Defending the Witness

by Sharee Stover

To catch a killer…

She must trust her protectors.

After witnessing a murder at the hands of a notorious gang leader, Ayla DuPree is a marked woman sent straight to witness protection. But when her handler is killed and her safety compromised, she has no choice but to run—forcing US Marshal Chance Tavalla and his K-9 to chase her. Can Chance keep Ayla alive long enough to find safety and justice?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Inspirational, Harlequin

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 25, 2023

About the author

Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in the midwest with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at www.shareestover.com.

Reviews

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good! Loads of suspense, great twists, clean romance, and a lovely ending.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the first time I have read this author, but I love books with Police procedurals suspense, and romance, all tied together. There are not a whole lot of authors that write in this genre, so I was pleased to see this one.

I have to say, I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. Especially the dogs!

Being in witness protection isn’t ever perfect and this plot develops plenty of suspense along the chase. The badassery of both of the main characters keeps you on the edge of your seat many times during the story. Some things you do expect, but there are several surprises along the way.

The main characters worked great together and I love how the author incorporated the dogs into the story. Stover also developed other secondary characters that were strong and well-rounded to create a depth and flow that made it very tough to stop reading.

I’m definitely going to check out Stover for more books in this genre as it is one of my favorites. Defending the Witness is a really good read with a lot of detail and excitement that will have you holding your breath for a time or two. It offers loads of suspense, great twists, clean romance, and a lovely ending. But Heads Up - there is some violence that may be a bit gruesome!

* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/defending-th...

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care for Ayla, at all Chance was ok.

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story Didn’t really know who the villains were

[Susan Faloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the pace and suspense of the new Love Inspired book by Sharee Stover. I realized after finishing the book I didn't even take time to write reactionary notes while reading. Ayla is thrust into an awful situation when her boss and life-long father-figure is murdered. She is in a flight and fight for her life after the murderer sees her as a witness. Things don't add up and she feels she can trust no one.
Chance is a U.S. Marshal, part of an elite team. He and his K-9 partner, Destiny search for fugitives. He is very unhappy to be ordered to transport and watch over Ayla. He has self-doubts mainly stirred on by a childhood tragedy. He is a searcher, not a protector.
I received this book through NetGalley from Harlequin. This is my unsolicited opinion about the book. I really like how Destiny; a search dog, is portrayed as the trained professional that she is. She is totally in tune with Chance and her instincts. She searches and responds to his signals. She can detect danger and stress. This is not a house pet but a canine that is part of a life and death situation team. Yes, she is a dog, but she is on the job throughout the mission.
This is a fast-moving suspense with a series of twists and turns. I did figure the main person who was at the height of betrayal. That's always part of my enjoyment in reading suspense and mystery. Looking for clues and figuring things out. Personally, I liked the comradery and sharing of faith that the team displayed when approaching roadblocks in their search and walk into grave danger. I give the book 4.9

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great suspense with sweet romance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Author Sharee Stover has written an engaging, fast-paced story with characters you cheer as they face danger and fall in love. Fun to read!

Ayla DuPree saw a man murdered by a lawless gang. For her protection, she is moved to a safe house where she is taught to defend herself. When the location is compromised and she doesn’t know who to trust, she escapes and runs away. Fugitive tracker US Marshal Chance Travalla, with his canine partner Destiny, are called in to find, then protect, Ayla. As they work together, both to stay alive and to figure out who is leaking information to the gang, their feelings for each other become stronger.

Plenty of action fills the pages as the couple is pursued by the criminals who want to get “the list” they believe is in Ayla’s possession. The story is suspenseful with possible insider suspects and danger everywhere.

I recommend Protecting the Witness if you like stories featuring the witness protection program and law enforcement K-9 dogs. You will enjoy this book by Sharee Stover who writes stunning romantic suspense!

Favorite quotes:

“Our faith is our foundation, and without God working through us and our cases, we’re hopeless to solve anything. There’s power in prayer.”

“None of us faces trials, pain and betrayal alone without God’s powerful in-charge hand. He takes that mess and makes it a blessing.”

*I won this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m please to offer my honest opinion.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

None of us faces trials, pain and betrayal alone without God’s powerful in-charge hand.

Ayla finds herself in totally the wrong place at the wrong time. As a result, she is now being hunted and must be put in witness protection. Seems like a good safe thing to do, with a murderous gang looking for her death. But hang on to your seat - NOTHING worked out the way the US Marshals planned!

Learning to trust comes extra hard when there is fire, a bomb and even kidnapping. Will the truth come out before anyone else is killed?

An early copy was received through Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Blender · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a quick-paced romantic suspense with so much heart. I loved the realistic struggles the characters had with their Faith and how they used that to grow and support each other as well as their team members. This was page turner to the very end. A great summer read?

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." eARC provided NetGalley and Harlequin.

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I have read by this author. The characters were captivating and the storyline suspenseful. Definitely kept me guessing the outcome of book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense and NetGalley for my honest opinion. All words are my own and this book is scheduled to be released July 25, 2023.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayla DuPree is living in a nightmare from which she wished she could awaken. Ayla witnessed a murder, which is serious in and of itself, but the killer was a notorious gang leader. She has been in witness protection ever since that time. Her handler has been preparing her to defend herself in the event she is ever found. He has taught her many things. I really liked this part of the story. This made her a strong female character who did need protection, but could also be self-sufficient and protect herself if necessary. So, when her handler is killed, she is somewhat prepared to run. There is a particularly humorous scene when she outsmarts a US Marshal who is looking for her. This lady had some skills. US Marshal Chance Tavalla and his K-9 partner, Destiny, are a high flying rescue duo. When his boss appoints him to protect Ayla, he is not a happy man. He tells his boss that he "does not want to do babysitting duty", but his complaints fall on deaf ears.

As they work together to stay alive, Ayla earns the respect of Chance. He quickly realizes that she is not a damsel in distress. She is capable of taking care of herself and Ezra has taught her well. This mystery amps up and is tense for the most of the book as they are dodging cars, bullets, explosions and fires. The mystery was interesting and even though you know the identity of the killer, you know there is something else hinky going on, you are just not quite sure about that puzzle piece until the end. I really loved the character of Ayla. She was headstrong and brave with a capital B. Most people in her position would be in a corner whimpering, but she fought hard and strong. The character of Chance had some things in his past that had weakened his self-image, and this made him not only a real person to me, but made his hero status even more important. The threads of faith and prayer are interwoven throughout the story as the characters leaned heavily on their faith and prayed without ceasing. They believed in what they were praying. Finally, my favorite character was the K-9 dog, Destiny. Any book with a K-9 in it, will win my heart. These dogs are warriors and true heroes. If you enjoy a short, sweet, romantic suspense with plenty of action, you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to Harlequin and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defending the Witness by Sharee Stover is an exciting, suspense filled book. It's a quick read because you won't want to put it down! I love reading Love Inspired Suspense books that have characters in witness protection. When Ayla's secure location is compromised, she goes on the run and is unable to trust that she'll be kept safe. US Marshal Chance Tavalla (and his K-9) thinks he's only supposed to track and find Ayla. He doesn't expect to be her new handler. These characters, as well as the secondary characters, are well-written, and they really gave the story life which made me more invested in this suspense. Though I was able to figure out who the criminal was, the way the story played out was still exciting. What sets Love Inspired books apart from other suspense books is the way they incorporate faith. Trusting God with the outcome is paramount in the stories. I appreciated how Chase's team prayed before and during the dangerous situations they faced. If you love suspense, romance, and Christianity in your books, check out Defending the Witness!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wave maker. The List. These seemingly innocent phrases become keys to a thrilling race to find answers and I was quickly plunged into a world of criminal gangs, innocent victims, and the need for witness protection programs. Defending the Witness is a compelling new suspense novel from author Sharee Stover and it's also a tribute to the faithful K-9 defenders who are so vital in stopping criminal activity.

Likable characters, sweet romance, and a strong faith message add to this book's appeal, and the twists, turns, and non-ending suspense make it a totally satisfying read. Grab a copy of Defending the Witness if you're a fan of romantic Christian suspense...you won't be disappointed!!

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending the Witness by Sharee Stover! As Ayla DuPree is in witness protection can she get away from the gang that wants her dead? Ayla is running for her life when she realizes she has to trust in order to protect herself from the bad guys! She has been let down so many times how and who can she trust to keep her safe! She has witnessed a murder and the gang wants her dead! This was another great story that is a page turner One that when you pick it up you don't want to put it down until the end! I was given a compilatory copy of this book and this is my own honest opinion. I highly recommend this book!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectations for a positive review. Ms. Stover is a new author to me. I was blown away at this story of Ayla, Chance and Destiny who is a Chance's K-9 partner. Ayla went into Witness Protection because she witnessed the murder of her friend R. J. who was a judge by Myles Sutler who was the leader of EastSide7, a notorious gang. Myles wanted the "list" that included all the corrupt people in all forms of government. He is going to do anything to find the list. You will want to take this wild ride with Ayla, Chance and Destiny as they try to stay alive. This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one seriously kept me guessing. What a fun read-lots of exciting moments and definitely a bit of a rocky relationship between Chance and Ayla at the beginning. It made for interesting read seeing their chemistry emerge as they got to know each other and let down their walls. Really enjoyed this one!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Defending the Witness" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. Ayla's handler manages to warn her to run right before he's killed. He's taught her many skills for protecting herself, and she's determined to use them to stay alive. Chance has to track her down using his K9 partner Destiny and then convince her to trust him. He failed to keep his little brother safe when they were kids, though, so he doesn't want to be tasked with bodyguard duty. He wants to use his skills to track down the escaped killer gang leader. He basically got to do both as the killer thinks Ayla knows were 'the list' is, and she's forced to figure out where it might be.

The suspense was high throughout as Ayla was repeatedly targeted and she had to think quick and use her new skills to survive. The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events, though I felt like the evidence should have made them a little more suspicious of one person. There was some Christian discussion about why bother to pray (or trust God) if you don't always get what you want and how God can redeem bad events to bring about good. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Jennifer Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Ayla saw her boss, Judge RJ Warden, murdered in front of her she is on the run for her life. She joins WitSec, but her location is compromised by an insider and the EastSide7 gang is coming to silence her.
Chance and his K-9 companion of the Heartland Fugitive Task Force are assigned to protect Ayla as she runs from the gang. She doesn't quite trust them since someone had rated out her location to the gang. Who can be trusted? How does she know they aren't going to turn her over to be killed? Find out how Chance and Destiny earn Ayla's trust and who is the person who compromised her hiding place when you pick up your copy today.

[Marissa Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book of Sharee’s! As a true crime/suspense addict, this story read intensely and was hard to break to put down! The characters are all incredibly well developed with interpersonal conflict as well as struggles within- that mirror so many real life struggles today of self-worth, doubt, and faith. The romantic tension between the two primary characters, Ayla & Chance, is entrancing, and is so fun to watch the characters learn to trust.

Would highly recommend to my suspense reading friends!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book! It was unique in that the "victim" Ayla in the witness protection program trained and learned techniques to protect herself and successfully attack her attackers! Chance and his K-9 were assigned to track her, then protect her. Their relationship was satisfying, while everything else seemed to fall apart. They were unsure who was trustworthy. Faith played an important role. So with the suspense, romance and faith, it was a great read!
I read this book, compliments of the publishers. The thoughts expressed are my own.

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ayla's in witness protection and they find her. Her safety once again up in the air, she goes on the run. Marshall Tavalla and his K-9 partner locate her but the team struggles to keep her safe. Until they can pin down more evidence to find the ones after her.

A short, action packed story where they both learn to trust God and grow a deeper faith.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging romantic suspense. Loved how the female was quite capable. Although seeming to be the damsel in distress throughout the story, she took action to save herself. Several questionable characters. The dog action is terrific as usual. I'm not really into the religious portions of the book, but that is so much better than intimate details for me. It is not overdone and easily skipped. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating read by Sharee Stover! As usual, Sharee does a phenomenal job including law enforcement and K-9s into her story.

She also did a fantastic job making the reader absolutely HATE she-who-shall-not-be-named. I was so glad that my dislike for Octavia was justified by the end of the book.

Chance and Ayla share some amazing chemistry and plenty of laughable moments that keep the reader guessing. Like Chance, I never saw the net coming haha.

[Jessica Gwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending the Witness by Sharee Stover is a thrill ride from the first page. Ayla finds herself under attack from the gang that is the reason she’s in witness protection. Her only chance at survival are a K-9 named Destiny and her handler, aptly named Chance. The MCs are in peril over and over again and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!
Stover wove a story that kept be coming back for more. You’ll enjoy this is you like fast paced, thrilling reads.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending the Witness is a well written romantic suspense. An edge of your seat page turning plot. I definitely recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ebook. This is my unbiased review.

[Jenn Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending the witness was absolutely amazing and the kind of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat! It literally had me guessing all the way until the last two chapters! If your looking for a good clean thriller that also points to God this book is for you!

[Debbi Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayla DuPree is in witness protection after witnessing a murder at the hands of a notorious gang leader. After her handler is killed she goes on the run. Can US Marshal Chance Tavalla and his k-9 find her and keep her safe. To find out buy yourself a copy.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I really enjoyed the story. Full of suspense, team work, and spiritual growth for Ayla and Chance. Life doesn’t always go the way we want it but God can make good out of the evil.

[Rebecca Delio · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT STORY

I don’t think I have read this author before but I will definitely look for her books now. This book was well written and I will definitely look forward to reading more of her books.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! This is a new to me author so I wasn't sure what it would be like. I'm so glad I took a chance on it. I highly recommend you do the same, you won't be sorry.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending the Witness was fast paced and intense. The suspense grabbed my attention from page to page. I enjoyed this clean romantic suspense.

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this is an all night read! Ayla is a character that every reader will love and this clean romance does not disappoint.