To Hold and Protect

K-9 Defenders #3

by Sandra Owens, Patrick Zeller (Narrator)

"With realistic characters, witty banter, a well-written storyline, and a bit of action thrown in, Keeping Guard will draw readers in from the first page until the last." — Harlequin Junkie

It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse…

Willow Landry only plans to humor the adorable little girl playing matchmaker one door down. Everly wants a mommy, and she’s decided that Willow is perfect for her daddy, a handsome firefighter with the soul of an artist. But when an arsonist comes to Marsville, Willow will need all the help she can get…

Only four things matter to firefighter Parker his five-year-old, pickle-loving daughter; his brothers; his art; and Ember, his accelerant detection dog. But when his beautiful new neighbor Willow is targeted by a dangerous outsider, Parker finds himself desperate to keep her safe.

As Parker and Ember work to sniff out the truth, Willow warms to the idea of being part of a family. And Ember proves she’s got what it takes to protect Parker’s one true love.  


K-9 Defenders
Book 1: In His Protection
Book 2: Her Delta Force Protector
Book 3: To Hold and Protect

Operation K-9 Brothers
Book 1: Operation K-9 Brothers
Book 2: Keeping Guard
Book 3: Mountain Rescue

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Animals, Fiction, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published April 25, 2023

About the author

An award winning author, Sandra Owens lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Her family and friends often question her sanity, but have ceased being surprised by what she might get up to next. She’s jumped out of a plane, flown in an aerobatic plane while the pilot performed thrilling stunts, has flown Air Combat (two fighter planes dogfighting, pretending to shoot at each other with laser guns), and rode a Harley motorcycle for years. She regrets nothing.

Sandra is a 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist for her contemporary romance, CRAZY FOR HER. CRAZY FOR HER is the first book in her bestselling series about the men of K2 Special Services. Book two, SOMEONE LIKE HER, is available now, and book three, FALLING FOR HER, is due out this fall. In addition to contemporary romances, Sandra writes Regency romances.

Learn more about Sandra at www.sandra-owens.com

Reviews

[Stasi Apple (The Reads of an Apple) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great end to the trilogy. We learned more about the aunt, got way more Everly (which makes sense as Parker is her father) and such a sweet, heartwarming epilogue to wrap up the trilogy. I loved this series so much. Just quick, easy, not that complicated romantic suspense. Can't wait to get more into Sandra Owens's backlist!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last of the series. Nice conclusion.
(Unfortunately not a clean read:( )
Tickled by pickle-loving Everly :)

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker is the Fire Chief of Marsville, an artist and most importantly a dad to a very special young lady. He has the heart of a warrior and the soul of a romantic and sometimes those character traits are at war with each other. Enter Willow, a sassy children's book author who's dealing with a breakup and has decided she is in a man-free period in her life. Of course immediately sparks fly between the two of them. Toss in an arsonist who apparently has a grudge against Parker, yes these fires seem personal to him, and you have the makings of suspenseful romance that is typical of the books we've grown to love and expect from Ms Owens. The characters are realistic,, the dialog as always is snappy and smart and caused me to grin several times, and there is enough action to make the reader wonder what's coming next. And the epilogue, it will for sure make you smile and sigh. A perfect ending to this series.

Merged review:

Parker is the Fire Chief of Marsville, an artist and most importantly a dad to a very special young lady. He has the heart of a warrior and the soul of a romantic and sometimes those character traits are at war with each other. Enter Willow, a sassy children's book author who's dealing with a breakup and has decided she is in a man-free period in her life. Of course immediately sparks fly between the two of them. Toss in an arsonist who apparently has a grudge against Parker, yes these fires seem personal to him, and you have the makings of suspenseful romance that is typical of the books we've grown to love and expect from Ms Owens. The characters are realistic,, the dialog as always is snappy and smart and caused me to grin several times, and there is enough action to make the reader wonder what's coming next. And the epilogue, it will for sure make you smile and sigh. A perfect ending to this series.

[Bella Toric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book was absolutely up my alley and truth be told I read it twice already because I absolutely loved it! The premise, the characters, the romance, the suspense; everything under the sun in this book really got to me. The plot started moving right away and had me completely hooked from chapter one.

You've got your single dad fire fighter trope, a woman who's just broken up with an ex and is now man free trope, arsonist after our male lead trope, and tons of steamy chemistry between the MMC and FMC which really led to this book being overall super fun to read and had me wanting more every time I flipped the page. I couldn't put this book down. Definitely one of the best books I've read that included the firefighter trope!

I'm obsessed with it, needlessly to say, it's probably a book I'll be reading multiple times once it's out!

Thank you NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one really brought to a close this trio in a good way. I liked how it started, with Everly being herself and checking out the new neighbor, while Parker looses his mind when he realizes what his little girl is up to. Through out these books Everly's been some great comedic fanfare, but with this book we get to see how she arrived and it makes me a little sad and you can understand why Parker is the way he is with her.

Willow is a bit of fresh air coming in, sees how great the Church's are and tempts Parker so much! I love that she sees Everly as the brilliant little girl she is and how she gets along with the rest of the crew.

The drama at the end of the book is crazy! I'm glad that Parker and his brothers arrived in time and were able to do what they could to save the day. It made the ending so perfect for all of those involved in these books!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parker was definitely my favorite of the three brothers. All three books in this series are really good. I enjoyed the heck out of them. Looks like I found a new author!

[Bookstash · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Hold and Protect by Sandra Owens (4/23)
[K-9 Defenders -3] (B+ Warm) [3-25-25]

Hoopla Audible: Patrick Zeller - Very Good

[Sarah M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this book! It was a nice easy read that’s perfect for a barely there stress factor just want to read something happy vibe. Small town romance, single dad and slight thriller romance all wrapped into one book.

Things I liked:
Everly was adorable and definitely brought the humor factor to this book and her obsession with pickles was hilarious.
I’m always a fan for dual POV.
The ending was super action packed and kept me entertained and a plot twist no one saw coming.

Things I didn’t like:
Small thing but the cover didn’t really match the descriptions of the main characters.
I know it was a main plot point to this story but why did Willow need to leave? If she was so happy there she just could’ve stayed? It didn’t t have to have so much stress around we can’t be together because I have to move.
I absolutely hate third act break ups but this one was short lived so it didn’t bother me as much as usual.

Overall I’d give this book a 3/5 stars

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book!

[Harlequin Books]

Contemporary Romance, Action & Adventure Romance, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
K-9 Defenders (Book #3)

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Hold and Protect is the third novel in Sandra Owens' K-9 Defenders series, and for a number of reasons, it's my favorite thus far, it hooked me from the very start, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.

While the previous novels in this series spent a lot more time on the titular K-9s, To Hold and Protect offered more romance, more character development, more angst, more secrets, and the cutest, most adorable, funniest, sweetest, most gifted, child prodigy, and little "pickle princess," in 5-year-old Everly, who completely stole the show and my heart. But don't think the novel is all about her--there's plenty of romance, danger, and mystery to come, and the mystery starts at the get-go with the Fire Chief of Marsville, Everly's single-dad, Parker Church, investigating what's clearly an arson fire in his small town of Marsville. En route home, he notices a bright yellow VW Bug in the driveway of what had been the vacant house next door to his home, and sitting on the porch with the new owner, is his daughter, Everly--a major no-no for this protective dad..

Everly is on that porch with it's new owner, children's book author and free-spirit, Willow Landry, who just inherited the house from her late grandfather, and Parker is not pleased that Everly left their yard to introduce herself to their new neighbor, who is every bit as enchanted with the precocious Everly as I was. Willow, who just found her her fiance cheating on her with her best friend was happy to inherit the old Victorian home, since ending that relationship also left her homeless. This is the second engagement that ended in disaster for her, so to say she's not looking for another serious relationship any time soon is putting it mildly. Parker is none too friendly with her at the outset, although he's attracted to the pretty Willow--his problem is also heartbreak and he's well aware of the fact that he falls in love way too easily--and he has lost at love before, especially with Everly's birth mother.

Parker shares his own Victorian home next door with his two brothers and their soon-to-be brides, and is none too friendly with his new neighbor when they first meet, but that will soon change. Willow has always dreamed of a home on the beach where she can write her children's books, and she plans to renovate the old Victorian and put it up for sale as soon as possible. But Everly is looking for a mommy, and she's already set her sights on Miss Willow.

As if the budding attraction between Willow and Parker isn't enough, there's an arsonist in town, setting things on fire at a very rapid pace, and it's Ember, Parker's accelerant-sniffing K-9 partner, who alerts him to the fact that all these fires were deliberately set. Oh, and yes, Parker is a famous artist using an assumed name, Park C., to sign his works of art, a fact only a few people in town are privy to, and he's on deadline with a NY gallery show coming up soon. These arson fires are keeping him out of his art studio far too often, as is the fact that he soons starts painting scenes with Willow in them.

So, who is starting these rapidly escalating arson fires, and why? The suspense in this novel is palpable, as is the growing attraction between Parker and Willow, one they both realize is temporary, or is it? I'm not telling, so you'll just have to devour this unputdownable, sweet, funny, sexy, myteerious and dangerous novel as quickly as I did, reading straight through until morning, and it's just so worth it! I absolutely loved this novel, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Owens comes up with next to top it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Hold and Protect by Sandra Owens is a thrilling and passionate romantic suspense novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a perfect blend of heart-pounding action, intense emotions, and sizzling romance, this book delivers an enthralling reading experience.
The story follows former Navy SEAL Finnegan "Finn" Steele, who now works as a private investigator, specializing in personal security. When he is assigned to protect Olivia Webster, a strong-willed and fiercely independent woman with a dangerous secret, the chemistry between them is undeniable. As danger looms and secrets unravel, Finn and Olivia must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth and protect their hearts.
Sandra Owens showcases her mastery of the romantic suspense genre through her engaging writing style. The narrative is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that readers are captivated from beginning to end. The author expertly builds suspense, weaving together a complex web of mystery, danger, and intrigue that keeps the pages turning.
The characters in To Hold and Protect are well-developed and multi-dimensional, adding depth and relatability to the story. Finn is the epitome of an alpha male, strong and protective, but also vulnerable and haunted by his past. Olivia is a resilient and determined heroine who faces her challenges head-on. Their chemistry is electrifying, and their emotional journey is just as captivating as the thrilling plot.
In terms of sexual content, To Hold and Protect contains moderate levels of intimacy. The romance between Finn and Olivia is passionate and steamy, with several sensual scenes that contribute to the intensity of their connection. However, these scenes are tastefully written, adding depth to their relationship without being overly explicit. Readers looking for a balance between romance and sensuality will find this aspect of the book satisfying.
In regard to violence, the novel includes scenes of action, danger, and confrontations. As a romantic suspense, there are instances of violence and intense situations that heighten the suspenseful atmosphere. However, the level of violence remains moderate, with a focus on the characters' efforts to protect themselves and others. The descriptions are vivid but not excessively graphic, making it suitable for readers who enjoy a thrilling ride without extreme violence.
To Hold and Protect is a captivating romantic suspense novel that will please fans of the genre. Sandra Owens skillfully combines heart-stopping action, compelling characters, and passionate romance to create a well-rounded and satisfying reading experience. With a moderate level of sensuality and violence, this book strikes a balance that will appeal to readers seeking an exciting and engaging blend of love and suspense. Prepare to be swept away by the chemistry and danger that permeates the pages of this enthralling tale.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Most of the K-9 Defenders series aren't about a trained K-9, rather smart dogs.  But the final Church brother does have a trained K9 in scent detection, Ember.   The men have law enforcement connections and do use their dogs to help them.  The series is about three brothers.

The first book  In His Protection features police chief, Tristan who has a loved dog, Fuzz.   He has two brothers.  Her Delta Force Protector is about Kade, a special ops military guy with a goofy dog, Duke.  To Hold and Protect is about Parker, who is the fire chief.  Parker is also a successful artist. The three brothers each have a space in the family home. Tristan and Kade each have significant others who live with them and Parker has his daughter, Everly.

At last, we learn about Parker and how he went to France on his own after high school and why he ended up coming home with a weeks old baby girl.  Parker falls in love easily but that doesn't mean the love is requited.  So he no longer wants to fall in love. Plus he can't have his 5 year old getting attached and then have a break up.

The man next door dies and his niece, Willow, moves in to renovate the house to sell.  She just went through a breakup and so it's a good time for her to have a change of scenery.  She writes children's books which she can do in any location.  Everly sneaks over to meet her and they strike up a friendship.  Parker is immediately attracted and annoyed by his attraction.

There is also an arsonist in town, setting fires increasingly more often.  When the fires seem to turn more personal with the attention on Parker, the brothers all work to find the fire bug.  At the same time, Parker is busy painting for a New York show.  Willow finishes the renovation and her plan is to sell and buy a beach house. Parker and Willow have to believe they can find love and make a life together.

I love this family and the found family they are creating.  The brothers are wonderful people but there are issues from their childhood abandonment which they have to sort when they are looking at a relationship.  The characters are well developed, including the dogs who are very much part of the family with some amazing skills.  We get both Parker and Willow's point of view.  I love how creative both of them are with painting and writing, and how much they both love Everly.  I really enjoyed this whole series and recommend it!

 

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

To Hold and Protect, the third book in the K-9 Defenders series is a perfect example of why this author has become an auto-buy (or request) for me. I have been waiting for one particular “Pickle Princess’s” daddy’s romance and did this story ever deliver a story that fits Parker and Everly just perfectly with children’s books author, Willow. Now it’s up to Everly to prove to these two adults that they’d make the most wonderful daddy and mommy for her… and her matchmaking ways are precious and rather fiercely determined. I’ve adored Everly throughout this series, and she certainly shines and steals scenes constantly in this romance.

Willow has inherited the home beside Parker’s. She’s recently gone through another breakup and has declared her life man free for the foreseeable future. That intention is reinforced when the only welcome to the neighborhood she really gets is from the child next door, certainly, the adults living there are a bit standoffish. But that’s fine; she’s planning on fixing up this old Victorian, selling it, and finding her ideal beach property – she doesn’t need friends; she needs to get to work on her future. Everly, however, has other ideas.

Recently, there have been fires in the area, fires that have been deliberately set and the instances of arson are rapidly intensifying. Parker has deadlines for his other career, the secret one, and this arsonist and his attraction to Willow are getting in the way of those obligations. Parker and his dog Ember have their work cut out for them as the danger increases in this small quirky town.

I enjoyed myself so much back in this world. This time there is more attention paid to the romantic side of this couple while facing dangers that are part of a puzzle to be solved. I loved catching up with the couples from the previous books, getting to see Everly in action once again adorable as ever, and watching two people fall in love even if that was the furthest thing from their minds when they first met. I had fun here, and that’s the entire point. If you love a well-written romantic suspense with touches of laughter and danger, and a couple that is a perfect match then you’ll love this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything.

To Hold and Protect is the third book in the K-9 defense series and I was so captivated from the beginning, I read well into the night to finish. This book has everything! An alpha hero with a traumatic past. A heroine, who is strong and intelligent as she is kind and compassionate, also with a past that haunts her. A wonderful, precocious child, a dog that’s easy to love, and a family who’s there to help and protect.

Parker is a firefighter and successful artist. He has a wonderful five-year-old daughter who means everything to him, and he is focused on her, his job, his art, and his family. He doesn’t need a woman, especially the new neighbor who drives a yellow VW Bug. Willow is a free spirit; she is a children’s book author and is fixing up her late uncle’s house to sell then live her dream life by the beach. The two immediately start off on the wrong foot. However, Everly, Parker’s daughter, really likes Willow and wants her to become her mommy. As an arsonist starts escalating around the small town of Marsville, the two become involved more than they could know.

I loved the suspense and intrigue of To Hold and Protect. It kept me on the edge of my seat as much as watching Parker and Willow find their way to each other. The banter back and forth between the three brothers was hilarious and heartwarming. The best was the relationship between Parker and his daughter. His love is so plain to see, and the way they craft their art together is touching. She truly is his world. Willow’s growing relationship with Everly is beautiful and sweet. I loved the townspeople and the quaint town itself. I live in a small town in the blue ridge mountains, and it felt like Ms. Owens was describing my home. I highly recommend this book and this series! I can’t wait to see what’s next. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The K-9 Defender’s series and it is Willow and Parker’s story. Parker is the fire chief in Marsville and he is also a single father to his beautiful daughter Everly who is the most important person in his life and he will protect her regardless of the situation so when he sees her talking to a woman that is not only a stranger but also have moved in to the house next door so he is not happy. Willow is a author of children’s books and has just moved to Marsville where she had inherited a house left to her by her late grandfather which is just what she needed after finding out that her fiancé was cheating on her with her best friend so men are definitely off the cards for the foreseeable future. When Willow and Parker meet for the first time sparks fly but not the good ones as his daughter Everly was with her and not where she should have been which was not Willow’s fault so they butted heads over it. Willow and Parker was attracted to each other but nothing would ever come of it as they had both gone through enough in their lives. Danger has arrived and everyone is in the crossfire which has brought out everyone of Parker’s protective instincts including Willow whether she wants it or not but Parker is determined to eliminate the threat and bring them to justice. Will Parker and Willow be able to communicate with each other and realise that they are perfect together or will there future be taken away because of their differences and stubbornness. I absolutely love this book and it had great characters and a storyline that pulled you in and wouldn’t let you go and you had to keep turning the pages while on the edge of your seat wondering what the future and outcome would be for them all and Everly was so adorable and definitely stole your heart. I definitely recommend that you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more books by Sandra Owens who is a new author to me.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The K-9 Defender’s series and it is Willow and Parker’s story. Parker is the fire chief in Marsville and he is also a single father to his beautiful daughter Everly who is the most important person in his life and he will protect her regardless of the situation so when he sees her talking to a woman that is not only a stranger but also have moved in to the house next door so he is not happy. Willow is a author of children’s books and has just moved to Marsville where she had inherited a house left to her by her late grandfather which is just what she needed after finding out that her fiancé was cheating on her with her best friend so men are definitely off the cards for the foreseeable future. When Willow and Parker meet for the first time sparks fly but not the good ones as his daughter Everly was with her and not where she should have been which was not Willow’s fault so they butted heads over it. Willow and Parker was attracted to each other but nothing would ever come of it as they had both gone through enough in their lives. Danger has arrived and everyone is in the crossfire which has brought out everyone of Parker’s protective instincts including Willow whether she wants it or not but Parker is determined to eliminate the threat and bring them to justice. Will Parker and Willow be able to communicate with each other and realise that they are perfect together or will there future be taken away because of their differences and stubbornness. I absolutely love this book and it had great characters and a storyline that pulled you in and wouldn’t let you go and you had to keep turning the pages while on the edge of your seat wondering what the future and outcome would be for them all and Everly was so adorable and definitely stole your heart. I definitely recommend that you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more books by Sandra Owens who is a new author to me.

[My_every_day_chilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we finally get to give the cutest little girl her HEA and a mommy.

Romance: 2/5
Chemistry: 3/5
Spice: 2/5
1st kiss: +-44% in
Foul language: 2/5
Humor: 2/5
Cry factor: 0/5
Drama: 1/5
Suspense: 3/5

How I felt:
- I thought there was a good balance of chemistry in this book, but it was milder than the first two. But still I didn't feel like it lacked, it was just enough.
- I can't get enough of that alien story, it get's me laughing every time and Parker tells it perfectly.
- I loved how Parker lets out his feelings in his paintings. The fact that he paints and paints and only sees what he painted in the end when he steps back, is amazing.
- I loved the relationship Willow had with Everly, she loved that little girl and was willing to protect her as fiercely as her own dad.
- I wish we had more of Ember. This was the book with less dog action. She had a great scene at the end of the book, but I still felt she was the dullest dog of the three, not much happens with Ember other than sniffing out the fire accelerant.
- I love how the author took us a bit into the mind of a fire arsonist - it's scary to think how they see a fire and why they love it so much.

Overall:
- This is not a clean romance. It is a romance suspense with intimate scenes.
- It was a fast paced read, with lots of fire scenes, but the author made them as light as possible, so it was easy to read. The suspense grows through out the book until we have our arsonist creating all havoc on the last scene.
- I would say this book could be read as a stand-a-lone, but seriously, you'll not want to miss the first two books.

Tropes:
- Single dad
- Artist dad
- Firefighter dad
- Children's author FMC
- Stalker
- Arsonist
- Protective K-9
- Cute daughter

I volunteered to ARC this book from NetGalley

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest addition to the series finally gives the readers the story of Parker Church, the youngest of the Church brothers. When they were young, they were abandoned by their mother and raised by a woman who did not love them. Nowadays, they each have become exemplary men in their town.
Parker, the Fire Chief in Marsville, is also a well known painter. Something that few know about since fame is not the end all for him, but rather his sweet five year old daughter, his brothers and their significant others.
At the moment, he’s dealing with an arsonist that seems determined to destroy property in his town.
Willow Landry, a children’s book author, has been hurt in love more than once. When she inherits a house in Marsville, she decides to update and sell it, so she can move to a beach house.
When these two unlucky in love individuals meet, neither expected their lives would change forever. Even as much as they tried to deny the attraction and the feelings, fate seems to play a part in their lives.
What happens when the danger with the arsonist intensifies and affects them both? What happens when they both fear not being good enough to be loved?
The plot was engaging and the main characters well develop and enchanting. But the story was more than that. It was a story about family, new beginnings and being willing to take a chance in life and love.
Thus giving the readers another wonderful story by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Carina Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Norma Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Hold and Protect is Book 3 in the K-9 Defenders series. With each book, I love this series more. Strong heroes, both men and dogs, wonderful characters and strong storylines make this series a must read if you love romantic suspense novels.

Parker is the Fire Chief of the small town of Marsville. He is a single dad raising a 5 year old daughter alone. Everly is an adorable precocious child who wants a mommy. She makes it her project to get her daddy and Miss Willow together every chance she gets.

When Willow moves next door to Parker and Everly into the house she inherited, her plans are to renovate the house, sell it and move to a home on the beach where she can continue to write children’s books. She hasn’t recovered from a recent breakup and has no interest in a romantic relationship.

Parker’s world revolves around his little girl, his art and his job as Fire Chief. When an arsonist targets his town, Parker and Ember, his accelerant-sniffing dog, are kept busy trying to stop him.

Ms. Owens is one of the few authors who can keep me reading all night until I find out how the story ends. Her characters are well-developed and believable. Her storylines have just the right amount of twists, turns and suspense to keep me interested to the end. I highly recommend this book and the series. You won’t be disappointed.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Vee Stojcevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended!

I get so much joy out of reading Sandra’s stories. This one is no exception. Parker is the town’s fire chief dealing with an arsonist. He is also a tortured and super talented artist. Willow inherits the house next door and is a children’s author who gets under Parker’s skin from day one. Everly is Parker’s 5 year old pickle loving sassy daughter. Love her to bits. They make a fabulous trio. The initial awkwardness between the couple was entertaining as they both try and fight off their mutual attraction due to past romantic disasters. When they do finally get together it is special and tender. I loved their midnight artistic scenes together as they formed a strong bond. Everly and Willow made my heart melt when they worked together on their book. Absolutely gorgeous!
I always feel like I am in town with the characters because of Sandra’s wonderful storytelling, they are so loveable and real. The heroes are strong, with soft hearts, totally badass and gorgeous to boot. Love them all. I laugh out loud when I read Sandra’s stories because her humour is perfection just like her characters. I adore the epilogue which wraps up the series beautifully. Thank you Sandra, loved it! . Looking forward to more! Highly recommended.

[Sarah Cudlipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of the K-9 Defenders series and this latest installment is a great example of why. There was enough action and suspense to not only keep you hooked on what was happening and wondering what was going to happen next, but also enough twists and turns to keep you guessing! Plus, the chemistry between Parker and Willow was beautifully written. I was immediately invested in their individual stories and their love story.

Parker's little girl Everly was also such an incredible little character. I loved her relationship with her dad and I loved the relationship that bloomed between her and Willow as well. I honestly would have devoured this book just as quickly without there being suspense involved. But I wouldn't trade the story arc of the arsonist situation for anything either. It was done so well and had me on the edge of my seat.

I have been completely immersed in this series and this book may just be my favorite of all. I strongly recommend it for anyone who is a romantic suspense lover. You will not be disappointed! I was given an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

This was my first book by Sandra Owens, but she's now firmly on my "follow" list! I loved Parker and Willow's story, especially Parker's daughter Everly. I hadn't read the previous 2 books in the series, but had absolutely no trouble feeling caught up due to the way the author crafted the storyline.

Parker, Everly, his two brothers Kane and Tristan, and their fiancees make up a family. Not too many people know that Parker, the town's fire chief, is also a world-famous artist. He keeps a low profile, and due to past relationship problems he has sworn off women. He's especially resistant to Willow Landry, who moves in next door to renovate an inherited house.

Willow has had her share of broken relationships and is on a man-vacation pending her move to her dream beach house. That doesn't stop her from being drawn to Parker, though, and Everly. She quickly realizes that her heart is in danger of being lost to both of them. When danger threatens their small town, and Parker's family, Willow is drawn in and her life plans hang in the balance.

Fast-paced, well-written, some heat, some mystery. Enjoyed!

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Small Town Romance!!

Parker Church is a Fire Chief and an artist. “Park C” has actually become a famous artist, but only his family and close friends know that is him. He is raising his 5-year-old daughter Everly on his own, and has a accelerant detection dog Ember. New neighbor Willow Landry has just inherited her house from an uncle she didn’t really know. She is a middle-school children’s author, so can work from anywhere. A recent breakup is a great excuse to come down, update the home, then go find a condo on a beach somewhere.

Everly is smitten with Willow, and plays matchmaker. She has an uncanny artistry for such a young age, and works with her dad in his studio. Willow and Everly create a story together with Everly illustrating the story.

An arsonist creates problems in the town, and it becomes apparent it stems from a personal focus on Parker as Fire Chief.

Delightful extended family, interesting backstory, hesitant romance – but can’t help themselves, danger and artist passion and coalesce into a wonderful read!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best series ever! The characters, the suspense, the emotion and of course Everly who “steals the show” in each book! Author Willow Landry has moved into her uncle’s home to renovate, then sell it. She and her yellow VW are headed to a life at the beach. Well, until she meets Fire Chief Parker Church and his adorable five-year-old daughter, Everly. Parker is not only a firefighter, but also a gifted artist. There is an arsonist at work in Marsville and the fires seem to be directed at Parker. He has no idea who would set these fires to gain his attention, but he and his two brothers, Tristan and Kade, will not rest until they find the arsonist and Willow and the town are safe. Willow is fascinated by Parker “aka Mr. Grouchy Pants” and his daughter. Parker was never going to fall in love again, but he may no longer have a choice. I really liked the details in the authors descriptions of the characters, i.e., Everly could see it better with pink boots. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Church Brothers of Marsville, North Carolina are a study in over coming adversity and providing strength and protection to those around them. Parker is the youngest and most sensitive of the brothers. A single dad, he's Marsville's fire chief but also a well renown, but reclusive artist. He knows one thing about himself, he gives his heart too easily. So when Willow Landry inherits and moves into the decrepit house next door, Parker knows discomfort. But his 5 year old daughter, Everly, knows Mommy possibilities when we sees them. So begins the journey of both Parker and Willow to overcome past pain and bad choices. Willow is a popular children's book author. She's trying to focus on her career and overcome her bad history with men. Parker shows her what she's been missing with men. Combine a quirky community filled with eccentric characters, supportive family, two strong main heroes, an unwanted stalker and a dangerous arsonist and you have the ingredients for a first class suspense filled romance. Terrific read.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a good mystery and humor. This book is part of the K-9 Defenders series.

This story revolved around a guy named Parker Church who is a firefighter. He has a five year old daughter and a dog named Ember. Ember is a accelerant detection dog. Also in this story you meet a young woman named Willow Landry. She writes middle grade books. Parker’s daughter is a bit of a matchmaker when it comes to her father and Willow. Parker is also an artist which he doesn’t share with Willow at first. She inherits the house next to Parker and she doesn’t plan on sticking around. Parker is a bit of a grouch in this story. He doesn’t want to be attracted to Willow. I liked Parker’s daughter and I liked Willow. Someone in the town of Marsville starts setting fires 🔥. Parker cares about his brothers, his daughter, his dog. Willow becomes a target and Parker is determined to keep her safe. Willow warms to the idea of becoming a part of Parker’s family. This book was sweet and the mystery added to the story. I liked this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) My favorite out of the 3 K-9 Defenders. Surprise! Thought this one would be my least and this one moved me, intrigued me and entertained me. Parker our single dad of Everly, his pickle loving daughter ( I can relate Everly) Fire Chief of Marsville and a world renowned artist. Willow is an author of children's books and is in town to renovate and sell her Uncles old house so she can move onto the beach. Hunky caring Fire Chef with accelerant sniffing dog, Ember. Smart, caring Willow childrens author. Everly an artist in her own right all under the umbrella of Marsville with a psycho fire bug. To Protect and Hold provided suspense, humor, steam with a firebug running around as well as family. There is also some past that sheds light on his childhood days and of course the mystery with the fire bug, or as I say with the psycho. Win! Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #toholdandprotect #k-9defenders #sandraowens #carinapress #netgalley

[Jackie Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Stars for To Hold and Protect by Sandra Owens.

The third in Sandra Owens' K-9 Defenders trilogy is the best one! It's funny, enthralling, romantic, and suspenseful. This book centers on the youngest Church brother, Parker, the fire chief in a small North Carolina near Asheville, who is also a world-renowned artist.

The new next-door neighbor, Willow, plans to renovate her inherited house, then move out of town. She doesn't expect to fall in love with her handsome neighbor and his precocious little girl, Everly. The hilarious five-year-old loves pickles, talks loudly, and wants a Mommy.

Life gets interesting when an arsonist hits town, targeting structures to gain Parker's attention. Parker's two brothers, Tristan and Kade, jump in to help figure out who is setting fires in their town,

It's a beautiful conclusion to this series, but I'm hoping there's an unknown fourth brother somewhere so Sandra can write another book in this awesome series.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I've enjoyed the who series, but this book was a wonderful conclusion. I've waiting to learn Parker's story, and this didn't disappoint, His story was just as convoluted as I anticipated. When he meets Willow, he is lost and refuses to engage with her...however, the best, we all know what they say about plans....

Before long, Parker and Willow are smitten with each other, even while they both deny it to others and themselves. When an arsonist raises the stakes, things get even more complicated.

I loved this book and was sorry when it ended. I was totally immersed in Parker and Willow's world and felt invested in their story - wanting them to get a HEA ending.

This book is a must read for fans of the genre. It's so good that you really owe it to yourself to read the whole series. Just be warned that the epilogue has a delightful and whimsical ending that encompasses all of the characters. It made me smile and wanting more. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. The author is on my must read authors' list.

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the K-9 Defenders series, in which children's book author, Willow Landry, finds herself looking forward to every visit by the neighbor's little girl, who--like her father--is an artist with unique talents. Firefighter Parker Church protects his identity by using a different name when he signs his sought-after paintings, and no way will he allow his daughter's talents to become known outside of the family.

Keeping him on his toes at work, however, is he need to identify and catch an arsonist who keeps setting fires in and around his town. And the hints given suggest that the arsonist's work is personal--to him and possibly dangerous to those he loves, which now includes Willow, in spite of Parker's insistence that he won't fall into love again, not when all previous such experiences have ended in disaster of the heart-breaking kind.

So what's he going to do when Willow's house is torched and his daughter and Willow are missing?