Wednesday, January 22, 2025

SERIES REVIEW - Protectors at K-9 Ranch



Discover more action-packed stories in the Protectors at K-9 Ranch series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:

Book 1: Shadow Survivors
Book 2: K-9 Defender
Book 3: Special Forces K-9
Book 4: Protecting the Pack

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.


Title:  Shadow Survivors
Author:  Julie Miller
Series:   Protectors at K-9 Ranch
Publisher:  Harlequin 
Genre:   Romantic Suspense
Format:  Kindle
No. of Pages:  197
Date of Publication:   April 23, 2024
My Rating:   5 Stars
DESCRIPTION:

With children seeking a safe haven
Her ranch becomes a refuge.

Jessie Bennington’s past motivated her canine-focused business, where she heals those who are emotionally traumatized. When two young children show up at her ranch, predators on their trail, Jessie can only trust her longtime friend Garrett Caldwell. The deputy goes into protector mode without a single hesitation. Garrett has buried his feelings for Jessie long enough. He isn't about to let any danger come between them—or the innocent children—now.

MY THOUGHTS:

Jessie Bennington, a formidable woman, embodies strength that deserves emulation. Ten years ago, she endured unimaginable tragedy and loss. Since then, she has dedicated her life to training service dogs, accompanied by her loyal aging support dog, Shadow.

A series of peculiar events bring Jessie’s friend, Deputy Garrett Caldwell, to her ranch. Their friendship has blossomed, but Jessie has set a boundary that Garrett never anticipated crossing. Not only has Jessie suffered significant loss, but Garrett has also grappled with his own personal tragedies. As this couple is in their 40s, finding love seemed like an insurmountable task.

However, as the story unfolds, an urgent alert emerges: two children, a nine-year-old boy and his five-year-old sister, have gone missing. Amidst the presence of the ever-supportive service dogs, the unfolding situation involving the children, and the deepening friendship between Jessie and Garrett, a glimmer of hope emerges for a happy ending for all involved.
- - - - -

Title:  K-9 Defender
Author:  Julie Miller
Series:   Protectors at K-9 Ranch
Publisher:  Harlequin Audio
Genre:   Romantic Suspense
Format:  Audiobook
No. of Pages:   224
Date of Publication:   September 24, 2024
My Rating:   4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:

Can one woman's K-9
Convince her to trust a determined detective?

After a betrayal that almost took his life, Detective Joel Standage is deskbound. A new assignment is his chance to find out if he still has what it takes to be a cop. His mission? Get close to Mollie Crane, a woman who’s as guarded—and wounded—as he is. Her service dog, Magnus, trusts Joel before she does. When it becomes clear that his interest in her crime boss ex-husband is putting her in danger, what started as a case becomes personal, and Joel will do whatever it takes to protect her…

MY THOUGHTS:
Joel Standage and Mollie Crane first met under dangerous circumstances. Mollie has her reasons, so trusting Joel is the last thing she planned on doing. Joel notices that Mollie has a service dog named Magnus. This dog is a part of Mollie, as their incredible bond shows. 

Mollie’s apprehension towards Joel is compounded by her recent escape from a violent marriage. Despite her reservations, Joel needs her help, and as a Kansas City cop, he’s about to get dangerously close to her. Meanwhile, Joel is a broken man, currently working a desk job due to injuries sustained during a case. However, his supervisor wants him to return to detective work, which means getting even closer to Mollie.

This captivating book will always be memorable for several reasons. First, we have our adorable Magnus, a malinois who embodies faithfulness and strength although though deaf in one ear. Another remarkable aspect of the book is that Magnus has found his pack, and it extends beyond Mollie. 

- - - - -

Title:  Special Forces K-9
Author:  Julie Miller
Series:   Protectors at K-9 Ranch
Publisher:  Harlequin Audio
Genre:   Romantic Suspense
Format:  Audiobook ALC
No. of Pages:   218
Date of Publication:   January 21, 2025
My Rating:   4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:

A former soldier and his dog
are about to come to her rescue

After a heroic career, Special Forces ex-soldier Ben Hunter is fighting a new battle: adjusting to civilian life. But when the life of his occupational therapist is threatened, the wounded vet and his service dog, Rocky, spring into action. Maeve Phillips believes her friend was murdered and won’t stop until she tracks down the killer…who is now hunting her. Nobody’s going to harm Maeve on Ben’s watch. Now a predator is about to find out what it feels like to be prey.

MY THOUGHTS:

When ex-soldier Ben Hunter takes a job working with service dogs, he never anticipated finding true healing. His service dog, Rocky, provided immense comfort, but his experiences with Maeve Phillips would alter his life forever.

This third installment in the Protectors at K-9 Ranch series is equally captivating as the first two. However, I believe all three books could be read as standalone novels. Ben has endured significant losses, while Maeve surpasses his own sense of brokenness. A looming danger involving Maeve necessitates their intervention, drawing Ben and Maeve together as she must rely on his protection. 

It’s heartwarming to witness love blossom amidst imperfect heroes who deserve the best. I listened to this audiobook, and the narration was exceptional, making it an enjoyable and engaging one-sitting read.
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Julie Miller is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 70 books--with a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier awards among other prizes. She was also honored with a Career Achievement Award in Series Romantic Suspense from Romantic Times Book Reviews. Several of her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.

Julie joined the Harlequin family when her first Intrigue, ONE GOOD MAN, was published in 2000. Since then, she has crafted the best-selling, award-winning Taylor Clan series for Intrigue, as well as its equally successful spin-off series, THE PRECINCT. While she continues to write about military heroes, cops and crime scenes for Intrigue and other special projects at Harlequin, Ms. Miller has also published paranormal romantic suspense books herself. Millions of copies of her books have been sold around the world.

A former teacher, Julie grew up in Missouri and now lives in Nebraska with her husband (a teacher and YA author) and an assortment of spoiled pets. She's been dubbed the resident "Grammar Goddess" of her local writing group, The Prairieland Romance Writers. You may write Julie at P.O. Box 5162, Grand Island, NE 68802-5162, or message her through her website at www.juliemiller.org.



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