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Sanctuary #1
Protecting Sam
Where there's "Smoke", there's definitely fire.
Former SEAL Steve "Smoke" Tannen is finding the transition back to civilian life more of a challenge than he'd expected. Not only is he dealing with the aftereffects of a horrific ordeal overseas, he doesn’t know what normal is anymore. When his former team leader enlists his help in a project to help other vets, Steve doesn't hesitate to sign on with a new team.
Samantha Appelhoff dreams of owning her own coffee and bake shop, but a persistent stalker and dark rumors about her past aren't making things easy. When the sexy, chivalrous guy moves in next door, she plans to keep her distance, but that’s hard to do when he keeps showing up when least expected but always just when she needs him.
Are they just nice neighbors or could they be something more than friends? The attraction is instant and their connection is real, but is that enough to convince Steve and Sam they can have their own happy ending?
Former SEAL Steve "Smoke" Tannen is finding the transition back to civilian life more of a challenge than he'd expected. Not only is he dealing with the aftereffects of a horrific ordeal overseas, he doesn’t know what normal is anymore. When his former team leader enlists his help in a project to help other vets, Steve doesn't hesitate to sign on with a new team.
Samantha Appelhoff dreams of owning her own coffee and bake shop, but a persistent stalker and dark rumors about her past aren't making things easy. When the sexy, chivalrous guy moves in next door, she plans to keep her distance, but that’s hard to do when he keeps showing up when least expected but always just when she needs him.
Are they just nice neighbors or could they be something more than friends? The attraction is instant and their connection is real, but is that enough to convince Steve and Sam they can have their own happy ending?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2017
951 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Abbie Zanders
79 books2,047 followersAbbie 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.
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 175 reviews
July 1, 2020
"Protecting Sam" is the story of Sam and Steve.
A sweet and thrilling short story with a terrified heroine, a protective hero, a crazy stalker, some pyromania and breaking ins, SEAL action, blooming romance and HEA.
Enjoyed it!
Safe
3/5
A sweet and thrilling short story with a terrified heroine, a protective hero, a crazy stalker, some pyromania and breaking ins, SEAL action, blooming romance and HEA.
Enjoyed it!
Safe
3/5
September 5, 2017
3.25-3.50 RATING- I like Abbie Zanders and love a damsel in distress story line so picked this one up. I enjoyed the story and liked the characters but was pretty surprised by the lack of sexy bits. Now I realize this is a shorter book but would have expected a little more steam from this author. In the end, it wasn't a big deal and I'd definitely read more about this new group of retired military men if the author chooses to write a new series.
October 9, 2019
Another great book, by a great author!!
I loved this book, it reminded me of the Callaghan brothers series. The interactions between the seal team was great. It was very interesting to be able to see Anthony's point of view. Also, it was great to see Steve find "his one". Looking forward to the rest of the guys stories.
I loved this book, it reminded me of the Callaghan brothers series. The interactions between the seal team was great. It was very interesting to be able to see Anthony's point of view. Also, it was great to see Steve find "his one". Looking forward to the rest of the guys stories.
September 6, 2017
As always Abbie delivers. I loved this! It was just the right amount of cute, funny, sassy and sexy along with a little drama, action and heart.
It is a fast fun read. I would recommend it!
It is a fast fun read. I would recommend it!
August 28, 2017
Abbie Zanders dipping her talented-as-fu$& toe into Susan’s Stoker’s Kindle World? Uh, yes please.
Retired Navy SEAL Steve “Smoke” Tannen has spent the bulk of the last twelve years in service to his country. Now he’s looking for a quiet existence while he adjusts to a “normal” life. He joins his team in a new business venture: converting an old mountain resort into a safe place for vets returning to civilian life. He doesn’t want complications and doesn’t blur the lines of his ordered existence. He certainly doesn’t want a ball and chain…well until he meets his neighbor Sam.
Barista Samantha Applehoff is a strong willed woman who needs a break, but it doesn’t appear as though she’ll get one anytime soon. However, regardless of the total crap storm life has handed Sam over the years she never loses sight of her dream: to one day own her own coffee shop.
When Sam’s stalker makes another appearance in her life, Steve doesn’t hesitate to step in a protect his neighbor. You know because he’s a SEAL and that’s what they do…yep it has nothing to do with the fact that she’s sexy and he can’t stop thinking about her or that he finds her intriguing. Nope…not at all.
Protecting Sam is sweet, sexy, and intriguing. Sam and Steve perfectly complement each other. The story’s well thought out plot and complex main and secondary characters leave you wanting more. I love how Ms. Zanders has Sam and Steve’s relationship progress slowly, which fits their personalities. Their demons wouldn’t allow them to jump into a relationship and Ms. Zanders never loses sight of that.
You can’t go wrong with Protecting Sam. Stalkers are defeated, old mysteries are solved, and happily ever after is realized. I highly recommend this and any book by Abbie Zanders. I can’t wait to see who’s up next… Church? Doc? Heff? Cage? Mad Dog? Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to find out.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Retired Navy SEAL Steve “Smoke” Tannen has spent the bulk of the last twelve years in service to his country. Now he’s looking for a quiet existence while he adjusts to a “normal” life. He joins his team in a new business venture: converting an old mountain resort into a safe place for vets returning to civilian life. He doesn’t want complications and doesn’t blur the lines of his ordered existence. He certainly doesn’t want a ball and chain…well until he meets his neighbor Sam.
Barista Samantha Applehoff is a strong willed woman who needs a break, but it doesn’t appear as though she’ll get one anytime soon. However, regardless of the total crap storm life has handed Sam over the years she never loses sight of her dream: to one day own her own coffee shop.
When Sam’s stalker makes another appearance in her life, Steve doesn’t hesitate to step in a protect his neighbor. You know because he’s a SEAL and that’s what they do…yep it has nothing to do with the fact that she’s sexy and he can’t stop thinking about her or that he finds her intriguing. Nope…not at all.
Protecting Sam is sweet, sexy, and intriguing. Sam and Steve perfectly complement each other. The story’s well thought out plot and complex main and secondary characters leave you wanting more. I love how Ms. Zanders has Sam and Steve’s relationship progress slowly, which fits their personalities. Their demons wouldn’t allow them to jump into a relationship and Ms. Zanders never loses sight of that.
You can’t go wrong with Protecting Sam. Stalkers are defeated, old mysteries are solved, and happily ever after is realized. I highly recommend this and any book by Abbie Zanders. I can’t wait to see who’s up next… Church? Doc? Heff? Cage? Mad Dog? Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to find out.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
October 24, 2020
3.75. Even though is a typical plot for a suspense romance involving a former Navy Seal, I found it an enjoyable read. The villain is a complex individual with a sad and dark history. There was an unexpected twist that surprised me.
Steve is surrounded by a great team of guys, that immediately make a Samantha part of their group. Getting a little background on all the guys is setting up their future stories.
Steve is surrounded by a great team of guys, that immediately make a Samantha part of their group. Getting a little background on all the guys is setting up their future stories.
December 4, 2021
DNF at 43%. It starts out very promising. But I cannot ignore this insulting plot hole. One star; no sexist nonsense between the pair, ALL the sexist nonsense for this gaping plot hole of her have a business degree, yet working without a written contract. WHAT.
Content Warning: Stalking from both points of view.
Content Warning: Stalking from both points of view.
June 7, 2022
This is my first book by this author and based on this I will definitely look into more.
It reminded me a lot of Susan Stoker's work, which I am a fan of.
I wish it was actually longer, with more developpement. It really felt more like an introduction to the series rather than a full length novel, so I hope the next settlements will be longer :)
It reminded me a lot of Susan Stoker's work, which I am a fan of.
I wish it was actually longer, with more developpement. It really felt more like an introduction to the series rather than a full length novel, so I hope the next settlements will be longer :)
March 22, 2018
A psycho stalker, a SEAL with PTSD and commitment issues, and a woman that loves to bake. Fabulous cast of characters, I loved all of the guys on the team and definitely want to read their stories. The plot is wonderful, the writing is great and as previously mentioned all of the characters are fabulous. Another wonderful book by Abbie Zanders!
October 31, 2021
Great start to the series... interesting set-up and a good bunch of characters to keep us entertained for several books to come. Like the arc... hope it pays off with the last of the series when it is completed!
September 6, 2017
Smoke
Sam andvSteve neighbor but so much more when Sam ruins into trouble with a mystery stalker. Enjoyed this new book and yes more Church and crew -new series?
Sam andvSteve neighbor but so much more when Sam ruins into trouble with a mystery stalker. Enjoyed this new book and yes more Church and crew -new series?
June 20, 2025
FREE today (June 19, 2025) on Amazon.
October 13, 2020
Can't wait for next in the series
This author is new to me, but I can't wait to continue this series. These are my kind of alpha guys. I totally enjoyed the love story between Sam and Steve. Also looking forward to see how the group's special project unfolds. I'm hooked.
This author is new to me, but I can't wait to continue this series. These are my kind of alpha guys. I totally enjoyed the love story between Sam and Steve. Also looking forward to see how the group's special project unfolds. I'm hooked.
October 11, 2020
Steve didn’t claim Sam on principle, instead he used sensibility by following his intuitions. That’s how he was able to win Sam’s heart a bit more everyday. Engaging, romantic and with a good dose of mystery Protecting Sam is another great book by Abbie Zanders. I can’t wait to read the other books in the Sanctuary series. 5🌟
September 3, 2017
3.5
I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. I honestly think my choice in rating has more to do with expectations rather than content. Let me explain. I absolutely loved Abbie Zander's Callaghan series, so when I seen this I got very excited! I guess I had set my mind on it being more like those. I like her writing but so far the Callaghans still have my heart and hold the favorite spot. Sometimes first loves can't be surpassed but I definitely recommend this as a good read!
I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. I honestly think my choice in rating has more to do with expectations rather than content. Let me explain. I absolutely loved Abbie Zander's Callaghan series, so when I seen this I got very excited! I guess I had set my mind on it being more like those. I like her writing but so far the Callaghans still have my heart and hold the favorite spot. Sometimes first loves can't be surpassed but I definitely recommend this as a good read!
October 29, 2019
3.5/5
This was on the shorter side, so I felt like things were a little bit rushed. I would've liked Sam and Steve's relationship to develop more, and see their characters grow more. Still, a satisfying ending and a nice epilogue.
Push-pull? []
Cheating? []
OW/OM []
Separation? []
This was on the shorter side, so I felt like things were a little bit rushed. I would've liked Sam and Steve's relationship to develop more, and see their characters grow more. Still, a satisfying ending and a nice epilogue.
Push-pull? []
Cheating? []
OW/OM []
Separation? []
September 14, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
“Yeah. You startled me!” Feeling the heat begin to rise in her cheeks, she averted her eyes, feeling ten kinds of foolish. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was sneaking.”
“Well, you were.”
- hated h, she was unnecessarily rude to H, for what, because he allegedly snuck up on you even though he didn’t? And he’s trying to be friendly and she’s just being cold to him, fuck her
“Yeah. You startled me!” Feeling the heat begin to rise in her cheeks, she averted her eyes, feeling ten kinds of foolish. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was sneaking.”
“Well, you were.”
- hated h, she was unnecessarily rude to H, for what, because he allegedly snuck up on you even though he didn’t? And he’s trying to be friendly and she’s just being cold to him, fuck her
October 18, 2019
Good read
Great start to a new series involving seals returning to civilian life. Liked both main characters smoke and Sam but wish that she’d been a bit more consistently feisty. Few little things that went unresolved around the fires and fire chief but overall liked it and will read next one, not as good as the Callaghan’s but could get there.
Great start to a new series involving seals returning to civilian life. Liked both main characters smoke and Sam but wish that she’d been a bit more consistently feisty. Few little things that went unresolved around the fires and fire chief but overall liked it and will read next one, not as good as the Callaghan’s but could get there.
September 21, 2017
Nice
It's a sweet little read. It could have been better but an enjoyable story. Quick, a little sexy but not steamy. I really felt for Sam.
It's a sweet little read. It could have been better but an enjoyable story. Quick, a little sexy but not steamy. I really felt for Sam.
September 7, 2018
Loved the suspense part of the book. That was well done. I would have liked to see more romance in the book though. I got a very “Dale Mayer” feeling from the progression/flow of the book.
September 16, 2018
As they say 'a good read'
Not as good as the Callahan series, but only the first (and revised from kindle reads) one of a new series can't wait for book 2.
Not as good as the Callahan series, but only the first (and revised from kindle reads) one of a new series can't wait for book 2.
January 24, 2020
Pretty quick paced, I liked the characters but didn't love them. Same goes for the storyline.
July 8, 2023
3.5 stars. I love the players and the end was really good. The middle could have been for fleshed out, less choppy. I’m glad there will be more books in a series
February 27, 2020
In book one in the Sanctuary series, Steve “Smoke” Tannen is looking for something to do, to believe in, since retiring from the SEALs. After his buddy and former team leader Church asks for his help in remodeling a rundown resort, Steve jumps at the chance, but he doesn’t know if he’ll stay for the long-term. Then he meets his sexy next-door neighbor Sam. An air of strength and vulnerability surrounds her, and he soon realizes she might be in trouble.
Bakery chef Samantha Appelhoff knows someone is stalking her, but she doesn’t have proof. Now that she’s moved into a new apartment, she’s trying to focus on the future, but fear and paranoia still has a grip on her. Then she meets Steve. Though he’s gorgeous, she’s too busy and preoccupied for romance, and she’s not into flings. But when her stalker returns, she may not have a choice but to accept the help of the SEAL living down the hall.
Steve and Sam are amazing, well rounded, three-dimensional characters, and they fit well together. They’re both fighting personal demons, but they’re not letting those demons control them. There was only one sex scene, which is surprising due to the drool-worthy cover, but it made sense that the H/h waited so long to fall into bed.
Steve’s military buddies are awesome, and I would love to know more about them. I’m sure they’ll all be getting books, which I’ll search for.
The villain was a piece of work. I felt sorry for him and hated him at the same time.
There are two unanswered questions, neither of which affected the overall story—What did Sam tell the police in order to explain her apartment fire; and what did the police think when they found Mrs. Himmelwright’s apartment?
Anyway, I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t find any typos, and Ms. Zanders writing style was smooth and easy to follow. I would love to read more of her books.
5 Stars
Bakery chef Samantha Appelhoff knows someone is stalking her, but she doesn’t have proof. Now that she’s moved into a new apartment, she’s trying to focus on the future, but fear and paranoia still has a grip on her. Then she meets Steve. Though he’s gorgeous, she’s too busy and preoccupied for romance, and she’s not into flings. But when her stalker returns, she may not have a choice but to accept the help of the SEAL living down the hall.
Steve and Sam are amazing, well rounded, three-dimensional characters, and they fit well together. They’re both fighting personal demons, but they’re not letting those demons control them. There was only one sex scene, which is surprising due to the drool-worthy cover, but it made sense that the H/h waited so long to fall into bed.
Steve’s military buddies are awesome, and I would love to know more about them. I’m sure they’ll all be getting books, which I’ll search for.
The villain was a piece of work. I felt sorry for him and hated him at the same time.
There are two unanswered questions, neither of which affected the overall story—What did Sam tell the police in order to explain her apartment fire; and what did the police think when they found Mrs. Himmelwright’s apartment?
Anyway, I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t find any typos, and Ms. Zanders writing style was smooth and easy to follow. I would love to read more of her books.
5 Stars
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Smoke (AKA Steve) meets Sam when he moves in next door to her. He is newly discharged from the SEALs and comes to this small town to help a friend who has a dream of building a safe haven for those leaving the military to help ease them back into civilian life and give them a safe place to heal from what they went through. Being around like minded men and women will hopefully make their adjustment easier and they can lean on each other.
From the start he feels that something is "off" with Sam. She is super jumpy, super suspicious, and he quickly feels protective of her but he doesn't know why. He knows she is going through something but he just isn't sure what. His SEAL instincts tell him something is wrong though and he knows to listen to that gut feeling. He tries so hard not to catch feelings but he can't seem to help himself.
Sam is pretty much on her own. She has no family since her grandparents died and she is working so hard to accomplish her dream of owning and operating her own bakery. Something sinister is going on tho and she constantly feels like she is being watched. Someone also breaks into her apartment and leaves her flowers which starts the ball rolling on Steve going into protective mode.
Overall a great read. It kept my attention and the pacing seemed to work for me. I want to continue the series so I can see if all the guys get an HEA.
From the start he feels that something is "off" with Sam. She is super jumpy, super suspicious, and he quickly feels protective of her but he doesn't know why. He knows she is going through something but he just isn't sure what. His SEAL instincts tell him something is wrong though and he knows to listen to that gut feeling. He tries so hard not to catch feelings but he can't seem to help himself.
Sam is pretty much on her own. She has no family since her grandparents died and she is working so hard to accomplish her dream of owning and operating her own bakery. Something sinister is going on tho and she constantly feels like she is being watched. Someone also breaks into her apartment and leaves her flowers which starts the ball rolling on Steve going into protective mode.
Overall a great read. It kept my attention and the pacing seemed to work for me. I want to continue the series so I can see if all the guys get an HEA.
August 29, 2017
Anything military with Abbie’s name on it and I am all over it. The research and care she takes with this is amazing. So thank you for that.
Steve ‘Smoke’ is our hero and lead in this story. He’s here to help his buddy and former seal friend Church re-build an Inn for former vets and those still serving. A sanctuary of sorts.
Smoke is not what you’d call a people person. Use to being a Seal it’s all he’s ever known. He has no time for relationships or friends. He’s content with his team and helping get this project finished.
Sam has lived her whole life in this town. An outcast and shunned by the majority of the narrow minded townspeople.
Her one dream is to open her own coffee shop, something that belongs to her.
When Steve moves into the apartment next door to her she can’t help but notice him. Not only is he big he is gorgeous. But she has no time for men. Her goal is her coffee shop.
It’s when a stalker threatens Sam’s life that Steve comes to the rescue. Him and his team of former seals.
Be prepared for bonds that have formed these friends into brothers. The characters are charming and make me want to demand that they all get their stories also. I love what Abbie has done here and could not put down from start to finish.
Steve ‘Smoke’ is our hero and lead in this story. He’s here to help his buddy and former seal friend Church re-build an Inn for former vets and those still serving. A sanctuary of sorts.
Smoke is not what you’d call a people person. Use to being a Seal it’s all he’s ever known. He has no time for relationships or friends. He’s content with his team and helping get this project finished.
Sam has lived her whole life in this town. An outcast and shunned by the majority of the narrow minded townspeople.
Her one dream is to open her own coffee shop, something that belongs to her.
When Steve moves into the apartment next door to her she can’t help but notice him. Not only is he big he is gorgeous. But she has no time for men. Her goal is her coffee shop.
It’s when a stalker threatens Sam’s life that Steve comes to the rescue. Him and his team of former seals.
Be prepared for bonds that have formed these friends into brothers. The characters are charming and make me want to demand that they all get their stories also. I love what Abbie has done here and could not put down from start to finish.
April 22, 2023
2+
Not awful but definitely lackluster. I didn't feel any chemistry between Sam and Steve/Smoke, and while I thought they were both perfectly nice people, their story is also completely forgettable.
Sam has been connected to this small town for years, but why she keeps living there is a total mystery to me. She has no friends and isn't even well regarded. It wouldn't be much of a spoiler to elaborate, but as there's not a whole lot of surprises, I won't.
Smoke has PTSD from a traumatic recent past, but it's a past that is largely glossed over and never addressed between Sam and him, except in an aside at the end of the book. Sam's past is similarly glossed over.
I'm not sure if the nickname Smoke is intentional given the whole pyromaniac thing--I suspect not since we're told it's because he moves so quietly-- but it gets distracting when he and fire are in the same room.
It's all just a little weird and clunky.
The general storyline is a good one; I just think this book needs more work.
I received a copy of this book for free. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Not awful but definitely lackluster. I didn't feel any chemistry between Sam and Steve/Smoke, and while I thought they were both perfectly nice people, their story is also completely forgettable.
Sam has been connected to this small town for years, but why she keeps living there is a total mystery to me. She has no friends and isn't even well regarded. It wouldn't be much of a spoiler to elaborate, but as there's not a whole lot of surprises, I won't.
Smoke has PTSD from a traumatic recent past, but it's a past that is largely glossed over and never addressed between Sam and him, except in an aside at the end of the book. Sam's past is similarly glossed over.
I'm not sure if the nickname Smoke is intentional given the whole pyromaniac thing--I suspect not since we're told it's because he moves so quietly-- but it gets distracting when he and fire are in the same room.
It's all just a little weird and clunky.
The general storyline is a good one; I just think this book needs more work.
I received a copy of this book for free. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
October 15, 2017
What a fantastic book
I have read one of the authors books in her Callahan brothers series and can't wait to read about the men who created a resort for our wounded warriors. I know that Ms. Sanders will create beautiful stories for Church, Cage, Mad Dog, Heff and Doc.
Steve has spent the past 12 years as a Navy SEAL but knew it was time to to leave. When his former teammate Church asked him to be a partner in his resort for veterans returning home, he jumps at a chance to be a part of this new adventure. But when he meets new neighbor he knows there is something wrong by the shadows in her eyes. When he decides to stay he decides to stay on and make the project a reality he realizes that Sam may soon become part of his life.
Sam has hopes to own her own the bakery she works in when the owner retires. She's devastated when he wants more money but this is the least of her worries. Her stalker is getting more bold escalating beyond break ins and move onto fires as it's been his fascination since childhood. But when the two previous fires get bigger each time he gets desperate and kidnaps Sam. Never fear somehow the SEALS with the help of Tex can they find her in time? Or will they be too late to save Sam?
I have read one of the authors books in her Callahan brothers series and can't wait to read about the men who created a resort for our wounded warriors. I know that Ms. Sanders will create beautiful stories for Church, Cage, Mad Dog, Heff and Doc.
Steve has spent the past 12 years as a Navy SEAL but knew it was time to to leave. When his former teammate Church asked him to be a partner in his resort for veterans returning home, he jumps at a chance to be a part of this new adventure. But when he meets new neighbor he knows there is something wrong by the shadows in her eyes. When he decides to stay he decides to stay on and make the project a reality he realizes that Sam may soon become part of his life.
Sam has hopes to own her own the bakery she works in when the owner retires. She's devastated when he wants more money but this is the least of her worries. Her stalker is getting more bold escalating beyond break ins and move onto fires as it's been his fascination since childhood. But when the two previous fires get bigger each time he gets desperate and kidnaps Sam. Never fear somehow the SEALS with the help of Tex can they find her in time? Or will they be too late to save Sam?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews