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Sanctuary #3

Shadow of Doubt

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Former SEAL Brian “Mad Dog” Sheppard might look like a gentle giant to some, but there's a very good reason for his call name. Threaten someone he cares about and he'll stop at nothing to protect them.

That includes his new team of fellow SEALs. They’re all about creating a safe haven for vets trying to readjust to civilian life. Everyone agrees it’s a great idea, but there are those who would much rather they take their good deeds somewhere else—preferably far away from the sleepy mountain town of Sumneyville.

Kate Handelmann is friendly and down-to-earth with very strong ties to the community. While she’s not a fan of gossip and firmly believes that actions speak louder than words, it’s impossible to ignore all the rumors surrounding the mysterious and potentially dangerous group of men settling in just outside of town.

When Mad Dog shows up at her dad’s hardware store, the instant and powerful attraction is undeniable, but Kate’s family already has other ideas—and he is definitely not part of their plan.

As tensions escalate between the men of Sanctuary and local residents, hard lines are drawn. With their chemistry off the charts, will Kate choose her family? Or will she sacrifice everything to be with the man she loves?

Shadow of Doubt is a small town, contemporary romance featuring former military heroes and light suspense.

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First published April 14, 2020

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1159 people want to read

About the author

Abbie Zanders

79 books2,047 followers
Abbie Zanders is a USA Today Bestselling Author with more than 55 published romance novels to date. Her stories range from contemporary to paranormal and everything in between. She promises her readers two things: happily ever afters, always, and no cliffhangers, ever.

Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.

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5 stars
557 (70%)
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184 (23%)
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40 (5%)
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6 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
April 3, 2020
A fantastic and suspenseful romance. Chris and Kate were so funny together and of course sexy. My Heart did hurt for Kate
362 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2020
I always enjoy the stories written by Abbie Zanders.Kate and Chris(Mad dog) were a fantastic couple. There was romance, mystery, jealousy, hot scenes and even a little bit of evening the score. Once I started reading this is was so hard to put down. I love the way that each of the characters seem real, not perfect. I loved Kate, she was so sweet and the nicest person. Her family didn’t deserve her. I wanted to scream at her parents , younger sister Kylie, as well as the women from the ladies auxiliary. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t stop reading until I finished it. Dinner was a little late. I love the way that each of the characters seem real, not perfect. Family doesn’t mean that you are related by blood but by love,friendship,loyalty and respect. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I was given an arc. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,213 reviews34 followers
April 3, 2020
Shadow of Doubt is a wonderful love story set against a backdrop of the ever deepening divide between Sanctuary and the townsfolk of Sumneyville, family dissension and the increasingly secretive group of preppers. Chris "Mad Dog" Sheppard is a gorgeous, intelligent, loyal and a gentle giant until you cross him. Kate Handelman is a giver, compassionate, caring, family oriented and one lusty woman. The connection between Mad Dog & Kate is palpable and growing stronger each day. They just click. Kate is forced to make some hard life altering decisions and her man is there to love her and kiss her hurt away.

I love this Sanctuary seies. Abbie Zanders has created such rich, complex and likeable characters and weaves them into interesting stories with just the right mix of intrigue, suspense and romance. You won't go wrong buying and reading this series. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Allena.
1,440 reviews
April 5, 2020
This review is for an ARC of Shadow Of Doubt.

Things are heating up for the Sanctuary guys and the locals are still not very friendly. What they are up to in the mountains becomes a little clearer and the people involved come to light.

You will feel for the heroine and how her family treats her, the bad guy Luther I don’t know if I have enough words to describe how much of a douche he is.

Kate and Mad Dog were great, she was down to earth and a “real” person and his loyalty and fierceness was amazing.
Profile Image for Jane A.
332 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2020
This great series from Abbie Zanders just keeps getting better. The mystery surrounding Sumneyville, the mines & Sanctuary is deepening and the adage about being able to choose your friends but not your familiy is very true in this story. Shadow of Doubt is beautifully written with plenty of romance, mystery, action, hot scences, great characters (good & bad), heartache & small town life to keep everyone entralled - I certainly was!
Kate is a wonderful character - kind, self-reliant, strong, dog lover (always a bonus), I love how she puts down Luther but she had some heartbreaking decisions to make. Chris (Mad Dog) is loyal, protective & single-minded, he knows Kate is it for him but doesn't want to rush or push her, however Kate has her own ideas about what she wants - "He was a man on the edge, and she was chipping away at the earth beneath his feet." Kate & Chris make a wonderful couple, not perfect but perfect for each other, there is humour, heat, romance & trust. Chris has Kate's back is a way her familiy never did & gives her the support & strength to make the decision to live her life for her.
Lots of supporting characters from Sanctuary to love but also so many great well crafted bad ones as well, perfectly depicted to make them real, believeable & utterly loatheable!
I can't wait for the next installement & highly recommend this book to everyone, its a great read! I received this book as an ARC, the views expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Kasey Belle.
Author 21 books142 followers
April 16, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better. We are one step closer to finding out what is really happening with the prepper group. I love the Sanctuary team, their irreverent humor, and their ladies.

Mad Dog is one of my favorite characters. Kate is perfect for him. Their loyalty to each other hits me in the feels. She gives up a lot to be with her soulmate, but she gained so much more.

As someone who has lived as an outsider in a small town and experienced small-minded attitudes, I felt the author captured that thinking perfectly.

This is a must-read series full of complex characters, intrigue, action, romance, hot sexy times, and suspense. I can’t wait for the next book. Five stars!
79 reviews
April 4, 2020
I loved the latest installment of the Sanctuary series by Abbie Zanders. Brian "Mad Dog" Shepherd and Kate Handlemann have become my new favorite couple of this series. The plot is very complex and intriguing. The characters grabbed my attention from the first page, and held it until the last. Plot progression had me at the edge of my seat at all times.

If you like military romances, I would highly, highly recommend this book to you. Abbie Zanders has written a fantastic story yet again.

Thank you, Abbie for giving your readers another great story. You have knocked it out of the park once again!
Profile Image for Lisa.
381 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2020
I love Abbie Zanders. Her books are awesome and Shadow of Doubt is no exception. Mad Dog and Kate are perfect together in so many ways, though there are others that would prefer they kept their distance. Her family isn’t all wonderful; her ex, well, the best thing about him is his absence; and who knows who to trust in town. But she and Mad Dog have a connection, and you know there will be twists and turns, but also and HEA since it IS and Abbie Zanders book. I couldn’t put it down, I loved it. Awesome 3rd installment in the Sanctuary series.
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
414 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better!

Wow! This series just keeps getting better and better! I have love the 2 previous books in this series and wasn't quite sure where it would take us and let me tell you it does not disappoint!

Mad Dog and Kate are a great couple with so much standing in their way. The way they navigate all the obstacles in their way was captivating. While there was a happy ending for them, I am curious to discover what will happen with others involved as we get further into this series. I will be on pins and needles waiting for the next books in this series!
Profile Image for Stacy Dow.
326 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2020
Abbie delivers another amazing story that will keep you glued to your kindle from start to finish. The storyline was packed with romance mystery and plenty of hot scenes. Love Brain and Kate both as couple and as individuals. As couple they were so hot, adorable and had great interactions with each other. Found Kate to be a very warm likeable leading lady, Brain came across the perfect balance of alpha male who still allowed Kate to stand on her own two feet.
559 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2020
Kate meets Brian when he comes into her family's hardware store for a few things. He walked out being very curious about Kate, and wants to know more. Kate was flustered to say the least, when sexy SEAL Brian Sheppard talks to her for a minute, as she rings up his purchases. Kate can't stop thinking about Brian, even though Brian is one of those "Sanctuary guys". Their road to a HEA is filled with laughter, intrigue, and danger. You will want to get this book ASAP. Sorry, no spoilers
6 reviews
April 4, 2020
I was given an advance copy for my honest review.

I really liked this latest installment in the Sanctuary series. The character development was well thought out and the storyline was believable. I was hoping for a little more drama but can see where the author is building suspense for future stories.

Overall I highly recommend this book and all the no ks in the series, and cannot wait for more.
Profile Image for Renee.
98 reviews
April 5, 2020
I love Abbie Zanders books. As with all her books it is well written and edited. It is a easy read that you don’t want to put down. The characters are well developed and likable. This book didn’t have the suspense element that her other books have. Also, this book is part of a series with a ongoing plot which I really don’t like. I prefer stand alone books with intertwined characters like the Callaghan series. For that reason I gave it a 4 star.
720 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2020
Chris and Kate were so great together. Let's face it no one can write a good Alpha story like Abbie can. This book is my favorite in the series so far. Each addition to the series that lets us into the town and the people and what is really going on there. You can't help but get so excited each time we get a new book in the series to see what's going to happen next to our guys. I can't wait for the next addition to the series. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa Baffi.
847 reviews13 followers
April 15, 2020

I love all of Abbie's books, she is so talented! I love all the heart warming, steamy, and humorous passages in her books. Also, the camaraderie between the guys, and this one was just as wonderful as the rest. This was Mad dog's book, and I loved how he was such a gentleman and protective of Kate. The dogs were adorable and a nice addition to the growing Sanctuary family. I can't wait for the next book in this fantastic series.
2,505 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2020
I’m loving this new series from Ms Zanders. Knowing it’s set not far from the Callaghan’s is a bonus as we get glimpses of them from time to time. Mad Dog and Kate’s story had drama intrigue and love. It was compelling reading once you start you can’t stop! I love the ongoing storyline the intrigue and suspense are making me eager for the next book. Great book can’t wait to see who’s up next !
585 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2020
Mad Dog and Kate are two entertaining characters in this well thought out, intriguing and addictive story which is full,of content . A well written story which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Profile Image for Amanda Roden.
1,049 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2020
I really love this series and how each book inter connects! Mad Dog is definitely one I’ve been waiting for and Kate is his perfect match! I can’t wait for more from this group!
2 reviews
August 17, 2020
Wonderful book and great story,

Wonderful third book in the series, can't wait for more stories of the sanctuary men! A non-stop read, loved it.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2020
Great read. Loved the story. Chris and Kate are such a cute couple. The struggles they go through to be together just makes you want to scream. The people in the town are horrible, Kate's family except her older sister should be shot. As usual, Abbie tells a story that leaves you wanting more and her books are always flawless with no errors. As someone who worked as a proofreader for years I notice.
Profile Image for Fran.
68 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2020
Another wonderful read

I'm loving the Sanctuary Series and all the characters. It's like coming home and spending time with family. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Misty A Harper.
10 reviews
August 1, 2020
No Doubt

No doubt about it, Abbie Zanders has once again written an amazing story, captivating from beginning to end. Each book in Abbie's Sanctuary series is better than the last, and the characters are beautifully written, and are relatable. Mad Dog and Kate's story is full of loyalty, betrayal, heartbreak, and undying love and devotion. I felt so many emotions reading this story, and I can't wait for the next book in the series - this book is definitely a 5 star, two thumbs up must read!
Profile Image for Judi.
69 reviews
April 22, 2020
Small town scoundrels + ex-military Alphas + innocent citizens = non stop reading!

Sumneyville is a small town where Kate Handelmann's family has owned a hardware store for a hundred years. Like most small towns, it has its charm - but it also has a darker side.

Former SEAL "Mad Dog" Brian Sheppard is working alongside his Veteran brothers on a property named Sanctuary, with the goal to give other service members a place to prepare themselves for civilian life.

Shadow of Doubt brings the forces of light and dark together as Kate becomes a target and Mad Dog vows to protect her. This story is a combination of good & bad, right & wrong, sweet & bitter, sorrow & joy. It is filled with characters to love and some to despise. It is a page turner from start to finish. Undoubtedly to be put on your read again shelf.

Profile Image for Rachael.
176 reviews
April 19, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better! I love all of abbie's books, but this series is becoming one of my favorites!
I love Brian "mad dog" and Kate! They were so cute, and I love the small town storyline! There is so much going on with the backstory, and it will keep you guessing! The book drew me in from the first page. I got so mad each time I had to put it down and stop! I just wanted to sit and finish it, and it took me a few days. But so worth it!

I highly recommend this book! But read the previous 2 books first, because each book builds upon the last. These books are not standalones!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
4 reviews
April 20, 2020
I was so excited to see this new release in Ms. Zanders Sanctuary series. Through the first two book in the series, as the characters were established, it became very quickly apparent that all of the characters had their own personalities for us to love as we learn more about them. This book gives us great insight into Mad Dog and Kate. Kate is heroine that we can relate to and we can easily fall into. Mad Dog is the somewhat prickly hero. I appreciate the tension that is added as he has to balance between his growing relationship with her, and the asks of the Sanctuary team.

This book again hits it out of the park and I look forward to future books by Ms. Zanders in this series.
203 reviews
October 18, 2020
I loved coming back to Sanctuary! I'd been curious about ”Mad Dog” and how he got his name, so I was thrilled to get his story!! I enjoyed how he fell for Kate, she needed him! As much as that girl gave to her family and the community, it was so disheartening how easily they shunned her. But with Brian and Sanctuary, she found a real family that will appreciate who she truly is. Brian and Kate are perfect for one another in so many different ways.

I will say I'm looking forward to more Sanctuary books, I'm dying to have the mystery of this town and it's hold on the townspeople resolved!!
Profile Image for Connie Wilson.
169 reviews159 followers
July 1, 2020
love the book & development of love story. Now want to read rest in the series
Profile Image for Suzi.
1,004 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2020
Great

Kate and Mad Dogs story was so good. Kate raised in a small town with deep roots. She works for her parents but doesn’t allow them to steam roll her. Mad Dog shows up and changes everything for her. These two are simply perfect for each other!
Profile Image for Kristy.
120 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2020
Sanctuary

A perfect title for this book. Not only the sanctuary they are building for the Vets, but in the end, a sanctuary for Kate. Mad dog is so good for Kate! I just love them together! Can't wait for the next one! At least I hope there's a next one!
22 reviews
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May 3, 2020
I love this series! Kate is by far my favorite character so far, she’s very down to earth and real. The 3rd installment of a very well written series with characters that keep you coming back for more. I can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews

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