4 ⭐️
As a fan of action and law enforcement stories, no one had to force me to read the new book by Nance Sparks. It is my first book by this author, but definitely not my last. I love the combination of action and romance.
Alex Trenton is an undercover marshal who continues to run her late mentor's bison ranch as a cover. Secretly, she works as a specialist in the management of a witness protection house, where particularly vulnerable witnesses are protected before testifying in court.

Emily Hawkins, half Native American, her mother is an Arapahoe, officially works for Search & Rescue along with her two dogs, Hunter and Scout. But secrets surround her that only slowly unravel as the story unfolds.
Both are tough and strong women who want to protect what or who is dear to them at all costs, and with all the means at their disposal. By the way, Emily's grandmother also belongs to the guild of badass women, in my opinion, she is the secret star of the story. Her "I'm old, not incapable" always made me smile.

The crime plot is fast-paced and the story is action-packed and exciting to the end, with some unexpected twists. Some of the action scenes are very surprising, showing the skills of an MC that I didn't expect. But what impressed me the most were Emily's dogs, they are perfectly trained and followed by word or hand signal, amazing.

The story is more mystery than romance, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but the romance could have used a bit more emphasis. What was a bit of a shame is that we didn't get to see the beginning of the love story directly, that part was just narrated. It felt a bit like we were late to the party. Alex and Emily had already developed feelings for each other when we met them. It's quickly clear the two are a good match and I was cheering for them. Both are good women, tough as nails but still vulnerable. The backstories of both women are interesting and important to the story. It made me understand them better. I can't imagine living a life with so many secrets and feeling like I have no one to talk to about anything.

What I really liked is that Emily is half Arapahoe (which is unfortunately rare enough in lesfic), and I learned a bit about Native American culture. And also that she spoke to the dogs mainly in their native Indian language,

Overall, a very entertaining and engaging story. 4.5 stars for the mystery and 3.5 stars for the romance.

ARC was provided by BSB and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 stars. Cowgirls wearing badges, that’s something that draws me in. This is the second book by Sparks that I read and I find that I enjoy the type of books and characters (both featured loners on a ranch) and the writing style. This book has plenty of action and the US Marshall and witness protection info seems well researched (although I’m no expert). There is also some mystery surrounding the background of both MCs that kept me reading until I knew all about it.

I liked how the action/mystery storyline slowly unfolded and there are several really good action scenes. I just want to say that both these ladies, but one in particular, are pretty badass in a way I didn’t expect. I won’t say more as it is easily spoiled. I do want to mention the two trained dogs, Hunter and Scout, I found it interesting how they were trained (largely based on Native American language) and how some Native American culture is infused into the story. The dogs were not overly present in the book but had an important role that added to the story. Grandma is a rockstar too, she may be the most badass of them all.

The romance is not the main attraction of this book, I considered it more of a side story. I though it was enjoyable, while having a few bumps. The main issue I had with the romance is that I felt that I missed the start of it. When they meet at the start of the book their first meeting almost feels like their first date instead of two adults that meet for the first time after many years. You’re told that they start to develop feelings for one another during phone and text conversations before actually meeting each other, but this is all off page. I would have liked to experience the start of these feelings instead of being told about it. Next, the feelings between Alex and Elina quickly develop into love. Again I would have liked to better experience the change in feelings towards one another. This book has a heavy action storyline though, so I’m more forgiving about this lighter romance storyline.

All together, I enjoyed this book, it has ranchers, law enforcement, troubled pasts, action and some romance, which makes it an entertaining read.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Really good book. There was quite a bit going on in this book. You have Alex who's a Federal Agent for the government and you have Elina who's an agent of sorts, but more in line with hunting, tracking, and scouting. This was such a fascinating story to me there was quite a bit of suspense and danger throughout this book the women were constantly in peril. I felt that Alex was one tough agent and Elina wasn't no slouch either these two were very capable of taking on the bad guys and girls. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what this author writes next.

I can’t overstate how much a well written book changes everything for me. If the writer can get across a complicated scenario with elegance, I’m typically sold. This was definitely the case here. A high action romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this one didn’t let me down. Imaginative, well researched with a unique cultural spin.

Secret Sanctuary.. WOW. Where to begin? This is an amazing sapphic romance book. The book incorporates Native American tradition in a way that is subtle, but if you want to learn more you can easily look up more information. When the book first begins, there is a certain air that this might be just another romance book; don't let it fool you! There are many plots and twists that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. A perfect example of when closure doesn't happen in your past and it comes back with vengeance. Nance Sparks did a wonderful job in this high action, suspenseful and informative read.

There is just so much to love about The Secret Sanctuary so let me count the ways. Elina, the kick ass tracker with more expertise than the job entails. Her search dogs Hunter and Scout who are also trained as lethal weapons. Mary, Elina’s tough as nails grandmother and Alex, the undercover US Marshal running Mary’s bison ranch.
Add these stand out characters to a storyline with two action packed peaks which come midway point and again at the ending and you have an outstanding novel. Sparks’ writing is easily comparable to Gerri Hill’s. The imaginative plot, unforgettable characters, heart stopping action combined with the elevated mastery of her writing style creates a novel that is not to be left off any TBR list this year. The Secret Sanctuary is 5 out of 5 stars of pure reading pleasure.

I received an advance review copy from Bold Stroke Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Secret Sanctuary is a fast paced action story featuring Alex Trenton a U.S. Marshall and Elina Hawkins a free lance, sanctioned assassin available to whichever agency needs her services.
The safe house Alex oversees has become a free for all battleground and these two are about to team up to take out the threat that has boldly brought their fight here.
Elina also works with her highly trained SAR/stealth dogs and they are ready to jump in.
Along the way we learn that Alex has a background that dates back to her childhood where she herself entered the witness protection program and how her running Secret Sanctuary now has come full circle.
That circle includes Elina's own grandfather.
This is an absolute must read.
There are still question i feel are left unanswered and I hope there will be a book two.

DON'T MISS THIS


Thank you @NetGalley @BoldStrokesBooks #SecretSanctuary for this ARC

This story is about Alex a US Marshall living in remote Montana. Her job is to guard a sanctuary where people stay who are in the witness protection program awaiting to give their testimony. Elina is a part Native American woman who is a Search and Rescue agent and sometimes bounty hunter. They meet at the sanctuary and renew their past friendship from Alex’s youth when she was raised there in the witness protection program by Elian’s grandparents.

This story has two great tracking dogs and a bit of Native American culture and language added. For me it added substance to the book. Lots of action and adventure too, chasing bad guys. And a slight mystery to solve.

This is one of my favorite type of WLW books with action, adventure and romance. I enjoyed it and recommend it other like minded readers.

Arc received for a voluntary and honest review from Bold Stroke Books via NetGalley.

I believe I’ve read all the books Sparks has written and this one is the first in my favourite genre. I love these crime stories with a side of romance. I think the blurb doesn’t do this story any justice but the way. I feel like I’ve read a different story (a better one) than the blurb is making it out to be.

I think what shows in this story is that the knowledge for writing this comes from lots of research. At least that is what I think. I also appreciate the inclusion of Native American culture, but I don’t really see the added value of it in this story. I think it would have been better in a different kind of story, where the crime and action takes less of the page and the personal stories are the main theme.

For a US Marshal living alone on a ranch, with her history, Alex is super insecure and I don’t really understand her. Elina is the “older” woman who comes to visit her grandma on her vacation. There is an age gap mentioned a couple of times, it takes a while before we figure out the gap (or their ages for that matter) and it’s just 6 years, that to me doesn’t qualify as age gap. Sure there is a difference in age, but it is just that, a difference.
Back to the characters, I like Elina, it took me a bit to get used to Alex and her doubts and insecurities, but the star for me is grandma. I love her.

The crime story is rather interesting and as mentioned before the romance is just a bit of a side story if you’d ask me. I’m fine with that as long as the action keeps me entertained, and it did. I think this is an entertaining action/ crime read with a side of romance and Native American culture.

I enjoyed the mystery and suspense surrounding the two main characters, but their romance didn't really take off for me. I would've enjoyed learning a bit more about each character's background and their previous interactions when Elina would visit the ranch. This might've helped the romance feel true rather than forced.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this latest from Nance Sparks. This is my third novel of hers and she’s gone from angsty drama to sweet second chance romance and now to an action romance adventure.

Alex Trexton grew up in witness protection and now is a US Federal Marshall. She runs a bison ranch that is a cover for her high tech compound of sanctuary cabins hidden in the hills of Montana. She protects those waiting to be witness at the most elite trials. She has taken over where he adopted father worked before her.

Elina Hawkins shows up at the ranch to visit her grandmother. Her grandfather passed recently and she didn’t know he was a Marshall and mentor to Alex. Elina has secrets too. She is officially a search and rescue person for the federal government. But her tracking skills and trained dogs are often contracted to various federal agencies when searching in wilderness areas.

Alex and Elina are enjoying getting reacquainted when a break in at the compound exposes their training and skills to each other. Elina is brought back into an undercover situation that she doesn’t want but can’t refuse. This is exciting and action packed adventure with two talented and skilled operatives. I think if I had one wish it would be for the two to get a romantic interlude at the end of the story. They earned it. But I’m not marking down for that because the potential HEA is laid out well.

Thank to NetGalley and Bold Stokes Books, Inc., for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I can't say enough good things about this book!

Alex Trenton is a U.S. Marshall with WITSEC, after having been a client of theirs years earlier. She lives at, and maintains, ultra-high security at the Secret Sanctuary in Wyoming, where the most valuable and dangerous witnesses are housed.

Elina Hawkins is the granddaughter of "Hawk", Alex's WITSEC mentor. Elina is a contract bounty hunter. Elina is 75% Arapahoe.

Elina and Alex have been corresponding since the death of Hawk and are about to meet face to face for the first time.

I often think that authors must do a lot of research when they write books, and my guess is that this author did, too. "Write about what you know" is a thing of the past. This book has so much of so many things in it that my admiration for the author is at a new level. It's obvious that she loved writing about these characters and all the things they went through.

One of the many things I liked about this story was the way the author describes the preparations both Alex and Elina must go through to complete their missions. The details are many, varied and logical, and this is where the author might have done a little research. More than a little.

There is suspense that runs the spectrum. Elina must capture and bring in Gabby, a target, before the cartel gets to her. Gabby has a wealth of evidence against the head of the cartel, who also happens to be Gabby's brother.

Alex must keep Elina's grandmother safe while also falling for Elina. She can't afford to let emotions cloud her judgement.

The story takes place in and around Montana, the rough terrain making for a fitting setting for Elina and Gabby to be on the run.

Throughout, the story is interspersed with the Arapaho language, which is authentic and well-researched. It is reminiscent of the Native American Code Talkers of WWII because of how it's used in the story.

Oh, and there are also two really, really special dogs in this story, too. I bet you'll love them as much as I did.

Good story. I like police (FBI, US Marshalls etc) stories. A bit of romance too. Two women, both with secrets, find they’re not so different after all. WITSEC, undercover, corruption just to name a few of the things they are involved with. Would recommend it

Whoa, I was not ready for all that action. I don’t think I’ve read a Nance Sparks book before but i think I might just have to go back read some more. This book was well written and action packed. Honestly. I really, really enjoyed it. Some dialogue felt a little stilted but overall an excellent read. Once everything popped off, I could stop reading. The romance was legit and the story flowed well. I would definitely recommend if you want an action packed romance.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Alex been in witness protection since she was twelve years old. She had two of the best men in her life who protect her Sam and Hawk and she wants to honor them by doing what they done for her protecting those awaiting trial even the ones that doesn’t deserve it. Alex has been lonely because of the secrets she has to keep it’s hard for her to be herself and let someone in. Elina comes home after her grandfather Hawk dies and to make sure her grandmother Mary is ok her and Alex got to know each other through phone calls even though they met when she was twelve and Elina on her way to college but Alex never got over her crush on her. Alex and Elina admit they have feelings for each other but as they learn about each other more and the secrets they carry they have team up to protect not only themselves but the people they love.

I enjoy this read. I like that angst was really the danger they were in and wasn’t them trying to push each other away even though at times they thought they were right in trying keep each other safe.