Her Duty Bound Defender

Mountain Country K-9 Unit #2

by Sharee Stover

Threatened and falsely accused…

She’ll need this K-9’s protection.

Only seconds after widowed mother-to-be Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh is rescued from two masked gunmen, she’s accused of multiple murders. Detective Bennett Ford believes he’s finally apprehended the Rocky Mountain Killer—until Naomi is attacked again. Now she must rely on Bennett and his K-9 partner for protection. But with threats closing in, she’ll have to prove her innocence first in order to stay alive…

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Mountain Country K-9 Unit

Book 1: Baby Protection Mission by Laura Scott
Book 2: Her Duty Bound Defender by Sharee Stover
Book 3: Chasing Justice by Valerie Hansen
Book 4: Crime Scene Secrets by Maggie K. Black
Book 5: Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Inspirational, Christian Fiction, Audiobook, Romantic Suspense

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 23, 2024

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

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters and story.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Love inspired suspense that I received from Harlequin as an introductory offer for new members. Naomi is accused of several murders by Detective Bennett. After that there are several attempts to kill Naomi and Bennett. The story is fairly well written and its definitely a clean and pleasant romance. Loved the way it all came together at the end.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Duty Bound Protector captivated me from the first line. I knew I’d be in store for a heart pounding treat. It was a sweet suspenseful tale that took you on a few twists & turns before you finally figured out what was happening & who was involved. This is my first book from the Mountain Country K-9 Unit series. It’s book #2. It was easy to read as a standalone novel. Though, I’m anxious to read the first book in the series & the next one and so forth. I teared up at the end & just loved it so much. I can’t wait to see how the story progresses & finally unearth who The Rocky Mountain Killer is which will probably be in the last book of the series. I’m looking forward to hanging out again with the task force members & their k-9 officers. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own!

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Duty Bound Defender was an amazing book! Naomi and Bennett's story was an exciting, fast-paced page turner.
Naomi is a pregnant widow, and Bennett follows her expecting to arrest her. But then, when her and her baby's life become endangered, then it is a totally different mindset for him.

And just when an arrest is made and you think it's the end of the story, BAM! You get hit with a surprise twist.

There's always a great story to be read by Sharee Stover.

[Kelli Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi’s strong faith in God kept her positive during a devastating time and her faith flowed on to others in Her Duty Bound Defender. Her Duty Bound Defender was a quick read for me. I started and I kept reading because I needed to know how this was all going to turn out for Naomi. I love the way Sharee shares the character’s private thoughts throughout the book, it makes me feel like I know them personally and can’t wait to find out what happens next!

[Pianosue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. At least they solved one aspect of the book but didn't find the serial killer. Now I have to try to get the future books in the series.

Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh is a widow who is expecting her first child any day. She works hard at her tour company to make ends meet. She travels to a friends barn to revisit memories of him after he is killed. She doesn't realize the police are investigating her for his murder! While there she is threatened and attacked. Detective Bennett Ford is secretly watching her and manages to keep her from being killed or harmed but his K-9 Spike finds drugs hidden in her tour van! What is going on? He takes her into his custody until he can figure out what is going on. Will they be able to figure out who is after her?

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Mountain Country K-9 Unit (Book #2)

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book, but the quick change in the character of one person whom the author wanted you to suspect as the murderer was very rapid and seemed nice, but perhaps added as a second thought when the killer had already been revealed. I do recommend it when you need a quick, suspenseful book to read. The K-9 officers are enjoyable and there are so many tidbits included about what specialized training they can receive.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happily dove into author Sharee Stover’s newest, Her Duty Bound Defender, part of the Mountain Country K-9 Unit series.
In this story we focus on Detective Bennett Ford, part of the team tracking the Rocky Mountain Killer (RMK). He’s a great investigator with a jaded outlook on life and love, having been betrayed badly in the past. Bennett is convinced the woman he’s been tailing is the RMK.
About-to-give-birth widow Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh lives a routine life. After her husband’s death early in her pregnancy, she’s been running their struggling day tour business herself. She leads a tour, goes home for the night, and starts again the next day. So why is someone suddenly trying to kill her, and why is she a suspect in multiple murders?
Bennett finds himself protecting the very woman he suspects of crimes. Who is after her? Why?
As they spend more time together, could the Lord be working in Bennett’s heart to break down the emotional walls Bennett thought were rock solid? Find out in Her Duty Bound Defender! Once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it back down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Mountain Country K-9 Unit (Book #2)

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy enjoyable read

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Duty Bound Defender was an exiting, fast-paced suspense read. This story has some shocking surprises and twists and turns as Bennett and the task force race to uncover the truth and as Naomi discovers some secrets that her late husband had kept from her.
Naomi had such a positive outlook and a strong faith and always found something good from the bad or negative situations. Bennett had a hard time trusting people due to being betrayed by his ex.
I enjoyed the well-written plot which kept me turning the pages to find out whodunit and why. There are a couple of ongoing mysteries that started in the first book of this series and will continue to unfold throughout the rest of this series. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Questo libro mi è piaciuto leggermente più del precedente, anche se all'inizio il protagonista era abbastanza odioso. Devo dire che fin quasi alla fine età impossibile capire chi fosse il cattivo perché non c'erano indizi. Per quanto riguarda il mistero che lega i vari libri della serie siamo in alto mare: devo avere pazienza.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK addition to the series. I thought it did go a bit overboard in trying to make the main female character look guilty. Clearly she wasn't. But I would recommend it.

[Doris Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. There were a couple of typos.

[Renee Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story and characters.
Full of plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

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

This tension filled book will keep you on your toes. Sharee Stover never disappoints with her talent for pulling you into the story. Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh has had her world rocked. She has recently lost her husband, she is nine months pregnant and one of her friends was viciously murdered. However, even with all of this bad news, Naomi's faith has remained steadfast. She is visiting the site of her friend's murder when two men approach her demanding that she give them what belongs to them. She is clueless as to what they are talking about. Thankfully, Detective Bennett Ford has been following her, and is able to save her from their clutches. The only downside is that Bennett believes she is the Rocky Mountain Killer, and he is there to take her into custody. He is sure he has identified the killer. She has been wrongly accused and is ready to give birth any day now. This is not going to be an easy run.

There are two mysteries tied up in this book. The pace is brisk and the action is just right. Danger lurks around every corner. I fell in love with Bennett's K-9 partner, Spike. Spike is a beagle who can sniff out drugs. There is a perfect mix of intrigue, suspense and a touch of a romance.

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

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi has had her world completely turned upside down. Not only 9 months pregnant, but a widow, struggling to pay her bills, both parents deceased, and no one to turn to for help. Detective Bennett Ford has her pegged as the Rocky Mountain Killer, who has murdered 5 individuals. Will Naomi get the jaded dectective to see past his distrust of everyone to believe her innocence?
As the story went on, I just felt horrible for Naomi. So much to endure in the last few weeks of pregnancy with no one to turn to for help. How she didn't have a full on mental breakdown, I am not sure! The following quote from Bennett probably sums up most of what Naomi was drawing strength from "I had an epiphany yesterday about trust and faith. I've put them both in the wrong things and people. God alone deserves them."
I very much enjoyed reading this story! There was one thing that was not resolved in this book (I am not going to say it so I don't spoil it) that I wish was, but I understand this is only the second book of a series and I am sure that is part of why there are more books to come. I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. That in no way influenced my review.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi is recently widowed, about to give birth to her first child, and deeply in debt. Could her life get much worse? Well, yes it could, and it does in this exciting suspense story by Sharee Stover. Her Duty Bound Defender allows us to witness Naomi's efforts to prove that she isn't the notorious Rocky Mountain Killer while trying to escape someone who's trying to kill her. Will the detective who's determined to prove her guilt be the only one who can save her life?

There are two mysteries needing to be solved in this thrilling page-turner that you don't want to miss! Stover shares the powerful emotions of two people seeking to find justice while fighting to stay alive. Her characters are believable, and their circumstances are right out of today's news, but Naomi's deep faith is the shining light in this story. She's alone, trying to protect her unborn baby, and terrified that she may be incarcerated for murders she didn't commit. All this and she still believes that God will prevail! I recommend Her Duty Bound Defender to all who enjoy inspirational romantic suspense.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

[Jeff Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is due-any-moment Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh a would-be victim of a pair of masked men, or is she a drug-dealing mass murderer? Can Detective/K-9 officer Bennett Ford determine whether she is the long sought after killer or not before some thugs silence her?
"Her Duty Bound Defender" by Sharee Stover is the second installment of Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense annual multi-author series Mountain Country K-9 Unit. It has the action, plot twists, and interesting characters (especially the dog).

Usually, the first story opens with a big crime to be solved (in this case, the Rocky Mountain Killer who murdered three members of a club ten years ago and two more just recently), and the first story has a case where the heroes question if it's connected to the big story (it never is, or it would be a short series). The difference with this series is the second book also follows that pattern; typically books from 2-6 have stories unrelated to the big story.

If you are a fan of Love Inspired Suspense and adorable K-9s, I recommend this book.

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Duty Bound Protector by Sharee Stover is book #2 from the Mountain Country K-9 Unit series. I read it as a standalone novel before the rest of the series but I plan to read them.
Her Duty Bound Protector had me hooked from the first page. I couldn't put it down. I loved all the characters and the storyline. Naomi, the pregnant widow, and Bennett, the cop, were prefect together with all the baggage they carried. Spike and the other dogs were hard working but cute.
The characters and scenes are so well described that you can easily imagine being there. The mystery of who was putting them in almost constant danger and why has lots of twists and turns which was great. (The series' mystery of who the Rocky Mountain Killer is was not solved since this is only Book #2.)
I loved all the characters and look forward to more books in this series and future books by Sharee Stover. I received a copy of this book from a friend who thought I would love it as much as she did. She was right!

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation to the series!

Naomi wants to see the site where her friend was killed when men come at her with guns. Bennett is following Naomi to find evidence that she killed many men who had hurt her as a teen. But after interrupting this, he wonders if she did it or not. Then danger keeps following her. He decides to try and keep her safe, but someone is determined to get to her. Naomi just wants to have her baby in peace but all these bad things keep happening? Can Bennett keep her and her baby safe?

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kisses near the end. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. You do need to read these stories in order, but remember that there us one overarching mystery that will not be solved until that last book. Enjoy this great mystery with Christian ideals and super K-9s!

[Carolyn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

While following a potential Rocky Mountain Killer suspect, Detective Bennett Ford and his K-9 Spike interrupt an attack on Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh. Naomi, a very pregnant widow, was his suspect and now he must protect her and her unborn child.
Can Bennett keep Naomi and his heart safe while trying to determine why someone is after her and if she is the killer he thinks she is? Will Naomi's faith and kindness convince Bennett of her innocence?

If you like stories brimming with continuous action, danger, twists and turns, you will love this book! I stayed up way too late because I couldn't stop reading.

This book is part of a continuing series but has its own story in addition to the overall plotline. I definitely recommend this book even if you don't read the whole series (although you will want to). I received a digital copy to read and all opinions are my own.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this Mountain Country K9 unit series! This is the second in a series of 9 books.

I liked getting to know Naomi, Bennett and his working dog beagle named Spike. I could not imagine losing a husband, running a business, being on the run, and being shot at-all while being nine months pregnant!!

After she is wrongly accused of being a killer, Naomi finds herself on the run and being protected by Bennett and his team. I liked how well they get along and how they protected Naomi and bonded with her. Great characters, engaging story line with lots of action and suspense!

This clean Christian suspense did not have any bad language or graphic scenes. I can't wait to read more from this series and I also hope Selena from this book gets her own story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join Mountain Country K-9 unit again with Sharee Stover's book called Her Duty Bound Defender. I highly recommend this book, it's full of intrigue and suspense. Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh is pregnant and widowed but find herself being rescued from two masked men with guns. Then she's accused of several murders by Detective Bennett Ford who believes he's finally captured the Rocky Mountain Killer. Then Naomi is attacked again and he realizes he may be mistaken and must protect her and her unborn little man at all costs with the help of his K9 partner, Spike. Naomi isn't sure she can trust Bennett since he thinks she's a murderer, but she knows she can't go it alone and knows she must prove her innocence and stay alive. Lots of twist and turns in this book that will keep you guessing. Great read Sharee!

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life has thrown a curve ball at Naomi, whose husband and business partner suddenly dies in an accident, leaving her pregnant and in debt. Will she continue to hold fast to her faith, leaving these troubles at the feet of the Lord? Add to that, drugs found in her tour van, numerous dangers to her and her precious cargo and you begin to wonder if she is more than appears on the surface.

As a detective with a K-9 partner, Bennett has had some dangerous cases, but perhaps none as perilous as this one. Optimism was dangerous. Protect Naomi whether she is guilty or not. Will he learn that trusting in the Lord will make all the difference in his life?

An early copy of this Love Inspired Suspense was received through BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Teresa Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense, so many attacks before birth and restoration of love and trust

I loved this book. Sharee Stover wrote an amazing story line here. Naomi a widowed pregnant tour bus driver is accused of being a drug dealer by Bennett a Mountain K-9 officer after he finds drugs hidden in a secret compartment under the wheel of her bus. This is a hunt for a serial killer and drug Lord with Naomi and her "little man" being hunted and treated like a criminal. The K-9 officers and their dogs come on-board with Bennett to either prove her a criminal or prove her innocent before her baby is born. Great suspenseful read. Highly recommend this book and this series

[Patti Jacobs · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t believe this book is so highly rated on here. I found it pretty boring and I didn’t really care about the characters. It took me days to read it, which is pathetic considering how short it is. I just wasn’t motivated to finishing it. I thought the resolution for the drug storyline was strictly OK. And the ending for the romance part was absolutely ridiculous! These characters had not even shared one kiss and they say that they love each other and want to get married. WTH!?!? And I think they had known each other a week! Just an aside, the characters are religious. This didn’t bother me at all, but in case it does for you.

[Laura Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Bennett Ford, a member of the Mountain Country K-9 Task Force, is surveilling who he believes is the number one suspect in a string of murders. Widow Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh was tormented in her high school by the men who have been murdered.

When Naomi is attacked in the hospital Bennett is tasked with protecting her.

Sharee writes a compelling book and keeps you trying to figure out who is after Naomi. I like a story that builds to the suspense.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest review."

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Mountain Country K-9 Unit but it is a stand-alone read. The story will have you going in circles trying to figure out what is going on - but in a good way. I also wanted to shake Detective Bennett Ford because he kept believing that Naomi was the bad guy - even after she was attacked! But as things begin to spiral in the story, Naomi and Bennett work together to try and piece the clues together to figure out this puzzle. If you like interesting characters, action, suspense, and a touch of mystery and romance, you will want to read this book!!