They thought it was safe to lose their hearts. But the past is a dangerous stalker. A smart SEAL knows when it’s time to pack it in. After 12 years on the teams, and a horrific mission that stretched him to the breaking point, Steve “Smoke” Tannen is transitioning to civilian life and a new job helping other vets who’ve forgotten how to see the world in shades of grey. One spot of color is his pretty next-door neighbor. Delicate features, chestnut hair—and a fight-or-flight wariness in her grey-green eyes that triggers his protective instincts. Samantha Applehoff would be laser focused on her goal of owning a coffee and bake shop—if she wasn’t always looking over her shoulder. She can’t shake the feeling she’s being watched, and now a secret admirer’s leaving gifts in her locked apartment. To make matters worse, she’s not sure if her eerily quiet, unfailingly courteous, undeniably hot new neighbor is making her less anxious… or more. The attraction is instant and their connection is real. But when Sam’s fears strike in real life, Smoke has only one shot to save her. And it could cost them their own happy ending. Important Note: Protecting Sam was originally released within the Special Forces: Operation Alpha Kindle World. When the KW program shut down, I republished  Protecting Sam  as the first book in my new Sanctuary series. The story hasn't really changed much from the original; the only difference is that references to Susan Stoker's characters have been removed and replaced with references to my Callaghan Brothers. Sanctuary is a contemporary romance / romantic suspense series featuring a team of former Navy SEALs intent on creating a place where men and women returning from active duty service can re-acclimate to civilian life.  Each book is a story in itself, and focuses on a different team member. You don't need to read book 1 to read and enjoy book 2, but it is highly recommended as the stories take place in chronological order and small town drama continues throughout the series. The Sanctuary Series, in order: 1) Protecting Sam (Steve "Smoke" Tannen) 2) Best Laid Plans (Hugh "Heff" Bradley) 3) Shadow of Doubt (Brian "Mad Dog" Sheppard) 4) Nick UnCaged (Nick "Cage" Fumanti) 5) Organically Yours (Cole "Doc" Watson) 5.5) Finding Home* (Jaxson Adams) 6) Prodigal Son (Matt "Church" Winston)  * Sanctuary / The Long Road Home crossover novel that takes place in the Sanctuary world. Related Series: Callaghan Brothers, Callaghan Family & Friends, Connelly Cousins