A SEAL's Protection

Jake's Heroes #3

by Sadie King

She’s the daughter of a billionaire; he’s the ex-Navy SEAL her father hires to silently track her. But falling for a tech heiress was never part of his mission.

I’ve survived war-zones, black-ops missions, and the loss of team members. Now my orders are follow Allegra Simpson on her three-week research trek through the mountains, stay invisible, and keep her safe.
Easy enough, until I discover she’s not the pampered princess I expected.
She’s brilliant. Stubborn. Gorgeous. A scientist determined to prove her research matters. And every step I take behind her feels less like a job and more like temptation.
But someone else is watching Allegra, and they don’t care if she makes it off this mountain alive. Protecting her was supposed to be my duty. Keeping my hands off her might be impossible

A SEAL’s Protection is a steamy protector romance with danger in the wild, a fierce curvy heroine, and the battle-scarred hero who will risk everything to protect her.

Genres: Military Fiction

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

I believe in instalove!

I write short and steamy instalove stories about strong protective men and the curvy women who steal their hearts.

My books are high-heat, oh so sweet, and always with a happily ever after.

Home is New Zealand where I live with my young son and husband.

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www.authorsadieking.com/free

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL's PROTECTION is Book 3 in the Jake's Heroes series. It's a steamy, opposites-attract, curvy girl gets her protector romantic suspense. Allegra is a billionaire heiress who is smart and passionate about environmental research. When she is to go hiking for 3 weeks to collect samples, her father hires a secret bodyguard. Marcus is a hunky ex-military man who is supposed to secretly watch and protect her, but when danger comes, he makes himself known. The chemistry was explosive and the ending was happy after all the danger, drama, and mystery. I loved it.

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I been more invested in someone doing environmental research! Now, I am always here for a love story, but I was captivated by the mystery and drama. Allegra and Marcus falling in love was simply a bonus. Seriously, this story had everything. There was action, suspense, and moments that made your jaw drop. I absolutely loved it!

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved It

I absolutely loved this story. Marcus stole my heart from how protective he was with Allegra. Even though he was paid to do it. Definitely a must read

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus and Allegra have a quick and steamy romance!
They are drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Marcus got hired to shadow Allegra since she's researching while in the woods. The moment they meet is hilarious. I loved it! Their story is interesting and keeps you wanting more and more. I loved reading about them falling in love.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus has been hired to watch over the daughter of a wealthy man. She is going to hike for three weeks while she takes samples and documents everything. Even her father doesn’t know what she is truly doing, except that it is scientific research. She was denied her focus for her doctoral thesis. But, she decides that she might as well use her money to do what she wants- to prove that something is wrong in the local water supplies rivers, and streams due to mining. Marcus had been a Navy Seal and was honorably discharged. Thru his buddy Joel and company that he was helping on and off with setting up, he got the protection job from Mr. Simpson, for his daughter Allegra. Allegra is 24, with a degree in biochemistry, and has taken the rejection of her PhD program hard. Marcus watches and sets up a protective perimeter and is extremely quiet while watching, but somehow Allegra senses him.

Marcus is part Māori and is wrong New Zealand, where his sister Keely has inherited the land of her forefathers (& Marcus too), but he isn’t interested and she needs help and tries to talk him into coming home. I really liked learning more about NZ and Marcus’ background. It was very interesting. Allegra gives new meaning to stubborn. lol. As an environmental scientist, Allegra believes that she is right and sets out to prove it by documenting everything through samples, video, and computer and notebook notes. Once Marcus and Allegra meet (which is a fun, hilarious thing, lol), they discuss how they are going to go on, with rules. I loved this book because Mr. Simpson was right in hiring Marcus. Things go soooo wrong. Really wrong and it gets downright scary. Not only that, but Marcus & Allegra are drawn to each other because of all the danger. The book is fun, funny, exciting, romantic, thrilling, steamy, scary, and awesome. I love the fight scenes and how Allegra handles herself. She is not a wimp, nor a damsel in distress. I found myself chewing on my nails, needing the AC on for all the reasons, lol; cursing and ranting and punching the bed. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I love the ending. I actually cried because I was laughing so hard.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts as a covert mission quickly becomes a battle of heart and honor in A SEAL’s Protection by Sadie King.

Ex–Navy SEAL Marcus has one job: shadow billionaire heiress Allegra Simpson on her mountain expedition and make sure she stays safe—without ever revealing he’s there. But Allegra isn’t the spoiled socialite he expects. She’s whip-smart, fiercely independent, and determined to prove her research can make a real difference in the world.

When sabotage threatens her work and her life, Marcus is forced out of the shadows. From that moment, their connection is undeniable—built on danger, respect, and a spark that neither of them can ignore. Allegra’s courage and brilliance earn his admiration long before love sneaks in. And when the truth of her father’s “protection plan” comes to light, both of them must decide whether their future together is worth the risks.

This story is more than a romantic suspense—it’s about two people who discover strength not just in survival, but in trust. Allegra’s passion for her work and Marcus’s quiet loyalty make them the kind of couple you can’t help rooting for. By the end, you’re cheering for her victory and his surrender—to love, to vulnerability, and to the woman who made him feel alive again.

Sadie King delivers a pulse-pounding, tender story that reminds us: sometimes the mission you never planned becomes the one that saves you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A SEAL’s Protection by Sadie King delivers everything I love about a military protector romance—gritty action, sizzling chemistry, and a love story that feels both powerful and tender.

Marcus is the kind of hero who commands every page—strong, loyal, and quietly haunted by his past. Tasked with shadowing Allegra, a billionaire’s daughter on a dangerous trek, he expects a spoiled heiress. What he finds instead is a brilliant, determined woman who challenges him at every turn. Their connection builds slowly, charged with tension and admiration, until the line between duty and desire disappears entirely.

Sadie King balances suspense and intimacy beautifully. The mountain setting adds a rugged edge, the danger feels real, and the emotional payoff is pure perfection. Allegra’s courage and independence make her an unforgettable heroine, and Marcus’s protectiveness never overshadows her strength—it amplifies it.

This story proves that love can be just as fierce as the fight to survive. A SEAL’s Protection is a breathtaking blend of passion, danger, and heart—an absolute must-read for fans of strong heroines and battle-scarred heroes who fall hard and forever.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Secret Protector!**

*A SEAL’s Protection* is the third installment in Jake’s Heroes series, and it's such a fun read! Allegra is eager to dive into her own research, but her father, wanting to keep her safe, hires Marcus to follow her around on the trails. From the first moment he sees Allegra, Marcus feels a strong connection and is determined to protect her at all costs.

Allegra’s intuition tells her that someone is keeping an eye on her, and she quickly spots Marcus. The chemistry between them is electric! As they get to know each other, Allegra and Marcus discover that her research is way more valuable than they thought, and it puts Allegra in serious danger.

I absolutely adored Marcus and Allegra together; they’re so sweet and adorable! The added mystery and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself flying through this engaging story in just one sitting. I’m so excited for the upcoming spin-off series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three of the Jake's Heroes series and we get Allegra and Marcus.

Marcus is hired to be a shadow for Allegra by her father. Allegra isn't to know he's there, which works perfectly for this ex seal covert operations runs in his blood.
But it's not long until his cover is blown a few days into the three week environmental science hike, when he tackles Allegra mistaking her for a threat and ends up with a knife to his throat (girl done good right there).

The over the course of the hike something doesn't sit right with Marcus, and little things start causing concern a thrown rock here a missing parcel there. All while in their close proximity to one another Allegra and Marcus draw closer together. But danger is lurking and it could be enough to stop what budding relationship maybe happening.
Can Marcus do what he was hired for or is his protection not enough?

I liked this from Sadie, and I've enjoyed the series of Jake's heroes as whole.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the author’s Jake’s Heroes series in which friends of Jake, a fallen SEAL, work to protect others. This book features Marcus, a former SEAL who was forced to leave the service due to injuries making it impossible to continue.

When Allegra, a scientist in the PhD program was going into the mountains alone for three weeks taking research samples, her father hired Marcus to follow her at a distance to keep her safe. She was NOT a happy camper when she discovered his presence!

This was a bit of a slow burn, low heat, read but I enjoyed it for the most part. My only real complaint is that it ended with more of an HFN than an HEA; I much prefer HEAs. No mention was made of Jake but, if I’m remembering right, characters mentioned in the previous books are included here. This wasn’t my favorite book in the series but it was still a nice read. 4 stars

I received a copy of this book for free from Instalove Influencers but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This book had a little bit of everything, and it all meshed so well together. I wasn’t sure about the book at first to be honest though, it started off slow and Allegra had walls a mile high. It was more of a slow burn, but it didn’t really show as such until a few chapters in. But I think those first few chapters were needed to add the context and build up to what became a good story. There was adventure, suspense and danger, and in the midst of it all they were quietly falling in love. I loved the ending and how they both came into their own with the support of each other, and that they both realized they needed support of others around them too. It’s part of the Jake’s Heroes series, but most of those characters and plot line were on the very edges of this story. No cheating or OM/OW drama, some violence on page but never between the MC’s, dual POV, HEA and a really sweet epilogue a few months in the future. Can’t wait to read what comes next!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his career as a Navy SEAL ended Marcus is trying to decide what comes next when he accepts a security assignment that will have him following Allegra for the next three weeks while she collects water samples. He expects that it will be straightforward however he soon finds out that he underestimated both Allegra and the danger she is in.

When Allegra’s request for funding to complete her PhD is denied by the University she is undeterred and decides to fund her research herself. She can’t shake the feeling she is being watched when she catches Marcus in the act but as the threat becomes more dire she realizes he might be the one person who can keep her safe.

Allegra is strong, determined and not about to let anyone stand in her way while Marcus is willing to help but not if it puts her life in jeopardy. They take us on an adventure that includes humor, action and romance.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic action romance

A SEAL's Protection is the third book in the Jake's Heroes series. This was a fabulous reading experience with a story and characters that you just fall all over and keep wanting more of. It starts as a "secret" assignment of sorts for Marcus after he is hired to follow and protect Allegra Simpson. She may be a tech heiress but that does not mean she is willing to skate by. Instead she is intelligent, hard working, and also beautiful, and is able to get dirty. She is leaving to hike the mountains of Kentucky to gather samples, document her observations and findings so she can write her dissertation to get her PhD. Marcus is meant to keep himself hidden but when he realizes that there is someone else who is following Allegra and they mean to kill her he springs into action and ensures the woman who he has been falling for is safe and protected. The feelings flow both ways between them as their spark is lit and the flame burn hot and wild.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed A SEAL's Protection ~ Jake's Heroes ~ Book 3, by Sadie King, author fromt the Kindle Unlimited Program on Amazon.

Marcus, the retired SEAL from New Zealand, takes a private mission to follow and protect a rich man's daughter on a three week trip to the mountains so she can do a research project. After being a SEAL, how hard can it be?

Marcus soon finds out that Alana is serious about her project and what she wants to prove. She is taking water samples to prove the the local mining companies are poluting the water in the mountains and have been for years by taking and testing water samples for minerals that shouldn't be in the water or snow pack. They didn't count on paid mercenaries sent to stop her, which puts them into a dangeerous situation. Lots of action that the hot Kiwi SEAL manages to take care of making the plot full of adventure.

I love the ending!

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another emotional, suspenseful story from Wild Mountain. Allegra has lead a privileged life and has tried hard to prove herself. Being denied a grant to get her PHD, she heads out to do it anyway. Her Dad hires Marcus to follow her and keep her safe. Her research has her hiking in the mountains off the beaten trail. Small incidents have Marcus sticking closer to her. As the incidents get more intense, they have to rely on each other more. As they save each other and get what they need to break a big story, they fall in love.
Instead of having to do everything by herself, she has a partner to walk beside her and they support each other’s dreams.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus’s missions was simple make sure Allegra was safe and don’t be seen. He immediately realizes he is not watching over a spoiled rich brat as he had first thought the job was going to be. He begins falling before he even gives up his position and begins to help her. Allegra’s work is being sabotaged. This couple respects each other. They work together to finish what needs to be done. This book is full of suspense, drama, action and love. Sadie King always brings the brilliance to her characters, and story lines. This book was a great addition to the series and a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this quietly intense romantic susoence. Allegra was a woman on a mission, one she didn't quite grasp the dangers of. Marcus was along against her wishes, and she made that perfectly clear. The tension between these two left off the page. While the scenery descriptions were idealic, their firey exchanges were tumultuous, sharp, and (at times) cutting. Throughout their journey, clearly a good vs evil trial, the duo faced multiple twist and turns. Forced to make accommodations, they repeated weighed their potential success against their safety. How much would you risk to prove yourself?.

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allegra and Marcus's story captivates from the very beginning. He has always watched her from a distance to ensure her safety and security while she investigates. Allegra is searching for water samples to prove her research is sound, and she does so in secret, unaware that it's no secret to anyone, and she does everything in her power to stop her and sabotage her investigation. Now that her life and her investigation are at risk, it's time for Marcus to step forward and do what he must to protect the woman he loves and save her research.








I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his career as a Navy SEAL ended, Marcus is trying to decide what comes next when he accepts a security assignment that will have him following Allegra for the next three weeks while she collects water samples. He expects that it will be straightforward; however, he soon finds out that he underestimated both Allegra and the danger she is in. When Allegra can’t shake being watched, she catches Marcus and ends up with him helping her. But when things start to happen that he shouldn’t have kept her safe. Can he do that or not? Allegra is very determined to do what she needs to do since, for her PhD project, she is sure she is right.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus was hired to secretly protect Allegra by her rich father. Allegra is working hard to get her PhD and prove that she deserves it, not because her family has money, but because she knows what she's doing. When danger comes to Allegra, Marcus reveals himself, and things take an interesting and they fall for each other turn. This is an age gap romance between two characters who are opposites but are so perfect for each other. I love how protective he was of Allegra and how determined she was to make it on her own. A SEAL's Protection is book three and a great addition to the Jake's Heroes series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allerera is determined to complete work towards her PhD without the grant she’s applied for. The research meant hiking the mountains to get access to the waterways she was collecting samples from. Unbeknownst to her, Marcus was hired by her father to look out for her. He was good at staying hidden until he sensed danger and then he had to come clean. Not happy with his presence but knowing her father would come for her if she pushed him away, she dealt with the intrusion. Good thing she did, because someone is out to prevent her research.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEAL’s Protection is brilliantly written romantic suspense. I love Allegra’s determination and grit, her strength and passion, and her ability to navigate the adventure she finds herself on with Marcus. The scene where they meet is outstanding, and the tension and connection builds between these two with each turn of the page. The lurking threats and action-packed moments left me breathless, and the beautiful bond these two forge is dense and endearing. I was completely sucked into this story and couldn’t put it down. Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is up in the mountains during research. She did not realize that there is someone behind her. Her bodyguard. As rules are made and lines are drawn in the sand, they still need each other. Slowest anyone's race until there are inconsistencies with the environment. He is there to protector and as they say once a seal always a seal he is there to protect her. Very realistic situations. Wild and crazy ride that these two have with the emotions between them and trying to survive the wild Off the Grid. Like the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action in this one. Good romantic suspense.

Allegra was denied her university grant but is determined to do her research project anyway. Her father agrees, but secretly hires a body guard for her.

Marcus is a former SEAL and honorably discharged. He took the task thinking he was just watching a powerful man's daughter. When he realizes Allegra's life is on the line, he vows to put his on the line to protect her.

Will he be able to keep her safe when the enemy comes hunting for her?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of Jake’s Heroes is just as engaging as the first two. Marcus has been hired as a bodyguard for a billionaire’s daughter. Not his usual line of work. He thinks he’ll be tailing some pampered princess but is he in for a surprise. Allegra is determined to complete her research and to prove to the country what she knows is happening with the pollution from the nearby mining. Shes’s upset to find out her father has hired a bodyguard but when people try to sabotage her research, she’s more than happy to have Marcus with her. Loved seeing Marcus meet his match and finally stop running and find his home. I received an ARC of this book.

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rear Shot.
Incredible. Marcus is watching her from a distance to make sure she is safe and protected. Allegra is collecting water samples to prove her research is correct. No on is supposed to know what she’s looking for but, someone does. They will stop her no matter what. Marcus is not going to let anybody hurt her or her research. When he’s discovered hiding is no longer an option. When mercenaries arrive the danger becomes very real.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story. Allegra has set out to collect samples that mining has impacted the environment for decades for her PhD. Unknown to her, her father hires Marcus to shadow her. She discovers he is there and they make a pact that he will follow her three rules. This story is about a strong willed woman who knows what she wants and will not be distracted from her research, strong emotions, danger and a happy ending. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus has been hired to watch over Allegra Simpson, only child to a tech billionaire. He is supposed to keep her safe without her knowing he is there. Allegra wanted to this project for her PhD thesis but was turned down due to her financial connection. She is determined to prove her professor wrong.

When it seems there is a threat against her, he has to make himself known. They will need to work together to stay alive, someone does not want her research to make it. Marcus is just what she needed.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked Allegra and how she was determined to do her research. Marcus might have been hired to protect her but he is impressed with her. They get closer during time spent together and facing sabotage. I'm glad Allegra got her proof and exposed the bad guys. Even better is how Marcus lets her know he loves her. I liked how they work together with their own careers.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in Jakes Heroes series. Marcus was introduced in the first two books in the series and was the jokester in the group. Marcus showed his skill as a Navy Seal as he protected Allegra from unknown danger. I loved Marcus and Allegra. Allegra may have grown up with privileges she is definitely a fighter. She the perfect FMC: smart, stubborn, and just the right amount of vulnerability. Im enjoying this whole series. Can't wait for the next book.