K-9 Security

New Mexico Guard Dogs #1

by Nichole Severn

He and his K-9 always get the job done.
But this case will test even the toughest heart.

Military contractor Cash Meyers and his Rottweiler, Bear, show up in time to save Elena Navarro from being abducted by a drug cartel. But they’re too late to protect her little brother. Rescuing the boy means confronting a criminal who will sacrifice anything—and anyone—to claim Elena. Cash’s instincts are battle honed, but will his intense attraction to Elena put them both in danger?

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Harlequin, Animals, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2024

About the author

"First class romantic suspense!"
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author

Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.

She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.

She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the New Mexico Guard Dogs series. This book was full of action and suspense from the very first page, and it kept me wanting to keep reading to find out what was going on. I loved the romance in this book. I really loved everything about this book. Great Read and Great start to a new series.I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (Nichole Severn) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Elena's younger brother is abducted by the cartel that's been slowly taking over the town, she must turn to Cash and his canine partner Bear in her crusade to get him back.

I'm a sucker for a dog on the cover. And Bear is a working dog, which is a novel idea for someone whose own dog lives for sleeping, eating, and sniffing every blade of grass he comes across on his daily walks. 

This is an action-packed story, where the main characters take on a drug cartel practically single-handedly. Elena and Cash's secrets are unfurled slowly, and I appreciated how their backstories added to their current conflicts and the way they approached the rescue and the kindling of their romance. Bear is a sweetheart and I wanted to squish her face throughout. 

However, I did feel like the romance was very underdeveloped, which makes sense considering the amount of ground covered in not that long a book. If this were a movie, I'd probably describe it as action-adventure with a minor romantic subplot rather than romantic suspense - not bad in itself, but not really what I was promised either. And while I understood Elena's impatience, her insistence on plunging into mortal danger without a second thought repeatedly was unrealistic and exasperating.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

K-9
Security.

#animalfiction at its Best.

Simply a book I didn't want to put down.


Lots of action in this story, Elena Navarro will not stop until her family is safe from the bad guys. Guys that go to the ends of the earth to get what they want. No matter the cost.

When someone Cloe to Elena is
abducted, her whole life is turned upside down.

Cash Meyers and his Beautiful side kick
Bear.. his Rottweiler. Military contractor.
Fit right into this story perfectly.

[Liz F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! Had me hooked from the beginning. Witty and funny and I loved the dog. Low on the spice but high on action, it felt like mission impossible.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Elena and Cash find their HEA after quite a ride - but not without lots of near-death-experiences on both their lifes. Great story I didn’t quite expect as it turned out to be. Though I never got to know whether Elena gave the message to Ivy - just as the undercover-guy asked her to…

[April B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Nichole for the opportunity to read the eARC of K-9 Security!

This book is one Action packed thrill ride! It is one of the most exciting Intrigue installations I have ever read!

Elana is super strong willed and will stop at nothing to save her brother and she was just a joy to get to know. Cash is a tough military contractor and once the two of them get together there is no going back, a full steam ahead adventure! I thought the ending was a bit too quick but I was still satisfied!

I will post my review on Netgalley, Amazon and Goodreads

[Tammy Scibetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant story. Another great read from Nichole. Intense and a page-turner. I love this new series especially as it features the K9.

[Alibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating intro to a new series. Action, danger, and pulse-pounding suspense right out the gate, drawing me into this new world as Cash and Elena's worlds collide. Mysteries to be solved, secrets revealed, and twists kept me engaged as the two partner up in the race to save her brother and lose their hearts along the way. Plus sweet, enduring dogs to save the day...how could you not love that? Cannot wait to meet and get to know more of the characters introduced.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series that has all the hallmarks of been another great one with all of Nicholes usual hallmarks like fast paced action building suspense and hot romance (Make sure you get the harlequin freebie that sets the backstory for this series and gives you Ivy's story)

The Sangre par Sangre cartel is trying to move into the area and Alpine Valley, New Mexico is been targeted and in particular Elena Navarro after she walked away from her husband after discovering he was part of the cartel. So when her town is devastated and her brother Daniel is taken she blames herself That is until she discovers that Cash Meyers ex military and now member of Socorro the government funded security team who is meant to take down this cartel was supposed to be watching but he was nowhere to be seen. Cash has his own issues to deal with and they also revolve around this cartel Soon he is doing anything he can to get Daniel back and at the same time he ios falling for the woman he is protecting Can these two build a future Can she release herself from her husband and will they get her brother back You will have to read to see

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nichole Severn has lived up to my expectations again with a fantastic edge of the seat read. Another book for my keeper shelf.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Severn’s exciting, suspenseful, romantic books. I think Bear Cash’s K-9 was great. Poor Elena got herself in a mess with the cartel because of her ex husband. I hurt for Elena when the cartel kidnapped her brother. I loved how Cash came in with his team to help Elena. There was a lot of action and surprises. I strongly encourage you to read the book.

[Marie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash and Elena have the fight of their lives to get through and Nicole Severn does a magnificent job of keeping us on the edge until the very end!

Love this new series already and can’t wait for what comes next!!!

Romantic suspense and all of the emotions! Outstanding read!!

[marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Severn knows how to do suspense. Unpredictable plot, strong characters with romance and a protective sweet dog to finish it off. A great read!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash works for Socorro, a security firm that utilizes his talents as a former Marine to protect Alpine valley and its residents from the cartel taking over the area. By his side is his partner, Bear, who is a Rottweiler that he saved from being put down after her years of service were done.

Elena is a young woman desperate to keep her brother, Daniel, safe. Now she has the help of someone just as determined as her in Cash.

This book has a lot of great twists and turns. I love that both main characters are smart and united by a similar past of betrayal so they understand each other well from the start.

Very well written and fast paced. I felt like the scenes jumped off the page because of the word choices picked for descriptions. The action scenes kept you on the edge of your seat and rooting for both main characters as well as Bear.

The ending wrapped up nicely and was full of action as well. Everyone had their part in the fight including Bear. This was my first read by this author and I through my enjoyed the whole book!

[Angela Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena came back to Alpine Valley t be with her family when the cartel comes to town she's faced with the kidnapping of her brother. Elena is determined to get him back. Cash may have not been able to prevent the cartel's attack but he can help those left aftermath when he will rely on his team at Socorro Security and his K-9 partner Bear.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good story. Elena had left her husband when she discovered he was cartel. Then the cartel burned down her house and quite a bit of her parent's town and kidnapped her 8 year old brother. They would have had her if not for Cash, who was a private military contractor trying to stop the cartels. He had Bear with him, who was his K-9 dog. Bear had been his brothers but when he was killed, Cash took over her care. Bear wasn't officially a K-9 but still worked with him.. Elena and Cash thought they knew where her brother was but were caught and then escaped. Then a friend of hers betrayed her and paid for it with his life. There was lots of drama, fighting and injuries but the good guys won in the end.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of K-9 Security .
This is the first in a new series and it's sensational . It's action packed and Suspenseful very intriguing . Elana Navarro is trying to protect her eight year old brother Daniel and escape when their small town is attacked by the Sangre por Sangre Cartel . When they drag Daniel away and attempt to take her she's rescued by Cash Meyers who works for Socorro Security . Cash and Elana with help from his K-9 partner work together to rescue Daniel and stop the cartel . I really enjoyed reading this story . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

[Liz Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to this new series. Cash and Elena’s story is fast paced with lots of twist and turns to keep you reading till the very last page. With his faithfull sidekick Bear by his side Cash helps Elena escape from her disastrous marriage to a cartel boss. When her town, family and brother are all draw into the fray, she has to step up and deal with it. How they build their relationship and find their HEA is a wonderful read.

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

K-9 Security by Nichole Severn is a fast paced story that is an awesome start to this new series. I thoroughly enjoyed the action & a few twists in this exciting story. Can’t wait for more in the series.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this ebook & voluntarily leave a review.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book had everything a battle weary soldier, a woman trying to escape, and a highly trained canine all trying to take down a cartel and save her brother. Working together may be their only hope to succeed.

[Vicky Swearingen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nichole Severn has done it again, this time the action just keeps going and going. Cash and Lena go from one rescue from the cartel to another trying to free her brother. This is such a a good action packed book with a happy ending. Thank you

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic start to a new series. Ms. Severn has again grabbed me from the first page all the way to the end of the book. I didn’t want it to end. I assure I can’t wait for the next book.
Highly recommend to pre-order this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start to the new series. The story was fast-paced, with nearly non-stop action and a hint of romance, taking place over a few days. The story opens as Elena's small town is under attack by a cartel. Homes are in flames, and Elena is desperate to protect her eight-year-old brother. Elena's fear leaped off the page as they encountered cartel members determined to stop them. Her ferocity in trying to protect Daniel was incredible, but they managed to overcome her in the end. Elena was saved from a similar fate by the arrival of a stranger who whisked her away to safety.

Cash is a member of the military contractor firm Socorro Security. A former Marine and DEA agent, a past betrayal drives his need to protect. Guilty feelings over that same past have locked up his emotions. He also feels guilty for not seeing the imminent attack and warning the town. Saving Elena is the least he can do, but that doesn't explain his intense compulsion to protect her.

I enjoyed watching the beginning of Cash and Elena's relationship as it fights for life amid the dangers of their search for Daniel. Cash and Elena each have baggage relating to the cartel that has deeply affected them, but they decide to work together to save Daniel. As they spend time together, bits of that baggage are unpacked and shared, and they begin to heal. There are some obstacles for them to overcome, such as Elena's connection to a cartel lieutenant and the secret Cash is keeping about the night of the attack. In the end, love wins out.

The story's suspense was intense, with an explosive beginning and barely time to breathe. The twists and turns of the action and a shocking revelation at the end kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. I got frustrated with Elena's tendency to rush into action without thinking about potential difficulties. On the other hand, Cash tended to go the other way by attempting to plan for every detail and possible problem. Cash and Elena got into several situations that had me on the edge of my seat until they were safe. The final confrontation was intense and terrifying, and I honestly didn't know how they would get out of it. Kudos to the author for a gripping finish.

I loved the relationship between Cash and his K-9, Bear. The story of how they became partners was heartbreaking, but their closeness is undeniable. I enjoyed their "conversations," which showed another side of Cash. I also liked how Bear immediately connected with Elena - it was a good sign for the future.

My only complaint about the book was one line: "Tell Ivy that Echo got off his leash" from a man who helped Elena escape. But we never see Elena give Ivy the message or see Ivy's reaction.

#netgalley

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the positive side, I like the author's writing style and the non stop action. I like that Harlequin has the Cast of Characters at the beginning. I also like books with K-9 and Bear and Maverick are special dogs.

Perhaps Elena and Cash are made for each other, but I found that she is not the brightest tool in the shed. To get out of her small town, she allowed herself to be wined and dined by a slick, wealthy, handsome man. By three months into the marriage she realizes that she married a fraud. As often happens with an abuser, first he isolated her by moving them from her family and friends. And though it was not mentioned in the book, if he did not use his legal name, were they even legally married? It turns out that he is high up in a Mexican cartel. She starts collecting evidence against him and then escapes. But instead of disappearing using one of the organizations whose mission is to help abused women escape and disappear, she goes back to her parent's house. So was it a surprise that her husband uses his men to descend on the town to grab her and her 8 year old brother Daniel and destroy the town? Not at all. Daniel gets grabbed to be conscripted into the cartel along with any other young men they could find. And the town is pretty much burnt to the ground. She is rescued by Cash and his dog Bear, before her husband can grab her. After 3 tours in the Marines he came home and joined Socorro Security, a private military contractor company, paid by the Pentagon to battle the Cartels. But he recently was betrayed by the person he was closest to, who he loved the most, and missed seeing that the attack was coming, which was his job. While he decides he will do whatever is necessary to save Daniel, she keeps going off half cocked putting all three of them in danger, making one mistake after another as if she was invincible like Supergirl, when she is not even trained in self defense. I just found her annoying. I hope the rest of the series will have more believable characters.

I was gifted with an advanced readers copy provided by NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story begins with a big bang. A drug cartel is violently destroying the entire town of Alpine Valley. Buildings are being set on fire and completely destroyed. The surprised citizens are caught off guard, and many of them are dying from the attack. To make matters worse, the rioters are kidnapping children in order to indoctrinate them as soldiers in the cartel.

When we first meet Elena Navarro, she is already in serious danger. Her house has been destroyed and is already on fire. She does even not know if her parents are alive. However, Elena attempts to escape with her brother. Unfortunately, the rioters viciously manage to overpower her. Fortunately, Cash Meyers and his Rottweiler show up and manage to save Elena from abduction. However, it is too late for her eight-year old brother.

Cash Meyers and Bear are part of a private group of military contractors set up by the U.S. government. Their goal is to take down all drug cartel members. Since Cash blames himself for the violent attack on Alpine Valley, he makes immediate plans to rescue Elena’s brother. However, Elena also blames herself for everything, and she is adamant that she must also search for her brother - no matter how much danger is involved. Cash reluctantly gives in, and the two of them brazenly make plans to enter the cartel’s compound.

Readers will be captivated by Elena and Cash as they display great courage, selflessness, persistence and determination during their horrendous experiences while rescuing Elena’s brother.

This book will grab reader’s attention immediately since it begins with the violent destruction of Elena’s home. The author creates a plot that is non-stop action, riveting suspense and violent attacks on Elena and Cash. The attacks are so frightening, and the characters are so realistic that readers will spend the entire book on the edge of their seats.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series by Nichole Severn.
They had raided the small town of Alpine Valley, New Mexico, the Sangre par Sangre cartel showed no mercy, her parents were missing but Elena had to save her young brother Daniel............Elena failed, Daniel was taken and she was rescued by a man that she didn't know, she was determined to fight to rescue Daniel.
Feisty Elena Navarro had been married to Matias Leyva, head of the cartel, a fact that he forgot to mention before they were married, the man that she had fallen in love with had changed, he was cruel and controlling, Elena managed to escape back to Alpine Valley but Matias would never give up something that belonged to him, Elena was the reason that the town had been raided, Elena was the reason that Daniel had been captured, he was the right age to start training for the cartel, she had to get him back.
Cash Meyer was a member of the elite Socorro Security team, he was in quite a dark place when, along with his most treasured possession, his faithful dog, Bear, he had rescued a brave,beautiful girl from the cartel, he needed to gain her trust, he needed her to believe that he could help her to rescue Daniel and take down the cartel.
This story follows the fight that Elena and Cash have when facing the cartel, of the hurdles they have to climb in order to rescue Daniel and of falling in love along the way. Elena is a very strong, resourceful woman, would she forgive Cash when his secret was revealed, this book is action packed with great characters not forgetting the amazing K9 dogs.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "K-9 SECURITY" OMG!!! This story starts off with a bang so full intense action drama, danger, suspense, intrigue, attacks, steam, angst, emotional turmoil, grief, fear, twists that keep's you on the edge of your seat in this riviting page turner.
Cash Meyers & Bear his Rottweiler are part of a private military group of contractors set up by US government wanting to take down the Sangre par Sangre Cartel that shows no mercy, a violent attack on Alpine Valley soil takes place burning buildings, killing people & taking children to use as soldiers.
Elena Navarro is in serious danger her house was destroyed by the Cartel, her 8yr old brother Daniel is missing, are her parents even alive, she's just lucky Cash Meyers & Bear shows up in time to save her but not her brother, she devastated wanting to search for him they both blame themselves for different reasons, he for the attack on Alpine Valley & her losing her brother.
Cash reluctantly agrees to let Elena join him & Bear in search of her brother Daniel to get him back, she feisty & had once been married to Matias Leyva head of the Cartel, he never told her that before marrying her, he was cruel, controlling, she escaped him to Alpine Valley but he won't give up on something that belongs up him.
I definitely recommend to get this mind-blowing story Elena is the reason Matias Leyva attacked Alpine Valley & took her brother Daniel he was right age to train to become a member of the Cartel, will Cash & Elena save Daniel in time, you absolutely don't want to miss reading this book.
EXCELLENT RIVITING ACTION PACKED STORY 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent way to start the year with the beginning of a new promising series.

I really enjoyed this book , we sure get a glimpse of how violent cartel can be and that put the characters in a situation with high tension but we see how determined some people are to protect other and that's mood lifting.

Cash lost his brother and he still isn't in peace with that but he is working on bringing down cartel..sadly too late to save a little city but right on time to save Elena. Helping her recover her brother is a way to calm his guilt but also a way to learn to trust again. I love how tender and protective he is with Bear, the big dog afraid of dark.

Elena is stronger than she thinks and now nothing will stand in her way to save her brother even if it means taking high risks....however she will need help and no one is better than Cash and Bear for that, Elena just will need to open herself a little

I really was moved by Cash story and Bear is funny but i just want to hug her telling ehr all will be fine....we often forget how dog can also be traumatized and it was great to see Cash taking care of that properly. Elena is courageous and i love how determ!ined she can be. She is great for Cash

The romance is good, the investigation very interesting with several twists and the characters are great, that include all the canine ones and i can wait to read more about this team.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story introduces the readers to Socorro Security, a government group made up of military contractors whose goal is to fight drugs in the New Mexico area.
Cash Meyers is one of those men who with Bear , his K-9 partner, was the point man in the small town of Alpine Valley. When he arrives there, the town has been destroyed by the Sangre por Sangre (blood by blood) group.
Elena Navarro, estranged wife of the cartel’s lieutenant, is desperate to keep her 8 year old brother safe before the cartel takes him to form him into a soldier.
When they do take him, she does all in her power to rescue him, even putting herself in danger.
From the moment Cash meets Elena, he is drawn to her, but his past and the secrets he keeps are likely not going to work for Elena.
Regardless, together they join forces in their attempt to find and save her brother, Daniel.
Will they be able to overcome the cartel, or will they be unsuccessful? Will they get a chance of finding their HEA?
This action packed story is a story about trust, forgiveness, finding love, survival, family, and second chances in life and love.
A good start to the new series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The attack on Alpine Valley, by the cartel, was unexpected and vicious. Elena Navarro had returned to the valley along with her younger brother Daniel and now was caught up in a fight for her life and his. Her husband, a man she thought she knew, but didn’t, has kidnapped her brother. Daniel will be forced to become a soldier unless she can save him. Unexpected help comes from Cash Meyers, former military who works for Socorro Security. Socorro handles sensitive missions, for the Pentagon, that can’t be handled by regular military. Elena has information on her phone that may help bring down the cartel, but her phone is missing. She has never met a man like Cash who has worked his way into her heart. He realizes that Elena is a fighter who won’t give up until she saves her brother. Betrayed by someone they trusted, she and Cash once again must fight, for their lives and their chance at a future together. Absolute non-stop action and danger through to the exciting end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)