction is immediate, but their relationship takes time to develop. Jeff is shy and awkward around women, and Lisa avoids dating because of previous bad experiences. Jeff senses the need to be hands off with Lisa until she learns to trust him, but he is able to work his way into her heart. She falls hard for him, but she has to deal with the reality that Jeff puts his life at risk every time he goes out to fight a fire. It took me quite a while to discover why this is considered a Christian romance, and I prefer a book with no swearing, but in the end Jeff and Lisa lean on God to help them through.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good But So Long

Wow! This story was so long. There were lots of places where I wondered 'why is this even in here?' It was a good story with some well-crafted characters, but I had a hard time liking the heroine and understanding her. If I'd been working for her, I'd have thrown my files in her face and walked out. I did find the hero easier to relate to. I loved the faith element in the story but thought that could've been showcased in better ways. There were some places in which the faith element was like a ghost in the corner and I wondered why the author didn't just say it straight out. If I wasn't a Christian myself, I could easily have inserted 'universe' into the section I'm thinking of.

Overall, this book would've been better with a good content edit. If you don't mind spending some time in a contemporary, inspirational romance novel, it'll probably be a good fit for you.

[Julie G Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Stallings has done it again with another great love story. She is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors. I had never considered how hard it is for the family members of emergency teams to send their loved one off to work each day, not knowing whether or not the next rescue would be their last. While reading this book, I actually experienced having to rely on the help of our local fire department, which made this book all the more real for me. Fortunately, it was nothing serious - just a call to help clear smoke out of our fireplace when the flue accidentally shut & caused all the chimney smoke to infiltrate the house - but, it made me much more grateful for their expertise and quick response to our call. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stuck with this one because the plot line was just good enough to keep my interest. Overall, though, the poor writing and continuous use of sophomoric metaphors (“tired pulled on her eyelids”) and overwrought descriptions made this book hard to follow and get through. The characters seemed entirely two-dimensional - total extreme stereotypes of the “shy guy” and “ice queen”; so much so that they were somewhat unbelievable. Plus, the minor character of Tucker and his sudden 180 was just too much. Come on. The story was sweet but I don’t think I’ll be reading any more by this author. If you look at the number of book she’s written, it seems like she speeds through each one to add to her list (even skipping the editing process to get done more quickly!) rather than taking her time to craft a realistic, nuanced story. Fine, but not for me.

[Debbie West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, emotional, clean romance

I cried. Not once but 3 times. I don't like books that make me vry. But I thoroughly enjoyed this story. While the romance part was very slow to begin with, it made sense later. I felt for these characters, as well as for their friends. I also enjoyed reading about different jobs that a firefighter is called upon to do. I live near a small town which has volunteer firefighters only. So there are no children trapped in locked rooms or anything else except an occasional fire here. Also, the author is extremely good at evoking emotion for her characters. I look forward to reading more books by her.

[Carla Alvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Protect & Serve: A contemporary Christian Romance Novel (The Courage Series, Book 1)

I found this story inspirational and eye opening. The characters were realistic facing the very real challenges of living the life of a fire fighter. The effects of the job on the person as well as his family and friends. I found the religious aspect of the story when God was talking to the characters in their time of pain and sorrow as uplifting and full of hope that things are better when one opens their hearts to others and to their god (or their particular religion or deity). The journey for the two main characters provided moments of humor, sadness, and joy.

[Tracy Bryant bundy spittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a while!!!

This book was awesome! It is the first by this author I've read, but I'm on my way to purchase more. The characters were the best! People that you would want to invite over for dinner and some cards. Real people the may live down the street, living real lives, dealing with real issues, heart ache, loss, struggles, difficult decisions, but all. Putting first things first, God! And with his help realizing that life may be hard, but love and trust are the answers.

[Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is compelling, heart rending, funny and real. Two introverts bring out the best in each other, while coming to terms with the inherent dangers of a fireman's job.

Grammar was odd in some places, such as, "He put his denim-and-suede jacket that he had tossed on the couch on, and headed out the door." Other places I had trouble following exactly what was happening.

Values are a bit lax, with kissing thrown around before any commitments. Otherwise very clean.

Christian, with a reliance on Jesus strongly advised.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written brilliant and insightful novel of two professional people - one a stunning start-up business owner named Lily and a shy firefighter, Jeff, who cross paths. Both come with much baggage to the slow-growing relationship, which with the trauma of Jeff's profession, exacerbates issues that they must work through. Depicts much intense psychological interventions for this to all work out. Quite a lengthy novel, the author is able to maintain one's attention throughout in this intriguing portrayal of real life scenarios.

[Carol Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most firemen are heroes!

Before I read this book, I was not consciously aware of what danger firemen put themselves into and how hard it must be on their wives never knowing if they will return. I would not want to marry a fireman. But I like how you explained that they take no days for granted because they never know when it will be there last. So as a husband and wife you really have to make memories everyday and fill each other with love. I think that sentiment is good for all marriages.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drove me crazy

I couldn't keep going! Lisa shouts at her employees and storms into the fire chief's office, demanding respect, but she can't firmly tell a sleazy guy "no" and stand her ground. Jeff is a nice guy and has his heart set on Lisa... but why? She's barely polite to him. The fire chief and police chief are so rude and reluctant to do a presentation for the local high school kids. It didn't feel believable to me. When every romantic pronouncement makes me roll my eyes, I figure I better move on.