A Veteran's Protection

by Sadie King

She came to claim her inheritance. He’s going to claim her.

I knew Lexi was mine the second I saw her, standing in the dark, burning furniture like she had nothing left to lose.
I work security at Jake’s Retreat. I know trouble when I see it. And the moment she steps onto that land, I know it’s coming for her.
She inherited it from a father she never knew. Now lawyers are circling, and someone wants her gone badly enough to make it happen. She thinks she’ll sell and leave.
Not a chance.
I’ve got three days to keep Lexi safe and convince her she belongs on Wild Heart Mountain with me.
Because once I claim what’s mine, I don’t let go.

A Veteran’s Protection is a short, steamy, instalove romance featuring an ex-military alpha hero, a curvy heroine in danger, and a possessive hero who falls first.

Genres: Romance

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2026

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

[Anngela]

Aiden a retired soldier working for Joel’s Veterans Retreat as security can’t turn off his protectiveness when he sees a fire at what should be an abandoned lot. The owner had died in a car accident. Lexi found out from a letter that her father had died and left her property. She’s struggling and needs money to get her debts paid off and get her degree. Never in her mind did she expect land from her father. Though she rather have him the man she never knew. Aiden finds her burning furniture that has been termite infested and animals have gotten to. The first time he sees her his animalistic side shows and he wants her. Love at first site is amongst the two. Aiden sets off to convince her to stay. And the mysteries of her land begin.

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

[Ang]

Mystery unfolfds

Sweet steamy story. Waiting patiently to find out what happened to her Father. Enjoyed the bonus chapter of the growth of their relationship and family. On to the next book.

[Day]

Aiden and Lexi will have you wanting to know more about their story. He is instantly obsessed and ready to make Lexi stay with him. She is not so sure but their connection can't be denied. I liked their story. It's quick and steamy with some feels and a bit of danger. People want Lexi out but Aiden won't let that happen. It's a good story!

[Chandra Luna]

A Veteran’s Protection by Sadie King is a fast-paced, steamy mountain romance that delivers exactly what instalove readers crave: a fiercely protective ex-military hero, instant chemistry, a woman in danger, and a man who falls first and never looks back.

From the moment Lexi arrives on Wild Heart Mountain to inspect the property left to her by the father she never knew, the story wastes no time pulling readers into the connection between her and Aiden. Their attraction is immediate, intense, and completely undeniable. This may honestly be one of the fastest-moving instalove romances I’ve read, but somehow it still works because the chemistry between them feels effortless from the very beginning.

Aiden absolutely owns every scene he’s in. As a former military man working security at Jake’s Retreat, he’s watchful, possessive, and laser-focused the second he spots Lexi. What I loved most was that underneath all the alpha energy is someone deeply protective and steady. He doesn’t hesitate when danger starts circling around her inheritance — he simply steps into protector mode and never backs down.

Lexi was also easy to root for. She arrives carrying uncertainty, trying to sort through a complicated inheritance while strangers pressure her to walk away. Even with the tension surrounding the property, she still has this determination that keeps her from feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

The mountain setting adds a cozy atmosphere to the romance, and the danger surrounding the property creates just enough suspense to keep the story moving quickly. The balance between protective intensity and steamy chemistry made this such an easy one-sitting read.

If you love possessive ex-military heroes, curvy women finding unexpected love, mountain settings, instalove, and rugged men who decide instantly that someone belongs with them, A Veteran’s Protection is a fun, spicy, and satisfying romance that delivers exactly the kind of escapist comfort readers of the trope are looking for.

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

[lf]

She has a plan and he is about to change all of it

A Veteran's Protection is the first book in the Wild Heart Veterans series by Sadie King. This is a spin-off from the author's Jake's Heroes series and set in the Wild Heart Mountain universe. The story finds Lexi Gibbs arriving in Hope from Jersey City to claim an inheritance from a father she never knew. She has a plan to rent a car, meet with the lawyer, stay at the cabin for a couple of days and then list it for sale. She wants to take the money to pay off her mother's debts and have enough for her last year of college so she can get a good paying job. The town is in the Wild Heart Mountain and her father's cabin is up on the mountain. The lawyer cannot meet with her until the next afternoon but she gets the keys and what she finds is not what she expected. Aiden Whitley is a veteran who came to Jake's Retreat for treatment and then found a place for himself on staff. On their usual Thursday night BBQ gathering he spots a fire at the property next door. The place had been empty for over a year since Vaughn Reilly passed away. He goes to investigate thinking it might be kids, so he was not expecting to find a beautiful and curvy young woman burning furniture in a firepit in the front. One look at her and all he can think is she is his and he is going to take care of her. Lexi has plans and those do not include staying on this mountain. Sinister forces are at work on the mountain and she is going to need Aiden's protection more than she thought. What they uncover is a mystery which will become an overarching story-line in this series....and one which I want to find out more about.

[Dorrita Winch]

“A Veteran’s Protection” by Sadie King is book 1 of 3 in the standalone but connected series: Wild Heart Veterans.
Lexi Gibbs is our gorgeous, innocent, twenty three year old MFC.
She inherited a house on Wild Heart Mountain. Suddenly from Vaughan Reilly, a father she never knew. Leaving Jersey City to come to Hope to claim it. Fixing it up and selling it.
When a big, handsome man strolled out of the dark and made himself home at her bonfire, Lexi was shockingly excited. Wary a little, but excited. And she’s never felt that way about a man before.
Aiden Whitley is our big, strong, muscular Veteran and MMC. He works as security for Jake’s Retreat for Vetrans.
When he first lays eyes on Lexi at her bonfire he knew she was his. The problem, she leaving in three days and he’s going to have to work fast to claim and keep her. Because she’s it for him.
A Commanding alpha who’s a very “take charge”, protective and possessive of her. After all she’s his future wife, Lexi just dosnt know yet.
A sexy, saucy, insta love, military romance. That is quick in starting the story line,holds your interest through out, and ends in giving us a happy ending. Very enjoyable read.
Also ends with Owen, a veteran buddy to Aiden looking into Lexi’s father’s suspicious death. And the mysterious Victor Ridgeway, and Karl Black. Ridgeway and Thorn, legal counsel.

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

[Shawna]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a great start to a new series!

I loved Lexi and Mason from the very beginning. Lexi arrives on Wild Heart Mountain to deal with an inheritance from a father she never knew, carrying hurt, uncertainty, and a determination to handle everything on her own. Mason sees her once and knows she’s special, but what I appreciated most was that he didn’t just protect her physically—he gave her a place where she could finally feel safe and wanted.

The suspense kept the story moving as threats closed in around Lexi, and I enjoyed watching Mason step up time and time again. He’s the perfect protective veteran hero: loyal, determined, and completely devoted once he falls. His “she’s mine” attitude was swoon-worthy without taking away from Lexi’s strength.

Even in a shorter story, the author created a charming small-town atmosphere and a cast of characters that made me excited to continue the series. The chemistry between Mason and Lexi was instant, but there was also genuine heart underneath the romance.

If you enjoy protective military heroes, curvy heroines, small-town settings, danger, and a hero who falls first and never looks back, this book is a quick, entertaining read.

I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Wild Heart Veterans series.

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

[Paige]

This was a short, almost instantly steamy novella with a touch of mystery/suspense, all within the span of a week. Lexi had all of a sudden inherited property from a dad she didn't even know she had, while trying to support herself and her alcoholic mother. She'd never had it easy, or anyone to protect her or put her first, but that changed the second she met Aiden. Aiden, an ex-military man from Jake's retreat (a nice cross over for the new series), fell for Lexi instantly. He had been feeling like something was missing, but one look at Lexi and he was OTT possessive/protective, exactly the kind of man Lexi needed. Realistically, the love story seemed to go way too fast, but I did kind of like how he held off on some things until she was officially his. The underlying mystery/suspense behind her dad though never got tied up, so it seems like it's going to be an ongoing story line throughout the series, or at least the next book? Some editing issues, but didn't take me too far out of the story. No cheating or OM/OW drama, virgin FMC, dual POV, HEA and an epilogue a few days later. Looking forward to seeing who falls in love next, and whose behind her dad and the law firm.

[Laura Moylan]

Lexi has been on numerous buses since leaving Jersey City, NJ. Now, she is finally getting off the last one, with her backpack in Hope. Her mother had done some seasonal work near Wild Heart Mountain when Lexi was conceived. She gets the keys before she meets with the lawyer regarding her father’s will, so she will have to go back the following day, for the paperwork. Her unexpected inheritance is something she really needs.

At Jake’s Retreat, we get to see the couples from the other books & Aiden. When the guys see smoke coming from the old Reilly place, Aiden volunteers to go check it out. He meets Lexi, and things click, instantly for him. She is his One. Aiden is so sweet and protective of Lexi. He talks her into going home with him, because her father’s place isn’t safe to stay in. Then they talk and things progress between them to the romantic, hot and steamy.

It is a good thing that Aiden is with her when they go check out the boundary lines of her place, because some have been moved. I like how Lexi chooses things after that.

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

[Aspen G]

A Veteran’s Protection is he-falls-first and hard instalove, packed full of my wife vibes and alpha-protector hotness. At 24, Lexi has been struggling and taking care of herself for a decade when she meets Aiden, and wow do the sparks fly. I love that he instinctively knows she is his forever, and he is willing to show her that in any and every way. The mystery that comes along with the land Lexi inherited presents with several twists, and the external third act drama brought another level to the plot that seems like it will arch across the series. I adored Lexi’s acquired backbone, and the plot twist in the epilogue left me wanting more! I devoured this novella in 45 minutes—it is such a fun and fast-paced read with a gorgeous HEA for Lexi and Aiden.

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

[Dalia]

A Veteran’s Protection by Sadie King is a fast-paced mountain romance packed with instant attraction, suspense, and a fiercely protective ex-military hero. When Lexi arrives on Wild Heart Mountain to investigate an inheritance from the father she never knew, sparks fly immediately between her and Aiden, a former soldier working security at Jake’s Retreat. Their connection is intense from the start, and Aiden quickly steps into protector mode when threats surrounding Lexi’s inheritance begin to surface. Lexi is a strong, determined heroine navigating uncertainty while refusing to be intimidated by those who want her gone. With a cozy mountain setting, light suspense, plenty of chemistry, and a devoted alpha hero, this is an entertaining, spicy instalove romance that delivers exactly what fans of the trope are looking for.

[Kari Hansen]

When Lexi finds out that she has inherited a house from the father she never knew she travels to Wild Heart Mountain for a quick visit with the intention of selling it. When she meets Aiden the connection between them is undeniable and that combined with what she is learning about her father has her wondering if this is where she belongs.

After his military career Aiden has found a place to call home at Jake’s Retreat with other veterans. He believes that there are squatters on Lexi’s father’s property, so he comes to investigate the situation and finds Lexi and once he meets her he knows they are meant to be together and now he just needs to convince her to stay.

You can’t help but feel for Lexi when it comes to her complicated family situation, but Aiden is both protective and supportive as he shows that where she is meant to be is with him.

[Colinda Trienekens]

What an incredible book this was. From the very beginning, I could feel the love Aiden had, it was immediate, intense, and so genuine. What made it even more special was how protective he was toward Lexi. That combination made their connection feel deep and real, and I found myself completely drawn into their story.

As I kept reading, the tension in the story only grew stronger, and it had me hooked the entire time. I didn’t want to put the book down because I just needed to know what would happen next. Every moment felt meaningful, and the emotions really stayed with me.

This is such a fantastic book and clearly part of a great series. I’m already so curious about what comes next, and I honestly can’t wait for the next book to continue the story.

[Nathalie DeSousa]

Another great addition to the Timber Creek Daddies series. This time the focus is on Wyatt, he is the quiet hacker of the group, and ex military who does his work in silence and hidden under lines of code. A chance encounter brings an injured Junie to his arms. She is running from a danger and trying to find her brother at the same time. Wyatt is taken with her at first sight and will do anything to heal her and help her save her brother. Their love is born from attraction, an understanding of silence, insight, and trust. But when she breaks his trust to save her brother, their relationthip is fractured, can they make it back to each other?

A great short read with plenty of heart, spice, and a redemption story worth of your next reading break!.

[Michelle]

When Lexi found out she received an inheritance from the father she never met, she decided to head to Hope, settle the inheritance, sell it, and head back to New Jersey. But destiny had other plans for her, and his name is Aiden. Aiden works security and sees a fire on Lexi's property, so he heads over to investigate and falls for Lexi the moment he sees her. This is a fast paced, instalove romance with some interesting storyline twists. The writing is well done, the characters are likeable, and I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after. A Veteran's Protection is book one and a wonderful start to the Wild Heart Veterans series. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[JLH]

She's there to claim her father's property and her inheritance. Even though it's a year old she still wants it. But there are people who want to buy it from her but not really knowledgeable of why. The house is inhabitable and as she's burning the rotten furniture, she needs help. He is there to help her. He's offering at least. And he instantly knows that he would like to be her forever. Being a vet keep me to himself he's willing to take the the chance and letting her know how he feels. Mystery in the small town? Yes. It is a good story it is good interaction and how people can change or help others even when they're trying to still figure it out. Fast-paced Romance. Pretty good read.

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

[BecReadReview]

A Veteran’s Protection is a quick, steamy OTT read that’s easy to devour in one sitting. The instant connection between Lexi and Aiden is sweet, addictive, and impossible not to enjoy.

Aiden’s possessive obsession will have you smiling, while Lexi quickly sheds her innocence, turning up the heat and setting the pages on fire. Alongside the romance, there’s also a touch of mystery surrounding her father that hooks your interest and leaves you wanting more.

Fast-paced, spicy, and entertaining, this is a quick indulgence perfect for readers wanting protective hero vibes and sizzling chemistry.

[Melissa Wilson]

This is book 1 in Wild Heart Veterans series. Tropes: ex military, security, willed property, forced proximity, curvy and innocent FMC. Lexi has recently inherited property from a father she never met. She has a plan to sell it and return to Jersey. Aiden falls hard and fast when he meets Lexi. I liked Lexi. She was so sweet but overwhelmed with her alcoholic mother and the rundown property she inherited. There is a little mystery that we get to see progress as the series progresses. Enjoying thid new series with the veterans.

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

[Victoria]

3.5 stars.

I liked Lexi and Aiden as characters, I felt a connection to them and believed in their connection and chemistry. I liked seeing the way Aiden supported her and protected her too, I hoped that things would work out for them and that Lexi would get answers to the questions she had. For me personally her and Aiden's story ended too soon as there were things I want know myself, I'm assuming that some of my questions will be answered as this series continue but I would have still liked a little bit more from this story.

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

[Jane]

I borrowed A Veteran's Protection ~ Wild Heart Veterans ~ Book 1, by Sadie King, author, from the Kindle Unlimited Program on Amazon.

Aiden met Lexi one night and took her home with him, he was sure she was meant for him. Lexi only planned to stay three days to settle her father's property, but when she found out what her mother had done, she changed her mind.

I loved how protective and helpful Aiden was in keep Lexi safe and helping her clean up her Dad's property. A three-day love affair was a little hard to understand but I do know couples that just knew they were meant for each other, so I could give it a pass. This was a nice short story with two nice characters.

[Johanna]

Book 1 of Wild Heart Veterans. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'A Veteran’s Protection is a short, steamy, instalove romance featuring an ex-military alpha hero, a curvy heroine in danger, and a possessive hero who falls first.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Crystal]

Much like the characters, I was hooked from the moment I started reading A Veteran's Protection. This was very much an insta-love romance with a hint of mystery. I adored our main couple. From the moment he saw Lexi, he was in love. He had to protect her, no matter what. As for Lexi, she's really just there to find out a little bit about her father and sell her inheritence. What she found was love and a protective family of veterans that we get to meet and fall for as the series progresses. Sign me the heck up!.

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

[Vicki]

4.25 stars

This is book one in the author’s new Wild Heart Veterans series where Jake’s Retreat which is interconnected with her Jake’s Heroes series is featured.

Aiden and Lexi, the two MCs, fell fast and hard in this sweet and super short little read; they definitely weren’t wasting any time! The steam was good and spicy and the romance was sweet which led me to read this little story from start to finish, nonstop in about 45 minutes; it was so cute. Check it out for yourself, see what YOU think! 4.25 stars from me.

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

[Sarah]

💥 He falls first. He's protective. He's obsessed. Need I say more? 👀🔥

If you're looking for a quick, steamy read, A Veteran's Protection by Sadie King delivers! 🔥

This under-100-page romance features an insta-love connection between a curvy heroine and a protective ex-military alpha who knows exactly what he wants—and that's her. 🥵

The hero falls first, falls hard, and is all in from the start. Add plenty of steam, possessive energy, and a guaranteed HEA, and you've got the perfect book to devour in a single sitting. ❤️📚

⭐ Perfect for readers who love:
• Insta-love
• Curvy heroine
• Protective alpha hero
• Ex-military MMC
• He falls first
• Short & steamy romances

[Val]

A sweet instalove. With life beating her down, looking after her Mom, working, going to school, her rent overdue and an inheritance from a father she never knew have Lexi in Hope. Aiden has been watching his buddies fall in love and wishes he could find someone to share his life with. Seeing her bonfire from his, he goes to check it out.
Meeting his “firefly” has him taking care of Lexi. As they get closer he is there to help with the house from her Dad. Things don’t add up but they work together to come up with a plan.
Hopefully we will find out more of the mystery in the next books.

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

[De Anna]

Boundaries.
Awesome. Aiden goes to investigate fire he can see through the trees from edge of Jake’s Retreat. What he finds surprises him on many levels. A curvy stunning woman is burning furniture from the house in the fire pit. The house isn’t safe to stay in this much is clear. Lexie inherited the house and the six acres it sits on from a father she never knew and thought he didn’t know about her. Aiden takes her to his place and tells her that he’ll take care of her now. She’s only here for three days but, he’s going to convince her that she belongs here and with him.

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

[Deborah]

Her father, whom she didn’t know, left her his property and Lexi Gibbs has made her way to Hope. Sadly, the property is a little hopeless and Lexi just wants to salvage what she can and head back to Jersey. Aiden Whitley came to Hope for a brief respite at Jake’s Retreat and never left. He lays eyes on Lexi and he knows he’s met the ‘one’ and they haven’t even spoken yet. The drama and angst are low, the romance is red hot in this quick and engaging read. Thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read and review her work.

[Didi]

3.5-4*
An interesting start to this new series. It is a instalove, so it is a very quick read. Lexi comes to Hope because of an unexpected inheritance. Finding her with nowhere to stay, Aiden insists she stays with him. Aiden knows she is his forever and now must convince his “firefly” to stay. A bit of mystery, undeniable attraction, a sense of danger, and revelations that change Lexi’s life. It is end kind of abruptly but hints at more to come. Overall and enjoyable quick romance.

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

[Marilyn]

A Veteran's Protection is an intriguing start to a new series, Wild Heart Veterans. This ex-military romance is a blend of good writing and wonderful characters with elements of added suspense throughout. Lexi and Aiden ‘s connection from the start is compelling. It grows even deeper and stronger as they journey toward their Happy ever after. I loved this first book of this new series and look forward to reading more.

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

[Lisa Bing]

This was a fab series opener that brings Lexi into veteran and security specialist, Aiden's sphere. She may be in town for only a few days to quickly rehab her deceased estranged father's cabin to sell, but he knows she it for him. She's shocked at her reaction/connection to Aiden, something she's never felt before. However, things are not all as they seem and there's a mystery with danger afoot. I loved seeing the romance unfold between these two and can't wait for the next book. Good fun!