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Shadow Team Six #1
The Protector's Temptation
Giving in to temptation has never been so dangerous.
Fresh out of witness protection, Cherry Brimble thought she’d finally escaped the clutches of the violent biker club that stole the last eight years of her life.
She couldn't be more wrong.
Tasked with protecting Cherry as she flees to a new life across the globe, former Special Forces soldier Sam Taberner has his own dark past. Like all men in the covert Shadow Team, he’s haunted by a tragedy he won’t discuss - and can’t escape. Sam simply takes on the assignments the military and police can’t... or won’t.
But Sam soon realizes there’s nothing simple about posing as Cherry’s fiancé. Red-hot sparks fly as they fake an engagement to keep her safe. But it doesn't take long before their act begins to feel deliciously real.
As danger draws closer, giving into temptation won’t just risk their hearts… it will risk their lives.
Discover Shadow Team Six:
To the residents of Falcon, Colorado, these six former elite soldiers appear to have swapped their weapons for torque wrenches at the local auto-repair shop. But drawn together by tragedy, these powerful protectors have unfinished business. As the Shadow Team the work they do is so highly-classified no government would ever admit they exist... but chasing danger will never give these protectors the redemption they seek. For that, they need the women who steal their hearts. And for the women they love, there is nothing these heroes wouldn't do to keep them safe.
Fresh out of witness protection, Cherry Brimble thought she’d finally escaped the clutches of the violent biker club that stole the last eight years of her life.
She couldn't be more wrong.
Tasked with protecting Cherry as she flees to a new life across the globe, former Special Forces soldier Sam Taberner has his own dark past. Like all men in the covert Shadow Team, he’s haunted by a tragedy he won’t discuss - and can’t escape. Sam simply takes on the assignments the military and police can’t... or won’t.
But Sam soon realizes there’s nothing simple about posing as Cherry’s fiancé. Red-hot sparks fly as they fake an engagement to keep her safe. But it doesn't take long before their act begins to feel deliciously real.
As danger draws closer, giving into temptation won’t just risk their hearts… it will risk their lives.
Discover Shadow Team Six:
To the residents of Falcon, Colorado, these six former elite soldiers appear to have swapped their weapons for torque wrenches at the local auto-repair shop. But drawn together by tragedy, these powerful protectors have unfinished business. As the Shadow Team the work they do is so highly-classified no government would ever admit they exist... but chasing danger will never give these protectors the redemption they seek. For that, they need the women who steal their hearts. And for the women they love, there is nothing these heroes wouldn't do to keep them safe.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2022
684 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 22, 2024
No one falls in love in 3 days. 🙄 the plot was okay but it wasn't very original. I started it on my kindle since I didn't have my other book with me but I don't feel the need to read any more in the series.
September 16, 2023
DNF. It starts off really well and is exciting, but it drags on and on and is so boring.
The plot sounded really good for this book. Cherry/Meghan is in the run from an evil Mc, who really want her dead. After being in witness protection and she’s still not safe, she contacts a friend, who organises the Shadow Protectors to help her. It’s quite good at this point.
Then it goes rapidly downhill after that. Sam who runs a garage and works for the shadow team on secret missions, is sent to protect her. As they travel from Australia to Florida, every thought that they have is written, and its ENDLESS!
Sam/Josh likes Cherry/Meghan, but as he’s protecting her he won’t allow himself to touch her. As when he drops her off they won’t see each other ever again. He really likes her though but he can’t do anything, she really likes him but can’t do anything. Meanwhile the evil dangerous person who is after her comes across as bland and boring.
NOTHING HAPPENS. Maybe it gets exciting but I’m more than halfway and it hasn’t yet. It’s a shame as I was looking forward to reading this.
The plot sounded really good for this book. Cherry/Meghan is in the run from an evil Mc, who really want her dead. After being in witness protection and she’s still not safe, she contacts a friend, who organises the Shadow Protectors to help her. It’s quite good at this point.
Then it goes rapidly downhill after that. Sam who runs a garage and works for the shadow team on secret missions, is sent to protect her. As they travel from Australia to Florida, every thought that they have is written, and its ENDLESS!
Sam/Josh likes Cherry/Meghan, but as he’s protecting her he won’t allow himself to touch her. As when he drops her off they won’t see each other ever again. He really likes her though but he can’t do anything, she really likes him but can’t do anything. Meanwhile the evil dangerous person who is after her comes across as bland and boring.
NOTHING HAPPENS. Maybe it gets exciting but I’m more than halfway and it hasn’t yet. It’s a shame as I was looking forward to reading this.
November 6, 2024
Cherry Brimble has been removed from witness protection in Australia after the last of the MC game she testified against is imprisoned. The very next day she receives a threat, and she contacts a former friend. This friend arranges for a new identity in USA. Sam Taberner, former Special Forces, travels with her. Due to a compilation of circumstances, they end up in his hometown of Falcon, Colorado. But the threat has tracked her.
May 5, 2022
I have been looking for Romantic Suspense that didn't have an Alpha-hole as the male lead. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥'𝗦 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 really fit the bill. A badass hero, protecting a woman in danger, who isn't controlling and who cares about (and practices) consent.
This story was really good! I stayed engaged the entire time and the chemistry between Sam and Cherry was H-O-T.
My only issue was in the editing of this book.
1️⃣ There were many (and I mean MANY) continuity problems. I er and over again the reader thinks, "Wait, her shirt was off a minute ago and now suddenly it's on again?" and "They are having this entire conversation with her suspended against a wall?"
2️⃣ The author is very clearly Australian because her Australian character speaks like and Australian, but so do all of the American characters. If an author is going to write characters or set their novel outside of their own country, they NEED beta readers to check for proper language (in this case, Americanisms).
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥'𝗦 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 was a good enough book that I will definitely read the next in the series (when it comes out) and cross my fingers that the author gets an Editor and cultural beta readers for it.
If you are a reader who doesn't mind some continuity mistakes and cultural slip-ups, this book will easily be a 4 or 5 star read! It has heat, chemistry, swoon, suspense, and a great HEA!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: assault, bomb, domestic violence, death threat, attempted sexual assault, stalking
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - Lots of feels
👇🏻𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
This story was really good! I stayed engaged the entire time and the chemistry between Sam and Cherry was H-O-T.
My only issue was in the editing of this book.
1️⃣ There were many (and I mean MANY) continuity problems. I er and over again the reader thinks, "Wait, her shirt was off a minute ago and now suddenly it's on again?" and "They are having this entire conversation with her suspended against a wall?"
2️⃣ The author is very clearly Australian because her Australian character speaks like and Australian, but so do all of the American characters. If an author is going to write characters or set their novel outside of their own country, they NEED beta readers to check for proper language (in this case, Americanisms).
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥'𝗦 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 was a good enough book that I will definitely read the next in the series (when it comes out) and cross my fingers that the author gets an Editor and cultural beta readers for it.
If you are a reader who doesn't mind some continuity mistakes and cultural slip-ups, this book will easily be a 4 or 5 star read! It has heat, chemistry, swoon, suspense, and a great HEA!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: assault, bomb, domestic violence, death threat, attempted sexual assault, stalking
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - Lots of feels
👇🏻𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
April 28, 2022
The Protector's Temptation is the first book in a new series, and it absolutely lives up to the high bar set by the previous Leah Ashton books I have read. Sam and Cherry's story delivers page turning suspense, engaging mystery, and scorching hot romance. With, of course, a HEA. To sum it up, Cherry is in need of a new home and identity when her life is threatened following her release from witness protection after having helped send the leaders of a notorious biker club to prison. Sam works for a secret, off the books, organization called Shadow Operations and is tasked with protecting her and getting her from Australia to her new life in Florida. (As a bonus to anyone who has read the Elite SWAT series, Cherry was first seen in Beneath the Fear and the Notechi biker club she is running from was featured throughout the series. And if you haven't read that series - I highly recommend that you do!) Sam and Cherry wind up in Falcon, Colorado where Sam's Shadow Team have set up shop. Literally, as their cover business is an auto mechanic shop. We get to see Sam and Cherry's attraction turn into something more (in spite of their various reasons for resisting such a thing) before the threat from Cherry's tracks her to Falcon. The characters and story are very well written and we are introduced to the other members of Shadow team as well as some potential love interests. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!
May 19, 2022
While I think this was a great book I just could not get into it. I found myself skipping whole chapters.
July 13, 2025
The Protector’s Temptation is book one in Leah Ashton’s Shadow Team Six series. It had its moments and a few things going for it.
Sam Taberner is escorting Cherry Brimble from Australia to her new life in Florida. Cherry had just come out of witness protection and discovered that someone is still out to do her harm. The attraction between them is immediate, and due to a misunderstanding involving a small-town gossip, their plans must change. Instead of taking Cherry to Florida, Sam must now take her back to his hometown (Falcon, Colorado) under the guise of them being engaged. Once there, Cherry meets Sam’s team and family, and she becomes immersed in the town dynamics. Both realize that the situation is temporary and will only last a few days, but that does not stop their growing feelings, and soon their relationship becomes physical. However, someone is stalking Cherry, and Sam will have to depend heavily on his military skills to ensure that she is protected and the stalker caught
The suspense and final confrontation with Cherry’s stalker were enjoyable, and the fact that Sam was not your usual manwh0re was refreshing. I found the rest of the Shadow team and the family dynamics interesting as well. I had a problem with Cherry, however …
Cherry was understandably scared out of her wits when she reached out to an old friend for help. Then she met Sam, and suddenly this same person who feared her own shadow became a seductress. She literally knew Sam for only a few hours before she threw herself at him. Throughout their relationship arc, Cherry did the chasing, and this despite Sam repeatedly telling her that them getting involved was not a good idea. I did not like how their HEA came about either … After all her chasing and then “catching” Sam, Cherry then decided she needs “time” to experience independence and make her own decisions. Why did she not think about that before she reeled the poor guy in?
Sam was supposedly an alpha, but as far as I could see, he was just doing his job. Yes, he fell for Cherry but made absolutely no effort to persuade her to stay. They did get their HEA in the end, but I feel Sam could have done more in terms of the chasing. But no, that was all on Cherry. Then, when Cherry came back four months later, he was too quick to forgive. Next to nothing was said about what Sam went through during those four months, which gave the impression that his character was inconsequential.
The writing was rough, Cherry was unlikeable, and the chemistry between our main leads felt forced. The story was okay, though, just some illogical decision-making on Cherry’s part, and too much reticence on Sam’s. I usually don’t have a problem with insta-love, but the short relationship timeline in this one was felt (by me)—only two or three days. Although the romance was not to my liking, the suspense kept me invested; I was curious enough to find out who the villain was. The next couple’s story hooked me, so I might give that a try.
Sam Taberner is escorting Cherry Brimble from Australia to her new life in Florida. Cherry had just come out of witness protection and discovered that someone is still out to do her harm. The attraction between them is immediate, and due to a misunderstanding involving a small-town gossip, their plans must change. Instead of taking Cherry to Florida, Sam must now take her back to his hometown (Falcon, Colorado) under the guise of them being engaged. Once there, Cherry meets Sam’s team and family, and she becomes immersed in the town dynamics. Both realize that the situation is temporary and will only last a few days, but that does not stop their growing feelings, and soon their relationship becomes physical. However, someone is stalking Cherry, and Sam will have to depend heavily on his military skills to ensure that she is protected and the stalker caught
The suspense and final confrontation with Cherry’s stalker were enjoyable, and the fact that Sam was not your usual manwh0re was refreshing. I found the rest of the Shadow team and the family dynamics interesting as well. I had a problem with Cherry, however …
Cherry was understandably scared out of her wits when she reached out to an old friend for help. Then she met Sam, and suddenly this same person who feared her own shadow became a seductress. She literally knew Sam for only a few hours before she threw herself at him. Throughout their relationship arc, Cherry did the chasing, and this despite Sam repeatedly telling her that them getting involved was not a good idea. I did not like how their HEA came about either … After all her chasing and then “catching” Sam, Cherry then decided she needs “time” to experience independence and make her own decisions. Why did she not think about that before she reeled the poor guy in?
Sam was supposedly an alpha, but as far as I could see, he was just doing his job. Yes, he fell for Cherry but made absolutely no effort to persuade her to stay. They did get their HEA in the end, but I feel Sam could have done more in terms of the chasing. But no, that was all on Cherry. Then, when Cherry came back four months later, he was too quick to forgive. Next to nothing was said about what Sam went through during those four months, which gave the impression that his character was inconsequential.
The writing was rough, Cherry was unlikeable, and the chemistry between our main leads felt forced. The story was okay, though, just some illogical decision-making on Cherry’s part, and too much reticence on Sam’s. I usually don’t have a problem with insta-love, but the short relationship timeline in this one was felt (by me)—only two or three days. Although the romance was not to my liking, the suspense kept me invested; I was curious enough to find out who the villain was. The next couple’s story hooked me, so I might give that a try.
April 29, 2022
Waiting patiently for this book and the author does not disappoint as we get Cherry’s story, the ex girlfriend to Bull one of the notorious Notechi bike gang’s member. She took a stance against the biker to save her friend and has been in witness protection while testifying against the bike members…and now she’s finally free to return home only to find herself once again running for her life after a startling message is left, days of finally being free. She has no one to turn to except one person and makes a call that will forever change her life.
Sam is part of a secret off the books organization after he served his time in the military and jets off to Australia to protect a woman, bring her back to the U.S. and make sure she arrives safely at her new location with her new identity. As they both jet off to the U.S. a mishap has him bringing her to his hometown and introducing her as his fiancée to all his friends and family while his organization tries to find the threat and hopefully free her of the danger….but now there’s more danger for both of them and it’s not just the threat of physical harm…it’s the emotional threat as these two start to feel more for each other…is it fake or is it real.
Worth the wait!!! Holy smokes this read had me glued from the first page to the last, not wanting to put it down. The steam…ahem…the steam…the sparks and fireworks between them…the suspense…twists and turns and the surprises I didn’t see coming. I’ll admit I was skeptical of Cherry at first but oh my when her story is told, her determination, her strength, finally being able to be her, the woman she was meant to be, loved it. Sam, emotionally stagnant from the start, opens up bit by bit for HER…sighing and swooning going on while reading. What happens after the Watcher was a surprise but oh my it was perfection AND the hot bonus scene….YES!!!
Sam is part of a secret off the books organization after he served his time in the military and jets off to Australia to protect a woman, bring her back to the U.S. and make sure she arrives safely at her new location with her new identity. As they both jet off to the U.S. a mishap has him bringing her to his hometown and introducing her as his fiancée to all his friends and family while his organization tries to find the threat and hopefully free her of the danger….but now there’s more danger for both of them and it’s not just the threat of physical harm…it’s the emotional threat as these two start to feel more for each other…is it fake or is it real.
Worth the wait!!! Holy smokes this read had me glued from the first page to the last, not wanting to put it down. The steam…ahem…the steam…the sparks and fireworks between them…the suspense…twists and turns and the surprises I didn’t see coming. I’ll admit I was skeptical of Cherry at first but oh my when her story is told, her determination, her strength, finally being able to be her, the woman she was meant to be, loved it. Sam, emotionally stagnant from the start, opens up bit by bit for HER…sighing and swooning going on while reading. What happens after the Watcher was a surprise but oh my it was perfection AND the hot bonus scene….YES!!!
August 2, 2023
I used 'quick' in my title and then did a double check of the page count to see that this book was actually average length. I just inhaled this book like it was air so I guess it was just quick for me.
Tbh. This book wasn't super original in it's storyline. Ex-military hottie, Sam, now works off the books as muscle for Shadow Team. Meanwhile he maintains his cover by owning a car garage and coffee truck with a few other ex-soldier/Shadow felllas. But one look at our FMC, Cherry, and his whole world is changed because she is so different than other girls. You know the story.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing. (if it's the Australian accent then I understand...drooooool)
This book was good! We've got the Watcher appearing every few chapters so we know that something bad is coming but it's not obvious who it is. The circumstances that bring her into his world felt a bit contrived and avoidable to me but oh well. This is definitely an insta-love story but I was happy to see how they both handled things at the end.
This book is:
-written in 3rd person/dual POV (+short excerpts from the Watcher's POV)
-ex-military MMC who has been through it but won't talk to anyone but her about it
-FMC who has also been through it but she knows what she wants and what she wants is not-Josh
-protective hero
-sassy, confident FMC who's working to get past her traumas
-forced proximity
-touch of suspense
-maybe a 2 on the spice scale
-good world development leading to the next book
-HEA
I got a bit of a hint in this book that there might have been a series before this that contained the events that put Cherry in witness protection but I didn't feel that I missed anything by starting here. This author is new to me and, while this book wasn't ground breaking, I would like to see what happens next. I will read more by this author.
Tbh. This book wasn't super original in it's storyline. Ex-military hottie, Sam, now works off the books as muscle for Shadow Team. Meanwhile he maintains his cover by owning a car garage and coffee truck with a few other ex-soldier/Shadow felllas. But one look at our FMC, Cherry, and his whole world is changed because she is so different than other girls. You know the story.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing. (if it's the Australian accent then I understand...drooooool)
This book was good! We've got the Watcher appearing every few chapters so we know that something bad is coming but it's not obvious who it is. The circumstances that bring her into his world felt a bit contrived and avoidable to me but oh well. This is definitely an insta-love story but I was happy to see how they both handled things at the end.
This book is:
-written in 3rd person/dual POV (+short excerpts from the Watcher's POV)
-ex-military MMC who has been through it but won't talk to anyone but her about it
-FMC who has also been through it but she knows what she wants and what she wants is not-Josh
-protective hero
-sassy, confident FMC who's working to get past her traumas
-forced proximity
-touch of suspense
-maybe a 2 on the spice scale
-good world development leading to the next book
-HEA
I got a bit of a hint in this book that there might have been a series before this that contained the events that put Cherry in witness protection but I didn't feel that I missed anything by starting here. This author is new to me and, while this book wasn't ground breaking, I would like to see what happens next. I will read more by this author.
June 15, 2024
What the fuck did I just read?
I absolutely hated the FMC. She had just about every personality trait I hate in a FMC.
Let's start with FMC was an EX Instagram-model/ nude art model who is on the run from someone.
She killed her ex boyfriend and is convinced his of buddies are out to kill her. (turns out to be someone never mentioned or thought of throughout the book)
She is more worried about getting laid than her own safety. She literally spent the whole first half of the book trying to sleep with her bodyguard(MMC). Even after 100 N-Os from him she was relentless. Don't get me wrong he wanted FMC, but her safety was more important to him.
They have a run in with the town gossip on the way to FMCs final destination. Instead of saying they just met at the coffee shop and went about their business; he told her they were engaged which caused them to have to go to Colorado instead. She was introduced to his family, and they do the fake engagement thing.
She repeatedly used her real name and talked about the "super spies" in public places after he asked her not to mention it. MMC also used her real name throughout the whole freaking book.
I was not impressed with the Shadow Team at all. They really dropped the ball on everything. Instead of using their brains they relied on technology for their information. They all got complacent and forgot they were working. Another team member saw a stranger paying her to much attention but didn't think anything of it?!?!?!
SPOILER!!! SHE WALKS AWAY WITH A STRANGE MAN DURING THE RODEO AND GOT KIDNAPPED. Who would've thought!
Obviously they save her but damn they look stupid.
PS.....She leaves him after he confesses his love because she wants to experience being alone. **eyeroll**
Ok but dont come crawling back in 4 months because your lonely.....SPOILER she does.
I absolutely hated the FMC. She had just about every personality trait I hate in a FMC.
Let's start with FMC was an EX Instagram-model/ nude art model who is on the run from someone.
She killed her ex boyfriend and is convinced his of buddies are out to kill her. (turns out to be someone never mentioned or thought of throughout the book)
She is more worried about getting laid than her own safety. She literally spent the whole first half of the book trying to sleep with her bodyguard(MMC). Even after 100 N-Os from him she was relentless. Don't get me wrong he wanted FMC, but her safety was more important to him.
They have a run in with the town gossip on the way to FMCs final destination. Instead of saying they just met at the coffee shop and went about their business; he told her they were engaged which caused them to have to go to Colorado instead. She was introduced to his family, and they do the fake engagement thing.
She repeatedly used her real name and talked about the "super spies" in public places after he asked her not to mention it. MMC also used her real name throughout the whole freaking book.
I was not impressed with the Shadow Team at all. They really dropped the ball on everything. Instead of using their brains they relied on technology for their information. They all got complacent and forgot they were working. Another team member saw a stranger paying her to much attention but didn't think anything of it?!?!?!
SPOILER!!! SHE WALKS AWAY WITH A STRANGE MAN DURING THE RODEO AND GOT KIDNAPPED. Who would've thought!
Obviously they save her but damn they look stupid.
PS.....She leaves him after he confesses his love because she wants to experience being alone. **eyeroll**
Ok but dont come crawling back in 4 months because your lonely.....SPOILER she does.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
This first book of the series introduces us to a group of former military men. Elite warriors whose lives were changed after experiencing a terrorist attack in the Middle East while on R & R. A bond was created and once they left the military moved to San Taberner’s hometown . Their front business is Cars & Coffee but in reality, they are part of Shadow Team. A venue that gives them a chance to use their military skills, a new focus in life, and whose goal is to help those in need.
Cherry Brimble is one of those in need and Sam’s new assignment. Sam never expected that when he arrived in Australia to transport Cherry to Florida, the former abused girlfriend of a deadly biker, would change his life forever.
In the midst of keeping her safe, lying to his family about his job and Cherry’s true identity really, feelings develop.
But happens when the danger follows Cherry? Will Sam be able to keep her safe? What happens if he does and Cherry leaves him behind?
This was an engaging story and a very good start to the new series. Looking forward to stories about the rest of the group of men that make up Shadow Team. Men who have their own secrets and demons but are willing to put their lives on the line to help others.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Cherry Brimble is one of those in need and Sam’s new assignment. Sam never expected that when he arrived in Australia to transport Cherry to Florida, the former abused girlfriend of a deadly biker, would change his life forever.
In the midst of keeping her safe, lying to his family about his job and Cherry’s true identity really, feelings develop.
But happens when the danger follows Cherry? Will Sam be able to keep her safe? What happens if he does and Cherry leaves him behind?
This was an engaging story and a very good start to the new series. Looking forward to stories about the rest of the group of men that make up Shadow Team. Men who have their own secrets and demons but are willing to put their lives on the line to help others.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 30, 2022
The first in a brand (shaping up to be excellent) new series from Leah Ashton featuring the men who make up Shadow Team. This is Sam & Cherry's story and delivers suspense, drama and some hot romance. Cherry is an intriguing mix of vulnerable yet bold and sassy to her core, her heart is pure brave rebel and i love how she goes for what she wants. Just when she thought she was getting her life back and all threats were gone Cherry is forced to run. Coming to her rescue and her escort to a new identity and life is Sam Taberner. Sam is part of the secret, off the books Shadow Team who help those in need, operating through a front business Cars & Coffee in Sam's home time of Falcon. The attraction between Cherry and Sam is instant and mutual with closed off Sam desperately trying and failing to keep Cherry at arm’s length. The two are good for each other - he makes her feel safe, she pulls out his long-supressed emotions and makes him feel. A deadly obsession stalks Cherry all the way to her new life, determined to seek its revenge, can born protector Sam truly keep her safe?
I would have liked more back story about how Shadow Team came to be after the Middle East hotel bombing as I don't feel we've got the full story yet but hopefully that will come in the following books, can't wait to learn about the rest of the team and the women they fall for.
I received an arc from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I would have liked more back story about how Shadow Team came to be after the Middle East hotel bombing as I don't feel we've got the full story yet but hopefully that will come in the following books, can't wait to learn about the rest of the team and the women they fall for.
I received an arc from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 19, 2024
Cherry Brimble reached her breaking point when the brutal Prez of the MC she’d been trapped in almost a decade was about to kill the only friend she had, he had to be stopped! Without the onlooking MC noticing, Cherry picked up the gun and killed him. After spending her time in witness protection, Cherry picked her life up. That changed when she came from work and found a lewd message written on the walls of her locked apartment. She didn’t have time to scream, Cherry just ran.
Former SF soldier, Sam Taberne took the duty to escort Cherry from her life in Perth to Florida. A bad idea the moment they saw each other and began fighting their mutual attraction. Waiting for their connecting flight, the pair is caught unaware by Sam’s town’s biggest gossip. They panic and just like that their fake engagement is alive and town fodder. There’s a plan to gracefully back out of the situation but before it’s enacted, Cherry’s pursuer has found her.
There are plenty of good things to say about this foundation tale from a new to me author. I enjoyed the story, pace, characters and all the relationships. This reader is looking forward to the next piece of this series.
Rating: 4.5stars
Former SF soldier, Sam Taberne took the duty to escort Cherry from her life in Perth to Florida. A bad idea the moment they saw each other and began fighting their mutual attraction. Waiting for their connecting flight, the pair is caught unaware by Sam’s town’s biggest gossip. They panic and just like that their fake engagement is alive and town fodder. There’s a plan to gracefully back out of the situation but before it’s enacted, Cherry’s pursuer has found her.
There are plenty of good things to say about this foundation tale from a new to me author. I enjoyed the story, pace, characters and all the relationships. This reader is looking forward to the next piece of this series.
Rating: 4.5stars
April 29, 2022
What an incredible, edge of your seat, romantic suspense!! Filled with all the drama we expect along with exquisite chemistry this novel will take you on an unexpected emotional ride.
Closed-up Shadow Team Operative Sam Taberner continues to shove deep the past he can't forget as an ex Green Beret while trying to protect a woman he is sent to retrieve from danger in Australia and bring her to the US for witness protection.
Cherry thought her life was now finally her own after spending nearly a decade in witness protection. But months later the horrific message she finds has her once again on the run for her life. Then a call to the only person she can still call a friend has a secret ops man in a tall, handsome package showing up on her door step to whisk her to safety.
Terrified for her welfare and not fully sure who to trust Cherry is barely starting to think she's out of danger but Sam knows things aren't adding up. And he couldn't be more right!
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
Closed-up Shadow Team Operative Sam Taberner continues to shove deep the past he can't forget as an ex Green Beret while trying to protect a woman he is sent to retrieve from danger in Australia and bring her to the US for witness protection.
Cherry thought her life was now finally her own after spending nearly a decade in witness protection. But months later the horrific message she finds has her once again on the run for her life. Then a call to the only person she can still call a friend has a secret ops man in a tall, handsome package showing up on her door step to whisk her to safety.
Terrified for her welfare and not fully sure who to trust Cherry is barely starting to think she's out of danger but Sam knows things aren't adding up. And he couldn't be more right!
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
May 4, 2022
I read the entire Elite SWAT series and couldn’t wait to read this new series. It is finally here. I am excited. Cherry shot the motorcycle gang leader and went on the witness stand in the last story. She had to go in witness protection program. After she is told the coast is clear, she takes back her real name, moves back to the town she considers home, finds a regular job, and plans to grow roots. Then someone stalks her and leaves a bloody note in her apartment. Noah from Elite SWAT she saved before comes through for her. He pulls some strings and gets her the help she needs. In comes Sam, a former military man, who still wants in the action to safe people. Sam is sent to Australia to get Cherry out and bring her to Florida. A seemingly simple assignment gets complicated when Cherry and Sam find sparts between them. When Sam runs into a woman from his hometown, he has to change their route and ends up in Colorado. The danger follows them. The story is full of suspense, action, and romance. I love it. It is worth the wait.
April 29, 2022
This is Sam and Cherry’s story. Sam is part of an off the books security organization that consists of other ex special forces. Sam meets Cherry in Australia where he has been sent to provide protection for Cherry. Cherry had been in witness protection but circumstances made everyone think she’d be okay. However that proved differently when a red paint message on her door changes things. Sam and Cherry react to each other like oil and vinegar and their cover to get Cherry out of the country doesn’t help. An unexpected meeting of a woman from Sam’s hometown causes some more problems with the cover story. As a result they end up in Colorado, where all believe Cherry is safe not true. There is a lot going on as the relationship changes and other things are happening. You will need to read the book to discover who, what, when, why all of these things have been happening. Happy reading.
I was given an ARC copy for my honest opinion of this book
I was given an ARC copy for my honest opinion of this book
April 27, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. When Cherry’s character appeared in a previous book she was so vulnerable yet brave I wanted her to have her own book. Leah Ashton absolutely delivered. I felt that Cherry was brilliantly written with the right balance of vulnerable victim and the sassy rebellious woman hidden inside. After finally being free of witness protection Cheery was enjoying life until someone left a message in blood on her apartment wall. She calls the only people she trusts and is soon back in private protective custody with a man she intuitively trusts. Sam is a born protector but also buries his feelings deep inside. A fast paced action packed book about revenge, obsession, finding your true self, sacrifice, humour, love and romance. Brilliant.
I received an advanced copy from the author but my review is voluntary.
I received an advanced copy from the author but my review is voluntary.
May 5, 2022
The first in the new Shadow Team books this is Sam and Cherry’s story. Wow, it grabbed me from the start and kept me enthralled throughout, I couldn’t put the book down. Cherry was introduced briefly in a previous book, where she was taken into witness protection, this starts as she is deemed safe and able to resume life on her own terms. She soon finds out that someone is still threatening her life, and through the main characters in the previous book, ends up being protected by Sam, a former military Special Ops guy who now works for the Shadow team. They are instantly attracted to one another, and find that their feelings grow only grow hotter as Sam escorts her from Australia to America to start a new life. Unfortunately, the threat to her still exists, will Sam be able to keep her safe? I can thoroughly recommend this book, and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
April 30, 2022
This was excellent and an amazing start to a spin off series.
This was about Protector, Sam who is sent to Australia to escort Cherry who is on the run for her life after getting out of witness protection.
Leah Ashton really had an amazing mind how she put this story together.
Non stop drama, lots of intensity and action but best of all, heaps of flirting, romance and a little steam.
I loved Cherry. She was scarred, emotionally but so was Sam. Both carried their hearts buried deep but still accessible for each other to grow. And grow they did.
This book was so great. I really can't praise it highly enough. Highly recommended!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
This was about Protector, Sam who is sent to Australia to escort Cherry who is on the run for her life after getting out of witness protection.
Leah Ashton really had an amazing mind how she put this story together.
Non stop drama, lots of intensity and action but best of all, heaps of flirting, romance and a little steam.
I loved Cherry. She was scarred, emotionally but so was Sam. Both carried their hearts buried deep but still accessible for each other to grow. And grow they did.
This book was so great. I really can't praise it highly enough. Highly recommended!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 1, 2022
This story takes you through all the feels, anxiety, tears, happiness and the heat.......
This intro to the new series, brings one of the characters from the old MC series - Cherry. Sam collects her from Perth and takes her to a new country to start again. She was sposed to be dumped in the big city and another successful job completed for the secret squad. However they are caught by the biggest busybody from his home town at the airport, so what's a man gotta do - get engaged and take her home.
She is haunted by memories and trauma but the caring and protectiveness allow her to gradually heal, until trouble arrives. Overcoming substantial odds you will reel with the complexities of this stalker.
This intro to the new series, brings one of the characters from the old MC series - Cherry. Sam collects her from Perth and takes her to a new country to start again. She was sposed to be dumped in the big city and another successful job completed for the secret squad. However they are caught by the biggest busybody from his home town at the airport, so what's a man gotta do - get engaged and take her home.
She is haunted by memories and trauma but the caring and protectiveness allow her to gradually heal, until trouble arrives. Overcoming substantial odds you will reel with the complexities of this stalker.
May 4, 2022
This is a brilliant start to a new series.
When Cherry's life is in danger again she calls the one person she can trust.
Former Special Forces Sam is tasked with protecting Cherry and taking her from her home in Australia to America to start a new life.
Sam is shocked with the effect that she has on him and tries to keep his feelings in check.
The chemistry between them is off the charts and when they can't deny it any longer its electric and steamy between them. But when she is in danger again will he be able to keep her safe.
So much drama and suspense with plenty of emotion but will they get their HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
When Cherry's life is in danger again she calls the one person she can trust.
Former Special Forces Sam is tasked with protecting Cherry and taking her from her home in Australia to America to start a new life.
Sam is shocked with the effect that she has on him and tries to keep his feelings in check.
The chemistry between them is off the charts and when they can't deny it any longer its electric and steamy between them. But when she is in danger again will he be able to keep her safe.
So much drama and suspense with plenty of emotion but will they get their HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
March 22, 2024
It was a well written and organized romance, but the lack of real action after the introduction until halfway through the book was rhetoric between not-Josh (Sam) and Cherry. She wanted him but they shouldn't. He wanted her but he wasn't going there. She teased, he reacted. He couldn't. Also for such an elite Shadow organization, it seemed the bad guy knew much more about hacking and the eworld than Wolf and his supposed fingers into everything. I didn't even really get the bad guy. He had nothing to do with the plot line from the beginning, and to have him be who was was, was strange. I think many will love this story, however, as it has low spice and a hometown, damaged hero.
April 28, 2022
Cherry kills a biker gang boyfriend that keeps her captive in self-defense. She is almost put into witness protection to keep her safe. When it is determined she is no longer in danger, she is able to resume her own identity. Cherry has a break in at her place and a note is left in blood that she will die.
The Shado\w Team is called to get her a new identity and relocate her. Sam is assigned to protect her.
The Watcher is a skilled hacker and tracks her every move. I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down. Danger, suspense and romance keeps your interest.
The Shado\w Team is called to get her a new identity and relocate her. Sam is assigned to protect her.
The Watcher is a skilled hacker and tracks her every move. I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down. Danger, suspense and romance keeps your interest.
May 1, 2022
In "The Protector's Temptation (Shadow Team Six Book 1)", Cherry is forced into witness protection after the death of her MC boyfriend. Shortly after leaving witness protection she realizes there is still a threat against her life and she calls a contact to get out of Australia. Sam arrives to escort her as her bodyguard to the the USA to a life under the guise of a fake engagement. High hijinks result and action soon result. I enjoyed the chemistry and relationship between Sam and Cherry and the hints of future relationships for the rest of the team. I also thought that this book was unique that it didn't follow the typical "bodyguard" protector formula.
September 19, 2023
Cherry Brimble is out of witness protection, after escaping the clutches of the violent biker club. She was in it for eight years because she got involved because her parents w.as strict. Former Special Forces soldier Sam Cabernet has his own dark past. He is posing as her fiance but red hot sparks is flying between them trying to keep her safe from the stalker. While trying to get her to a safe place one of his mothers see them at the airport. Candy tells the woman that they are engaged and they end up going to his home.
February 1, 2024
New to me Author!
This story truly was a journey — from Australia to the US. Cherry and Sam are connected when he is hired to get her safely away from Australia with a new identity and to start a new life in Florida. Through some interesting coincidences, they end up in his hometown in Colorado. Trouble finds Cherry there and Sam and his team have to find her before it’s too late. They are a great couple — even though they only knew each other a few days before falling in love.
This story truly was a journey — from Australia to the US. Cherry and Sam are connected when he is hired to get her safely away from Australia with a new identity and to start a new life in Florida. Through some interesting coincidences, they end up in his hometown in Colorado. Trouble finds Cherry there and Sam and his team have to find her before it’s too late. They are a great couple — even though they only knew each other a few days before falling in love.
April 30, 2022
Delightful start to a vibrant new series. I loved how Sam had to fight his emotions while trying to keep Cherry safe. Of course, Cherry’s teasing doesn’t help him either. This book grabbed my interest from the very first chapter and held me in thrall until the end. I really liked the two P’s and their comments. This looks to be a winning series and I look forward to reading the next one.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 1, 2022
Decisions.
Cherry had made good ones in her life but more often they were bad. Shooting her abusive, controlling boyfriend in order to save two people and escape the he'll that was her existence was a good one. Now after leaving witness protection, her life life should be safe. But it's not. Enter Sam from Shadow Team to take her to safety and a new start. Will the "Watcher" be able to find her?
Cherry had made good ones in her life but more often they were bad. Shooting her abusive, controlling boyfriend in order to save two people and escape the he'll that was her existence was a good one. Now after leaving witness protection, her life life should be safe. But it's not. Enter Sam from Shadow Team to take her to safety and a new start. Will the "Watcher" be able to find her?
May 14, 2022
Way too many F-bombs. I usually can tolerate a few of these but this book has an excessive number. Way too much use of sh.... There are young girls in this books and their mother didn't even try to limit the number of these type of words. The thing that will keep from reading any more books in this series is the use of Christ's name used as an exclamation or as more commonly used in vain. Language crude and vulgar.
September 15, 2022
You can't outrun your past, or can you? Cherry Brimble certainly thinks so, doing what she has to for a better life. Witness protection was a big step towards that freedom, unfortunately she has been compromised and danger looms. Sam Taberner is tasked to protect her as he takes her to her new life. Compelled to pivot, the pair pose as a newly engaged couple. Genuine attractions and emotions arise, even as danger stalks them. An entertaining read.
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