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Sanctuary #2
Best Laid Plans
Former SEAL Hugh “Heff” Bradley has put aside his womanizing ways to focus on making the Sanctuary a place for veterans in need. He knows how difficult the transition back to civilian life at can be; he’s walked the razor’s edge himself a few times.
His plan: Use his special skills to make the project a reality and stop those trying to sabotage it. That means keeping his head down and his hands to himself. Then he meets her.
Sandy Summers knows exactly what she wants: to get out of Sumneyville for good. Fate seems to be conspiring against her, however, throwing up one obstacle after another. Her plan: Work two jobs, attend night school to earn a degree, accept that job offer in the city, and never look back.
Impulsively hooking-up with the sexy, skilled SEAL before she leaves wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was her absentee father showing up on her doorstep after fifteen years with another game changer. But she’s worked too hard and too long not to stick to her plan, even if it means walking away from the only good thing that’s happened to her in years.
Heff and Sandy know firsthand what can happen to the best laid plans. But when getting back on track means sacrificing a chance at true happiness, do they take it? Or do they make a new plan?
Best Laid Plans is a contemporary love story with enough steam, suspense, and humor to give you all the feels and leave you smiling.
His plan: Use his special skills to make the project a reality and stop those trying to sabotage it. That means keeping his head down and his hands to himself. Then he meets her.
Sandy Summers knows exactly what she wants: to get out of Sumneyville for good. Fate seems to be conspiring against her, however, throwing up one obstacle after another. Her plan: Work two jobs, attend night school to earn a degree, accept that job offer in the city, and never look back.
Impulsively hooking-up with the sexy, skilled SEAL before she leaves wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was her absentee father showing up on her doorstep after fifteen years with another game changer. But she’s worked too hard and too long not to stick to her plan, even if it means walking away from the only good thing that’s happened to her in years.
Heff and Sandy know firsthand what can happen to the best laid plans. But when getting back on track means sacrificing a chance at true happiness, do they take it? Or do they make a new plan?
Best Laid Plans is a contemporary love story with enough steam, suspense, and humor to give you all the feels and leave you smiling.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2019
575 people are currently reading
1222 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 132 reviews
October 9, 2019
Having read the first book in this series I knew Heff’s book would be good. The sparks flew between him and Sandy from their first meeting. Nothing is as it seems with this group of guys. Ms Zanders throws quite a few curveballs each time you think you know whats coming! This was a great read and I loved not only watching their story unfold but catching up with old favourites the Callaghan’s and Tori and Brian. This had everything, intrigue love and of course tho sexy Alphas. Great book I can’t wait to see who’s next!
November 8, 2019
In my top ten reads this year
The care that Abbie delivers in this read was truly remarkable. Having a nephew with high functioning Autism it was like his world playing out as I read. She obviously did her research thoroughly and it showed.
The story was a page turner from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. The leads Sandy and Heff fantastic characters who you could relate to. Watching the struggle that Sandy faved when surprised with a half brother she knew nothing about and then throw in the Autistic factor and I fell in love with her. Some may have just turned their backs and pursued their dreams but she didn’t. Putting her life on hold for him.
Heff may have had a republican for being a manwhore but that was in the past m. Beneath the charming good looks and the bad boy persona bears the heart of a man who loves unconditionally and with no reservations. When he doesn’t stand in Sandys way to let her pursue her dreams that there showed his tru character. The way he accepted Kevin with no reservations also made him special.
Throw in the suspense and trying to figure out who has it in for the Sanctuary they are trying to create for veterans and you are on the edge.
I loved catching up with characters from the Callaghan’s series.
I can’t wait to see where this goes next.
In my top ten reads this year.
The care that Abbie delivers in this read was truly remarkable. Having a nephew with high functioning Autism it was like his world playing out as I read. She obviously did her research thoroughly and it showed.
The story was a page turner from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. The leads Sandy and Heff fantastic characters who you could relate to. Watching the struggle that Sandy faved when surprised with a half brother she knew nothing about and then throw in the Autistic factor and I fell in love with her. Some may have just turned their backs and pursued their dreams but she didn’t. Putting her life on hold for him.
Heff may have had a republican for being a manwhore but that was in the past m. Beneath the charming good looks and the bad boy persona bears the heart of a man who loves unconditionally and with no reservations. When he doesn’t stand in Sandys way to let her pursue her dreams that there showed his tru character. The way he accepted Kevin with no reservations also made him special.
Throw in the suspense and trying to figure out who has it in for the Sanctuary they are trying to create for veterans and you are on the edge.
I loved catching up with characters from the Callaghan’s series.
I can’t wait to see where this goes next.
In my top ten reads this year.
October 15, 2019
Fantastic Book!
This book is amazing! You think you have it all figured out, then Ms Zanders does what she does best an throws you for a loop. Heff and Sandy are a great couple and you could feel the sparks between them from the first (if you read Protecting Sam first).
This book is book two in the Sanctuary series, but the first is not necessary to follow and enjoy this book completely.
This book is amazing! You think you have it all figured out, then Ms Zanders does what she does best an throws you for a loop. Heff and Sandy are a great couple and you could feel the sparks between them from the first (if you read Protecting Sam first).
This book is book two in the Sanctuary series, but the first is not necessary to follow and enjoy this book completely.
October 8, 2019
Not only do we get a great new hero and heroine but Brain McCain and Tori are a part of the story and a couple of cameos was f the Callaghans.
Shattered dreams, small town politics, amazing secondary characters and a storyline that holds your attention.
Loved it all and look forward to the next book in the series.
Shattered dreams, small town politics, amazing secondary characters and a storyline that holds your attention.
Loved it all and look forward to the next book in the series.
October 8, 2019
Oh wow! I loved this book and fell in love with Heff, he is simply wonderful. I had to keep reading as I couldn’t bear not knowing how Sandy and Heff’s story ended, Abbie Zanders cleverly and beautifully wove their love story keeping the reader in suspense about the outcome until the very end.
Sandy Summers is ready for her time and is desperate for the chance to break out of Sumneyville’s small town world and grasp life in the big city but fate has a habit of not co-operating. Hugh “Heff” Bradley, a former Seal, has on the other hand experienced more from life than he should in a lifetime and is ready to slow down and throw his all into turning Sanctuary into a haven for veterans. Thinking she’s about to leave town Sandy impulsively hooks-up with Heff for an amazing night of scorching sex and the chemistry and attraction between them leaves them both stunned. Fate steps in, Sandy’s plans change and they have a chance to start to get to know each other until fate rears it’s head again and Sandy’s plans to leave are right back on track.
The dilemma for Sandy, does she forgo her dreams for a chance with Heff and for Heff, does he ask her to stay and risk her resentment later or does he let her go to chase her long held dream?
It truly is a great love story, while the sex was hot, the romance was slow burn and incredibly touching. Sandy and Heff are such likeable characters and I was rooting for them throughout.
Action definitely took more of a backseat in this second story but there was more than enough suspense in Sandy and Heff’s relationship as I desperately tried to work out how everything could be resolved. The secondary characters are great and I can’t wait for their stories and it was wonderful to have Brian McCain and Tori feature heavily in the story as well as a brief appearance from Ian and Jake two of my favourite Callaghans.
So well written - one of those where I really wanted to know what was going to happen but I really didn’t want it to end as I need to crush on Heff some more! 5*
Received as an ARC, voluntarily reviewed and the opinions are my own.
Sandy Summers is ready for her time and is desperate for the chance to break out of Sumneyville’s small town world and grasp life in the big city but fate has a habit of not co-operating. Hugh “Heff” Bradley, a former Seal, has on the other hand experienced more from life than he should in a lifetime and is ready to slow down and throw his all into turning Sanctuary into a haven for veterans. Thinking she’s about to leave town Sandy impulsively hooks-up with Heff for an amazing night of scorching sex and the chemistry and attraction between them leaves them both stunned. Fate steps in, Sandy’s plans change and they have a chance to start to get to know each other until fate rears it’s head again and Sandy’s plans to leave are right back on track.
The dilemma for Sandy, does she forgo her dreams for a chance with Heff and for Heff, does he ask her to stay and risk her resentment later or does he let her go to chase her long held dream?
It truly is a great love story, while the sex was hot, the romance was slow burn and incredibly touching. Sandy and Heff are such likeable characters and I was rooting for them throughout.
Action definitely took more of a backseat in this second story but there was more than enough suspense in Sandy and Heff’s relationship as I desperately tried to work out how everything could be resolved. The secondary characters are great and I can’t wait for their stories and it was wonderful to have Brian McCain and Tori feature heavily in the story as well as a brief appearance from Ian and Jake two of my favourite Callaghans.
So well written - one of those where I really wanted to know what was going to happen but I really didn’t want it to end as I need to crush on Heff some more! 5*
Received as an ARC, voluntarily reviewed and the opinions are my own.
October 8, 2019
Heff and Sandy are absolutely adorable and amazing together.
Abbie has a way of weaving and telling a story that sucks you in.
The author makes you feel like you're there watching their story unfold.
Your on there emotional Rollercoaster with them. Your there cheering them on yelling at them at what you want them to do.
This book will suck you and keep you glued to your seat till you finished the book.
This series has quickly sucked me in and I am having trouble being patient while I wait for the next one.
Abbie has a way of weaving and telling a story that sucks you in.
The author makes you feel like you're there watching their story unfold.
Your on there emotional Rollercoaster with them. Your there cheering them on yelling at them at what you want them to do.
This book will suck you and keep you glued to your seat till you finished the book.
This series has quickly sucked me in and I am having trouble being patient while I wait for the next one.
October 8, 2019
I love the stories Abbie Zanders weaves. Her characters are written with such rich details I never have any problems picturing them in my imagination. The stories are well paced and things never bog down by lack of action. I love that previous people drop in for guest visits, so it's like catching up with old friends. I am always delighted to see a new Abbie Zanders book because I know she is going to take me on a grand adventure!
October 8, 2019
What a stunning book which is crammed with content, full of emotion and drama not forgetting romance. The characters are amazing and so likeable. The storyline is perfect for the setting and written with such skill that I connected immediately and could not put the book down. It was also great to meet up again with some old friends too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it to you.
February 5, 2020
I started this book and just did not want to put it down. There were so many good things about this book: The stunningly gorgeous manwhore just gets side-swiped by his feelings and commitment, Sandy’s brother Kevin, who is autistic (I have a huge soft spot for autistic children and their everyday struggles), and reconnecting with characters from other series. Great book and looking forward to the next book.
October 8, 2019
Abbie Zanders has given us another beautifully crafted story ! From the setting to the characters to the story itself , she has a way of putting you right into the center of it all. I love the new characters in this series but it’s also fun to have ‘old friends’ pop in to visit! Loved the storyline ! Can’t wait for more !
October 9, 2019
As always, Abbie Zanders knocked it out of the park with Heff and Sandy’s story!!! I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed in this book! What’s not to love about a group of alpha males/former SEALs? I also loved that there are some cameo appearances made by a few of the Callaghan brothers and their Croie’s! Can’t wait for more books on the other guys from the Sanctuary!!!
October 10, 2019
An amazing story. I fell in love with Hugh and Sandy. Abbie Zanders weaves a wonderful story that has everything. Great characters and supporting characters, intrigue, romance and side storylines, all together make for a read you won't want to put down. Definitely recommend reading. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review
October 8, 2019
I really enjoyed getting to know Sandy and Heff. I loved the pace of this book and the twist and turns. I also loved getting to see a couple of old Pine Ridge favorites! I look forward to seeing where this series goes!
October 8, 2019
An amazing, hot and sexy romantic suspense. It was great to meet the new family members, but even better to see our favorites
October 9, 2019
Loved every minute of this fast paced book. The love story is fantastic with a little excitement along the way. Reminds you that what we wish for is not always what we need.
October 15, 2019
ARC COPY FOR HONEST REVIEW
Omg this book started off hot n sexay and never stopped!! Sandy and Heff had an amazing chemistry. My heart went out to Kevin.
HEA RULE!!!!
Omg this book started off hot n sexay and never stopped!! Sandy and Heff had an amazing chemistry. My heart went out to Kevin.
HEA RULE!!!!
October 9, 2019
Hawt, sexy, life changing, emotional, sometimes what you think you want the most is really not what you want, romance that had me laughing, crying and cheering for these 2. Loved it!!💞💞💞
October 10, 2019
I absolutely love Heff and Sandy! First I want to say that I love the book cover. He looks like Heff’s description and he is swoon material. I admit to spending a lot of time looking at his picture.
I love Abbie’s books. They have great plots with romance, suspense, hot alpha males who are sweet and protective of their family and women.
Abbie is a wonderful writer who brings the plot and characters to life. The book flows well. There are no slow parts. It keeps you interested from beginning to end. The suspense factor was not as pronounced in this book as it was in her other books but that did not take anything away from the book. In fact it was a added surprise because things don't happen the way you expect.
Of coarse the whole Sanctuary gang appear in the book, along with the Callahan’s and Brian and Tori. All books with Seals in it have the nicknames being interchanged with real names. Sometimes it gets confusing but that is not a problem in this book. I really enjoyed the focus placed on Danny and Kevin and how the friendship and hippotherapy benefits them.
I hope to see Lenny redeem himself in later books. Maybe he was uncover or something not really a bad guy.
There isn’t any bad points to the book. It is a must read! I did receive a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
I love Abbie’s books. They have great plots with romance, suspense, hot alpha males who are sweet and protective of their family and women.
Abbie is a wonderful writer who brings the plot and characters to life. The book flows well. There are no slow parts. It keeps you interested from beginning to end. The suspense factor was not as pronounced in this book as it was in her other books but that did not take anything away from the book. In fact it was a added surprise because things don't happen the way you expect.
Of coarse the whole Sanctuary gang appear in the book, along with the Callahan’s and Brian and Tori. All books with Seals in it have the nicknames being interchanged with real names. Sometimes it gets confusing but that is not a problem in this book. I really enjoyed the focus placed on Danny and Kevin and how the friendship and hippotherapy benefits them.
I hope to see Lenny redeem himself in later books. Maybe he was uncover or something not really a bad guy.
There isn’t any bad points to the book. It is a must read! I did receive a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
October 10, 2019
Wow what a book. Took me a while to get into but in the end I loved Heff and Sandy’s love story. Abbie has managed to write a wonderful love story whilst also introducing some tangled things going on with sandy and her half-brother plus Matt and The Sanctuary and vandalism. Sandy's friendship with Lenny is tested so far as he tries to embellish what happened to someone in his past but then sandy hears the truth and is torn. A job in the city, losing her half brother as his mom comes back, her friendship with Lenny and leaving Heff all have an impact on her emotions. 🤦♀️Lenny, I could of shook him until the penny dropped. I mean it was like he was isolating her so all she had was him. A fantastic read all in and some great characters including he Callahan’s showing up. But I suppose the big question is.........will she be happy in the job she wants????? Will she and Heff get that happily ever after they both deserve??????? Well buy the book and find out. This book is a stand-alone but to get the full benefit and find out about other characters then read the Callahan’s series or read Brian and Toris story then read Not quite broken, book 2 in the Callahan family and friends series.
November 18, 2019
First let's talk about the handsome as sin man on the cover. WOW! Just WOW! He made me want to read the book just by picturing him as the hero alone. I would read it anyway because it's Abbie Zanders and she is one of my favorite writers. Okay, now on to the book.
Hugh "Heff" Bradley is a former SEAL who is working to make Sanctuary a place for veterans in need to find help and rest from the stresses of their life after military service. He is sexy and has his pick of women anytime he wishes. He has stopped womanizing in order to concentrate on getting Sanctuary up and running. Then he meets Sandy Summers.
Sandy wants to move away from this small town and use her hard earned degree in graph design. Life had different plans for her. She meets her haft brother who has a form of autism and is left with her by her father who deserted the family 15 years earlier. She deals with everything to the best of her abilities and changes her plans to care for her brother.
She will get the chance to move to the city and work in a job she wanted, but is this the best thing for her? She and Heff have fallen in love and he loves her enough to keep his true feelings to himself. Things work out well and they get their HEA. Worth the read!
Hugh "Heff" Bradley is a former SEAL who is working to make Sanctuary a place for veterans in need to find help and rest from the stresses of their life after military service. He is sexy and has his pick of women anytime he wishes. He has stopped womanizing in order to concentrate on getting Sanctuary up and running. Then he meets Sandy Summers.
Sandy wants to move away from this small town and use her hard earned degree in graph design. Life had different plans for her. She meets her haft brother who has a form of autism and is left with her by her father who deserted the family 15 years earlier. She deals with everything to the best of her abilities and changes her plans to care for her brother.
She will get the chance to move to the city and work in a job she wanted, but is this the best thing for her? She and Heff have fallen in love and he loves her enough to keep his true feelings to himself. Things work out well and they get their HEA. Worth the read!
October 28, 2019
OMG! First I just want to run my fingers through his hair and stare into those beautiful green eyes forever.
Heff and Sandy are fantastic together. Their chemistry is hot, steamy, sweet and intense.
Heff is a retired Navy Seal and he’s currently focused on building and making the Sanctuary a safe place for Veterans. He doesn’t have the desire for random hook ups. Until he meets Sandy Summers. She’s like a breath of fresh air that he wants more and more of.
Sandy just wants to work her two jobs and get out of this small town where everything is the same. She just needs to forget about Heff, the gorgeous man she dreams about and the magical time they spent together. Her escape and dream job gets put on hold when she suddenly finds herself caring for her autistic brother that she never knew existed.
While Heff tries to get closer to Sandy, the beautiful woman that’s captured his heart,
Sandy still has big dreams of her own. Can she leave Heff behind?
Does Heff love her enough to let her go? Will Sandy realize her dreams was right in front of her the whole time?
“I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
Heff and Sandy are fantastic together. Their chemistry is hot, steamy, sweet and intense.
Heff is a retired Navy Seal and he’s currently focused on building and making the Sanctuary a safe place for Veterans. He doesn’t have the desire for random hook ups. Until he meets Sandy Summers. She’s like a breath of fresh air that he wants more and more of.
Sandy just wants to work her two jobs and get out of this small town where everything is the same. She just needs to forget about Heff, the gorgeous man she dreams about and the magical time they spent together. Her escape and dream job gets put on hold when she suddenly finds herself caring for her autistic brother that she never knew existed.
While Heff tries to get closer to Sandy, the beautiful woman that’s captured his heart,
Sandy still has big dreams of her own. Can she leave Heff behind?
Does Heff love her enough to let her go? Will Sandy realize her dreams was right in front of her the whole time?
“I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2019
Love reading Abbie Zanders books. Her books overlap with previous characters which I love. I love catching up in past books current happenings. How she brings all her characters seamlessly together is amazing.
Heff is a new kinda character for her in my opinion. Hes a playboy, where sandy is a down to earth girl. How they each go through so many different emotions an changes is an attention holder. How Heff manages to relate to kids, an honestly I really wanted to see him dancing with kids in real life. I'll admit too swooning right there. How Sandy pushes so hard for what shes worked for, to get where shes at. Only to have so many bumps put in front of them for them to try an overcome. Abbie puts forth characters an stories that pull her reader in an engages them, makes them invest in rooting for each character to overcome. Another book knocked out of the stratosphere by Abbie.
Heff is a new kinda character for her in my opinion. Hes a playboy, where sandy is a down to earth girl. How they each go through so many different emotions an changes is an attention holder. How Heff manages to relate to kids, an honestly I really wanted to see him dancing with kids in real life. I'll admit too swooning right there. How Sandy pushes so hard for what shes worked for, to get where shes at. Only to have so many bumps put in front of them for them to try an overcome. Abbie puts forth characters an stories that pull her reader in an engages them, makes them invest in rooting for each character to overcome. Another book knocked out of the stratosphere by Abbie.
October 10, 2019
Count on Abbie Zanders for love stories with intrigue, suspense and some danger. Add in gorgeous, sexy, Alpha men with big hearts and vibrant, intelligent, sassy women and you've got a fabulous book. Heff and Sandy definitely meet all the criteria and included in their story are a couple of delightful special needs boys who will steal your heart. Trying to "live the dream," Sandy realizes "there's no place like home" and Heff finally finds his home again in Sandy.
I love the whole premise behind The Sanctuary series. Anything that involves helping our service men and women, even if it's fictitious, gets my vote.
I love the whole premise behind The Sanctuary series. Anything that involves helping our service men and women, even if it's fictitious, gets my vote.
October 10, 2019
Heff and Sandy's story is stunning - a mix of hot scenes and Sandy finding her path.
I loved the background stories of The Sanctuary and Happy Trials, and the small almost cameos of some of the callaghan brothers.
In my mind, Heff is a stunning, caring and sexy lead man, whilst Sandy is strong and is trying to live her dreams. Kevin is a lovely addition to Sandy's family.
I loved the background stories of The Sanctuary and Happy Trials, and the small almost cameos of some of the callaghan brothers.
In my mind, Heff is a stunning, caring and sexy lead man, whilst Sandy is strong and is trying to live her dreams. Kevin is a lovely addition to Sandy's family.
October 10, 2019
Love Abbie Zanders!! Love Heff and Sandy! Sandy is dreaming of the day she can leave her hometown and make her mark on New York City. She’s seen nothing of the world. Heff is a former SEAL who’s seen more than his fair share. How would they make this work! And let’s not forget all the roadblocks and shenanigans going on with the Sanctuary! Must read!!
October 18, 2019
I loved this book. Hugh and Sandy were perfect for each other. Sweet, generous, loving, and hard-headed. The perfect match. I loved seeing the Callaghan clan and friends making an appearance. Action, suspense, humor, and sexy times. Best Laid Plans is a must read. I can't wait to see what happens next in this amazing series.
October 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a good read, I had a hard time putting it down. Heff and Sandy are such polar opposites and yet they both needed each other. I particularly loved the friendship that developed between Danny and Kevin. I am going to enjoy watching Sanctuary develop.😁
October 11, 2019
What a wonderful read! Heff and Sandy are the couple you want to be, so caring and in love. The story is sweet with just the right amount of edge to keep you reading till the end. Thank you Abbie for another fantastic story!
October 14, 2019
I love this book. It’s full of action,danger and finding that elusive someone. Abbie Zanders never disappoints. This author is a wonderful storyteller and writes beautiful characters. An excellent read.
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October 21, 2019Struggling to maintain my attention. Perhaps I shall revisit in the future however this isn’t my cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews