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Sanctuary #4

Nick UnCaged

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Former SEAL Nick “Cage” Fumanti likes where his life is at. A city boy at heart, he’s made peace with the fresh air, open skies, and satisfaction he gets from helping make Sanctuary a success. The best part is, he’s all but forgotten the shady past that prompted him to join the Navy right out of high school. The only thing missing is someone to share it with, but since he’s much better with tech than he is with women, he doesn’t hold out much hope that’s going to happen.

Online journalist Gabriella De Rossi is tired of being passed over for the juicy assignments. She wants more than the puff pieces and human interest stories being tossed her way. She understands the seedy underworld better than most because she’s actually lived it. Sure, her personal experiences may have developed her empathetic tendencies, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have what it takes.

When Bree is sent to Pennsylvania to do a story on a new program to assist returning veterans re-acclimate into civilian society, she’s understandably less than enthusiastic. However, fate might actually be on her side for once. Not only does the former SEAL tasked with showing her around rouse her non-professional interest, but she soon discovers that the sleepy little mountain town of Sumneyville has its share of secrets… and so does her SEAL.

Revealing the truth could be the big break Bree’s been waiting for, but if doing so means losing Nick forever, is it worth it?

This latest installment in the Sanctuary series is a contemporary love story with plenty of steam, small town suspense, and humor to give you all the feels and leave you smiling.

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2020

408 people are currently reading
192 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Lujuna Brown-Jackson.
100 reviews
October 18, 2020
Thank you Abbie Zanders for finally giving me the kind of heroine I have always wanted!

Gabriella "Bree" DeRossi, (the daughter of a crime family which she keeps secret), is a reporter with "Sentinel Voice" in San Diego California who is sent to Sumneyville Pennsylvania to write a story about veterans with issues at the rehab facility called "Sanctuary". Bree worked and earned a BA, has an empathic, strong, committed nature, and is not influenced or swayed by unproven facts. She is a good judge of people and can ferret out a lie, but she always seems to find trouble. I loved Bree because she was NOT one of those characters who was lead around by the nose or let others influence her opinion. She was smart enough to use her brain and search for the real story behind what others were telling her. That made her unique to me. Not many authors have the courage to write the female lead as being so independent. Most make her wishy-washy and easily influenced by the wrong man. Well, Bree didn't do any of this! Hat's off to the author!

Nick "Cage" Fumanit, our hero, was also the product of a crime family, (He also keeps this secret from others), who became a Navy SEAL. He became a partner with others building and working to create "Sanctuary", a refuge for military men and women dealing with the pressures of returning to civilian life and different forms of PTSD after serving their country. He is a good, strong, steady type of man who considers himself a nerd. He is into all kinds of technology and because of this has a hard time relating to others in a normal setting. He feels slightly uncomfortable and says the wrong thing when talking to females. He is awkward but very sweet, so yeah, kind of like a nerd! I loved him! Although he never told Bree about his crime family ties, he never really lied to her. He has moved on from his family ties and doesn't associate with anyone from his childhood life. He wants to be judged and respected for the man he is and not for the life he was born into. Cage and Bree are perfect for each other and feel the connection when they first meet.

The town of Sumneyville PA is a small, close-knit family orientated type of place. Activities consist of potbellied pig races with names like "The Notorious P.I.G.", "Jason Hammoa" and "Spamela Hamderson", or horse rides on "Peaches and Herb"! (Hysterical)! Then there is the busy body, noisy, grumpy, gossip spreading Ladies Auxiliary ran by, let's just say the "Queen Bee", Mona Delveccchio. Most people in the town support what the men of Sanctuary are trying to accomplish, but there are others who oppose them and cause a lot of trouble. There is also a group of town folks who consider themselves to be Dooms Day Preppers. This is the group that causes most of the bad blood between the Sanctuary guys and the town folk. This bad blood goes back to the time of the founding families and the truth behind the feud has not come to light.

I enjoyed the story and the characters. We even got a chance to see some favorites from Pine Ridge! It is always great to get a chance to be in the presence of the badass Callaghans, Ian, Jake, Sean, and Nicki! All the men of Sanctuary are in the house and the ladies help hold things down. There is even one couple who ties the knot by the end of the book. Very cool indeed! Definitely enjoyed reading this one, thanks again, Abbie!
2,024 reviews8 followers
October 19, 2020
In this latest book, we get the story of Nick "Cage" Fumanti, the IT guy for the Santuary, and Gabriella "Bree" De Rossi, a reporter sent to do a story on the Sanctuary. Nick gets tasked with giving Bree a tour of the Sanctuary and keeping her occupied. He finds himself attracted to her and her self-confidence. Bree finds Nick warm and friendly, and borderline shy at times.

For background for her story, Bree gets to know some of the people of Sumneyville. She finds that some people are on board with what the guys are doing at Sanctuary while others are have an issue with them. The story has suspense, romance, intrigue, humor, and a hint that there is more to learn about the fires that have happened in the past. Once Bree returns to California, she has to decide what type of story to write.

There were certainly some twists that were unforeseen and more answers to come in the next books. Love that Abbie brought some of the Callaghans into the story line.
Profile Image for Cathy.
788 reviews
October 19, 2020
UNCAGED by Abbie Zanders. Well, Ms. Zanders has added another great read to this series. Nick and Bree are absolutely perfect for each other. Both have similar backgrounds, both are independent and proud of who they are. I adored Nick. He reminds me a bit of a nerdy geek, but super sexy. Bree is a smart and independent woman that doesn’t fall easily for what other people say. I liked that she didn’t take everything she heard at face value. Having read previous series by this author, it was fun to see some of those characters pop up too. Ms. Zanders writing style flows effortlessly and smoothly. The plot is well written and keeps the reader involved. This book, and series, is one I recommend.
(Received ARC for honest review)
Profile Image for Sue.
4,343 reviews5 followers
October 16, 2020
Loved Nick's story. Anything to do with military/ex military I love to read. There's lots going on in this sleepy town that's not as it seems. Bree is sent there by her boss to do a piece on Santuary thinking it's just going to be a boring job about old military guys. Boy is she wrong. I like the suspense and undercurrents of this book. I like all the charactors. Great book and a HEA.
6 reviews
October 19, 2020
I was given an advanced copy for my honest review and I have to say I was so happy with the latest installment of the Sanctuary series.

There was Abbie's signature humor and wit as well as her incredible storytelling, but what surprised and pleased me the most was the slight but very noticeably difference to the feel of this story. This was definitely a love story, but not one that has been told in this way that I've read before.

From the beginning of the book, it was clear that Nick was different from the others, he was quieter, more introspective not as dominantly alpha as her other heroes, and I enjoyed that aspect tremendously. He wasn't as confident as you would normally find in a SEAL's romance and that added a layer of depth to him. Not that he wasn't or couldn't be forceful and alpha when necessary, but he wasn't as domineering as others have been.

I absolutely loved Bree! It is a fine line to have a love interest that's confident and bold without being arrogant. She understood limits and didn't make decisions based on ego, she understood dangers and when to heed warnings.

What I admired most about her was that she realized she needed to figure out who she was before jumping into a relationship with Nick. The physical attraction/chemistry was there in of course, but Bree knew she couldn't get emotionally attached, not in the limited time she would be in Sumneyville.
It is incredible to read someone with this much self awareness and not have her be egotistical.

What really pulled me in was that neither character denied their feelings for each other. I've read books where the couple fall madly in love in chapter 3 and spend the rest of the book whining and wailing "I'm not good enough for him/her" and having one angsty moment after another. Their love story developed slowly and naturally and I felt part of their journey.
5 reviews
October 16, 2020
A great continuation of the Sanctuary series! In the series, the Sanctuary guys are preparing and providing a mountain resort as a place for returning military vets to reintegrate back into civilian life. But our guys also discover that a group of townspeople are stashing excessive amounts of firepower in underground areas near the Sanctuary land, and the Sanctuary guys are trying to figure out the group’s real agenda.

“Nick Uncaged” features Nick ‘Cage’ Fumanti and Bree de Rossi, a journalist sent to write a fluff piece on Sanctuary. She gets her information but also does discover a bit of what is going on behind the scenes in the town. The romance between Nick and Bree is both sweet and hot, just the way I like it. I would have liked there to have been more action between the ‘survivalists’ and the Sanctuary guys, but that’s just me. In the end, I know I can trust Abbie Zanders to tie it up with a big finish at the end of the series.

There are lots of delicious references to people, places and things that Callaghan and Sanctuary series fans are so fondly familiar with, and which are great teasers and backgrounds for new readers. Several of the Callaghans show up in this story, as do minor characters from previous stories in this series, tying backgrounds, backstories and characters together for a tight, cohesive feel. We have Ian, Jake, Sean and even Nicki from the Callaghan series participating in this story, but also previous ‘Sanctuary’ series characters such as Lenny, and even a very minor characters from the first and third books of the series.
Profile Image for A.
789 reviews
October 15, 2020
I am absolutely in love with the Sanctuary series. You can Always depends on Abbie Zanders to write a wonderful story. Not only do you feel invested in the characters, you get a wonderful glimpse of the town’s character too. Nick and Bree are the latest couple, and you will fall for them. They are meant for each other. Nick is a sexy protective alpha with some secrets. Bree is a sharp, strong-willed, independent woman, and she can cut right through the town’s stories to see the truth of what is going on. It’s an awesome happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2020
What a fantastic story. Bree meets Nick and instantly feels like she has known him for years. The story she was sent to write gets more and more complicated, but she just knows that the group from Sanctuary are the good guys. This is another great story in this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Jane A.
332 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2020
Another beautifully written story from Abbie Zanders in the excellent Sanctuary series, weaving the perfect mix of intrigue, suspense and romance.
Former Seal Nick 'Cage' Fumanti, the resident IT geek at Sanctuary and much happier around tech than women, wasn't expecting to feel an instant attraction to journalist Gabriella 'Bree' De Rossi when he is tasked with showing her round Sanctuary. Bree is desperate for a big story but assumes the piece she has been tasked with writing about Sanctuary will be simply be another in the long line of feel good stories she always gets to write. Bree's interest is immediately sparked by Nick and as they tentatively start to explore their feelings, Bree's instincts also start to sense that there is much more to the story of Sanctuary and the small town of Sumneyville than appears on the surface. As Bree digs deeper to uncover the truth she finds that her big break story may just ruin any chance of a relationship with Nick.
I love that the mystery of what is going on in Sumneyville just keeps building and we still have no idea how it is all going to end! The description of the land and mountains is beautiful and the goings on in quintessential small town America are wonderful and amusing to read. Nick is slightly awkward and adorable, Bree is confident and smart but still searching for her true calling, together they are sweet but hot and sexy too. A visit from the Callaghans is always a bonus and we got to meet up with a few this time, I love how characters from other series are seamlessly interwoven into the story.
I loved Nick's story and highly recommend it and eagerly await Doc's instalment to see how events continue to unfold.
I received an arc from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
22 reviews
October 16, 2020
Absolutely loved this one! The build up from the previous books is getting good. You not only drool over the men of Sanctuary, but the wait to see what happens to the bad guys. You know when the Callahan's get involved its gonna be EPIC! I was really surprised at a few of the twists and turns the book made as well. She really keeps you guessing. Just when you think you have it an know-BOOM she basically drops a smoke bomb and when it clears your jaw drops. I have read her books for years, and she still shocks me with her storylines and endings. Her HEA's are amazing though. How she pulls two different series together and inputs a bit about the third is amazing. You feel like, "I need to check into those" as you read and want to know more about those characters' back stories. Abbie will draw you in and grab hold of you with her stories. Seriously...She will chain you to your reader until you finish. I just sat here at my desk until I finished! As usual I couldn't put it down
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,906 reviews17 followers
October 20, 2020
Another great chapter in this Sanctuary series. More details are revealed. You don't have to read the others first, but it does provide more background and enjoyment for this chapter. Quite a few Callaghan's make an appearance as well.

I loved the AHA moment that Bree had when she realized it all about Sanctuary and their owners. Not being active but still being active. Other memorable moments, the pig races and their names, a tree house (but don't call it that!), a field trip with Green Eyes, understanding that people are different and you have to approach them differently and most importantly, "WOOSC". Loved it. This author is always a one-click author for me, no matter what books she writes. You won't be disappointed.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,086 reviews24 followers
October 20, 2020
I really love the writing style in this story. I enjoy the strength, determination, protectiveness, loyalty and loving nature of both Nick and Bree. I love the setting and the secondary characters. I love the way Bree and Nick interact with each other especially when he thinks things like how he needs to be connected physically but emotionally as well with Bree and how deep that need goes.
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
October 14, 2020
This was an excellent and sexy romance. The town keeps heating up
561 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2020
Gabriella "Bree" Rossi was assigned to write a story for the paper she works for about Sanctuary, a place where veterans can go to peacefully and gradually reintegrate back into society. Gabriella was less than enthused, thinking she would be hearing war stories from a bunch of older men. She couldn't have been more wrong. Nick "Cage" Fumanti is the IT specialist for Sanctuary. The two meet and feel an instant connection. Unbeknownst to either of them, they share similar backgrounds. Bree moved across the country after her father was arrested for crimes he committed while being a "made man" in a crime family. Nick Fumanti joined the Navy to get away from the crime family he had been born into. He never fit in and was always picked on by his cousins because he looked different, thanks to his mom's Irish heritage. Bree is determined to do a good job on this assignment in the hopes of getting more hard hitting, serious stories to write about. She learns the hard way that not everyone tells the truth, and things are not always what they seem. Will Nick and Bree find a way to have their HEA? Get this book ASAP and find out. I promise you won't regret it. Sorry, no spoilers.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
17 reviews
October 20, 2020
Loved it! Another Sanctuary book delivering again. Nick "Cage" Fumanti and Gabriella "Bree" De Rossi run into each other, while she is assigned to write an article on the Sanctuary project. They have an immediate attraction and bond over time through similar pasts as well as romantic camping in the mountains with stargazing. Bree slowly peels back some of the secrets of the seemingly wholesome small town, corrupt officials, and local preppers. A great love story with suspense leaving you waiting for the next couple's story as well as what's going to happen next to the enemies of the Sanctuary.
79 reviews
October 17, 2020
I just finished reading this FANTASTIC book by Abbie Zanders. Nick Uncaged is the fourth book in her Sanctuary series. I love how the heroine, Bree Di Rossi is so independent and strong, and yet is vulnerable as well. I also love the fact that Nick Formati is a "geek" but he's also not afraid to take control in certain situations. Their journey together had me inthralled from the first page. I'm loving this series because it has the right amount of action and romance. I'm also loving the concept of "small-town living" and all of the "political aspects" of it. I've read many of Abbie Zanders' books, and I've every other one of them. This book is no exception! If you're interested in this type of story, I'd highly recommend getting a copy for yourself. Another five star read, Abbie, thank you!
Profile Image for Mary Turner.
172 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2020
This book is yet another in a line of well written books with amazing characters that you WANT to get to know with a great storyline, and enough questions left unanswered to leave you yearning for the next book. You are treated to everything from regional flavor, obscure retro candy choices, humor (that STILL has me giggling), amazing alphas, to soul searching, and (of course) hot romance...this book has it all.

Just when you think she can't, Abbie Zanders does it again!

I highly reccomend reading this series in order, and would also reccomend reading the Callaghan Brothers series as there are crossover characters from that one to this.
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2020
Another fabulous addition to the Sanctuary series. I always had a soft spot for Nick as he’s the tech geek of the group, and I’m so glad he met Bree and got his story. I’m not normally a fan of stories featuring reporters but this one definitely changed my mind. I love the sanctuary series and can’t wait to find out what happens next. I can wait to see when the “baddies” get their comeuppance. Please don’t keep me waiting too long.
Profile Image for Lisa.
381 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2020
Nick and Bree have more in common than they think, took quite paths, but end up at Sanctuary for very different reasons. He is a former Navy SEAL and part owner; she is a journalist and assigned to write a story. Neither expects the chemistry or depth of feeling they both encounter. And the way Abbie Zanders writes it is - she has such a way with words that makes you not only root for them, but you feel what they feel, all their excitement, heartache, anger, anticipation. It’s phenomenal.
Profile Image for Allena.
1,445 reviews
October 14, 2020
This Sanctuary series is a definite must read. Having some of the Callaghan’s make cameos is just a bonus.

The local peppers are still causing problems, the guys are still gathering info on them with help from Ian Callaghan and small town life goes on.

Nick & Bree make a great couple and their chemistry is amazing.
585 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2020
Nick’s story is a very well written, addictive and entertaining. It continues with the story of Sanctuary, a peaceful place for veterans to heal coupled with the mystery of hidden arms in the mines. Bree is a reporter sent to write an article on Sanctuary and its owners.

What does she write? How does Nick fit into the story? Just some of the questions that are answered in this intriguing and enjoyable book which I highly recommend.
2,507 reviews16 followers
October 17, 2020
I love this series! We’ve met all the guys in the previous books but we didn’t really get to see much of Nick. In this book we see just what lies underneath the surface. He’s a sweet and caring guy amd when Brie meets him she knows he’s gonna change her life. This didn’t have the same level of suspense as the other books but it was in its own way full of drama and intrigue. Loved these two together. They made a great couple. Can’t wait for Doc’s book next.
Profile Image for Renee.
98 reviews
October 18, 2020
Abbie Zanders is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. Her books are well written and edited with excellent plot lines that keeps the reader enthralled. Her characters are well developed and we continue to have appearances from our beloved Callahan brothers. Although very good this book was a little different in that there wasn’t a big suspenseful event. No major action. I found that rather disappointing. I also do not like waiting to find out what the bad guys are up too.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
407 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2020
Another great story by one-click author Ms Zander’s. She weaves romance and suspense together beautifully. I loved the visits by the Callaghan’s. I can never get enough of them. If you don’t know who they are you must read the Callaghan Brothers series.
15 reviews
October 16, 2020
Love the Sanctuary series!!! I was so excited to read Nick’s story, it definitely deserves a five star rating...I can’t wait till the other Sanctuary guys get their stories told as well!!!
Profile Image for Holly.
423 reviews
October 14, 2020
5 big stars!!! Loved this book, and loved hearing from old friends.
Profile Image for Kasey Belle.
Author 21 books142 followers
October 22, 2020
Nick Uncaged is the 4th installment in Abbie Zanders' Sanctuary series and is a perfect balance of suspense, humor, and hotness. This gripping and heart-warming story with strong female characters and woobilicious men is a must read. Bonus... a couple of Callaghans make an appearance and who doesn't love a Callaghan. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
414 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2020
Excellent book!

This was a fantastic book! Bree was a strong heroine just like the other women in this series so far. She was the perfect match for Nick. I love how Bree didn't take anything at face value and dig to discover ther truth. And Nick is her perfect other half. He tones down her wildness and keeps her safe.
This series has my full attention and I excitedly wait for each new installment!
Profile Image for LLS.
920 reviews21 followers
October 20, 2020
This was another solid offering from this series! We are back in Sumneyville for this latest addition. Bree is a journalist tasked with interviewing the operators of the Sanctuary. She is less than thrilled to do a story on a bunch of old veterans. Nick meets Bree when she is stranded on the side of the road with car trouble. Neither one knows who the other is but are attracted to each other from the beginning. Will Bree get her story or will she get more than she bargained for. Their story along with the continuing drama of the town's less than legal shenanigans made this a can't miss book!

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Misty A Harper.
10 reviews
October 19, 2020
The fourth installment of Abbie Zanders' Sanctuary series follows Nick "Cage" Fumanti, and Gabriella "Bree" DeRossi, and like her previous installments, does not disappoint! From the very beginning of the book, I found myself enthralled with the characters, both old and new, and the nuanced way that Abbie writes their stories and creates their world. I can see Sumneyville, PA, and the surrounding small towns in my mind, feeling as if I am a spectator within the story.

Each of the protagonists has a past that inexplicably links them, and Cage is strong, shy, and at times a little unsure of himself, which is endearing, and a nice compliment to Bree's independent go-getter, who seeks the truth, not only in her line of work, but in life as well. Bree's journalistic assignment takes her to Sumneyville, specifically to do a piece on Sanctuary, which she believes to be yet another feel-good fluff piece (much to her chagrin). Soon, however, she realizes that this assignment is no fluff piece, and that there is something bigger at play between the men of Sanctuary and some of the residents of the town...

Nick UnCaged is filled with everything a reader could want (well, this reader anyway!) - amazing characters, intrigue, a sprinkle of romance, some action, and the desire for more! Every book within Abbie Zanders' Sanctuary series leaves me impatiently waiting for the next installment, and this one has been, by far, my favorite yet!

A favorite piece from the book:

"Those are the Sanctuary guys? Nothing at all like the grizzled, middle-aged men she'd pictured.

As if he sensed her gaze, the auburn-haired do-gooder looked up and right at her. His eyes widened briefly, and then his lips curled upward in recognition. Bree's assignment just became a whole lot more interesting."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews

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