by Kate SeRine
Series: Protect and Serve #2
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
There’s something about prosecuting attorney Elle McCoy that Deputy Gabe Dawson just can’t get enough of. Even with Gabe’s family legacy in law enforcement and promising career, Elle’s smart, sassy rejection of all his charm makes Gabe want her even more.
But Gabe’s confidence is shaken when he’s shot on the steps of the courthouse, protecting Elle from a terrorist intent on revenge. Worse, Elle isn’t out of danger yet. But as they race to counter the terrorist’s next move, Gabe determines to prove to Elle—and himself—that he’s a man worthy of her.
Safe from Harm by Kate SeRine is the second novel in her Protect and Serve series. The series involves Dawson brothers Tom, Gabe, Joe, and Kyle. Safe from Harm shares a heated romance between Deputy Gabe Dawson and prosecuting attorney Elle McCoy. Filled with danger, their haters’ to lovers’ romance kept me flipping the pages.
Coffee Dates with Safe From Harm:
First Date: Gabe and Elly have a history. They have known each other since he was nineteen and she was the new neighbor who lost her family. These two have an interesting chemistry, exchanging barbs as the sexual tension around them explodes. SeRine pulls us into the suspense aspect when Gabe finds himself in the middle of a restaurant shooting that leaves a good friend dead. My first date has me curious and I am ready for more.
Second date: We begin to learn Gabe and Elly’s history. SeRine makes us privy to Elly’s thoughts and we begin to understand why she holds such animosity towards him. Gabe tries to pursue Elly and even eggs her on; because he thinks, she is adorable when she is angry. Gabe’s reputation as a player hurts him throughout this tale. Thankfully, SeRine lets us in and allows us to get to know this sexy man. Watching these two tango was delectable. The suspense angle is intense as the father of the man who killed Gabe’s friend holds Gabe and Elly accountable. SeRine brings us up close and personal with a zealot who has a beef with the government. I found her accounting of this homeland terrorist chilling and realistic.
Third date: Near death experiences, finally have these two communicating. The sparks when these two unite felt genuine, and melted my kindle! However, danger is lurking, and their careers are at stake. SeRine did a wonderful job with the ebb and flow of this date using their relationship growth to offset the building danger. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and appreciated the little details about Elly’s career and the terrorist’s family. The buildup to the climatic ending was nail-biting but the ending was a tad rushed. Nevertheless, I ended up closing this book with a smile.
Safe from Harm proved to be a stronger book than Stop at Nothing. While I still prefer a stronger suspense story with a side dish of romance, SeRine balanced the two threads and developed both.
Safe From Harm by Kate SeRine will have you flippin' the pages Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
blodeuedd
Sooo long since my last rom sup
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoy this genre 🙂
Mary Kirkland
I’ve seen others talking about this one and it seems like everyone is liking it. I might have to give this one a try as well. Thanks for the review.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, glad to hear both 🙂
Laura Thomas
I’m running into this book all over the place recently. Must add this author to my list and try her books.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, I am happy it is all over the sphere 🙂
Paij Slater
Hello beautiful man on the cover. I am drooling ;). It’s okay to just pet the cover right? 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
but of course*winks*
The Bibliophile Babe
I’ve been in the mood for romantic suspense, and this sounds so well done!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you give SeRine a try, I love her Transplanted Tales you should check those out as well 🙂
Sophia Rose
Oh, I just knew this pair would have the fireworks after the way they were in book one.
kimbacaffeinate
Right, I loved the snark and back and forth barbs.
Angela Adams
“Elle’s smart, sassy rejection of all his charm makes Gabe want her even more.” — That always seems to be the way! Thanks for the post, and have a great weekend!!
kimbacaffeinate
Right. Thanks Angela, you do the same 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I think it is hard to write these kind of books without a somewhat rushed ending… but as long as the satisfaction is there in the end, I’m good. I have this author on my list and so is this series. Brilly review!
kimbacaffeinate
Great, although my favorite books by her are the Transplanted Tales books 🙂
Lily B
Near death experience and haters to lovers? oh, how exciting.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it has some great elements Lily 🙂
Katherine
This looks like one I’d enjoy. I love mystery and suspense in my romance and I love when the characters have history!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too Katherine.
kindlemom1
I’ve seen some mixed reviews for this one so I’m glad you ended up liking it Kim. Thanks for the great review and I hope you have a lovely weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
That’s too bad, I love this author 🙂
Leona
Not only do I love me some eye candy on a cover, but I love it when the story can hold my attention as well.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes to both Leona
Heidi
Nothing like a near death experience to light a fire under the romance, right?
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
Glad to hear you enjoyed this one. I’m glad the author was able to balance the suspense and romance in this one well.
kimbacaffeinate
I love this author, she wrote the Transplant serie as well with Grimm fairytale characters that end up here. It begins with Red, I think you would love them.
sherry fundin
You know me, I’m always game for a romantic suspense.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too, and I downloaded the Scarecrow book…silly me I missed that little word FREE.
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kim, I love brother series and romantic suspense is always a go to genre for me. Thanks this is going on my list!
kimbacaffeinate
I am such a sucker for both. I love this author, and have read all of her works
Cyn
I think I’ve read one Kate SeRine book but it sounds like I need to read more! And yay brothers! Lovely reviens, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Was it from her Transplant series…such fun. I loved those.
Bookworm Brandee
Mmm, more brothers! 😉 It seems like an interesting suspense element using a zealot and I rather enjoy a haters-to-lovers trope since that usually means sparks really fly. I’m glad SeRine balanced the suspense and romance well.
kimbacaffeinate
Zealots are scary and so are their followers.
Melliane
I had a nice time with this one so I’m happy to see it was the same for you. I’m curious for more
kimbacaffeinate
I am happy you enjoyed it as well Melliane 🙂