Sabotage Operation

by Caridad Piñeiro

A security expert and his K-9
Will protect a stable owner at any cost

Owner of a thoroughbred racing stable, Teresa Rodriguez is about to testify against her former trainer. Is he the one behind all the recent sabotage? When security expert Matt Perez joins the investigation, Teresa is grateful for the extra protection he and his K-9 offer. Now, as Matt and his dog, Butter, stand beside her 24/7, the attraction between them can’t be denied. Even as the danger escalates.

From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the South Beach K-9 Division series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following

Book 1: Sabotage Operation

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Harlequin, Audiobook, Suspense

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Caridad Pineiro is a transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with the Jersey Shore. When Caridad isn’t taking long strolls along the boardwalk, she’s also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author with over a million romance novels sold worldwide. Caridad is passionate about writing and helping others explore and develop their skills as writers. She is a founding member of the Liberty States Fiction Writers and has presented workshops at the RT Book Club Convention, Romance Writers of America National Conference as well as various writing organizations throughout the country. You can connect with Caridad at www.caridad.com. You can also find Caridad on:

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Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabotage Operation by Caridad Pineiro
South Beach Security: K-9 Division series #1. Spin off from the prior South Beach Security series. Harlequin Intrigue. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters from the first trilogy appear as supporting characters in this story.
Teresa Rodriguez owns a ranch in Florida where she raises, trains, and breeds thoroughbred horses. After a series of accidents on the ranch, Frijoles, her top stallion, is poisoned via his feed. Teresa contacts South Beach Security in Miami to help investigate. She thinks it may be a former employee that was fired but his offenses wouldn’t be a significant sentence from the Racing Commission. Security Expert Matt Perez and his K-9 partner Butter are assigned to Teresa and her ranch to investigate and protect. As the danger escalates, so does the attraction between Teresa and Matt.

Matt, Butter, and Teresa search and follow clues around the ranch as more threats occur. As they work and spend time together, Matt and Teresa get to know each other. He was initially hesitant about the “rich girl” but she soon disabuses him of that notion and shows him that she’s just a hard working ranch hand. Butter does a lot of the work tracking down scent trails.

A good combination of anxiety, romance, investigation, and sexy interludes.
Latinx characters with several phrases in Spanish throughout the text.
Engaging, suspenseful and steamy.
4.5

[Franjessca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabotage Operation is an intense, suspenseful novel that will have you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who is behind, targeting Teresa Rodriguez and her thoroughbred racing stable. Teresa suspects a former employee, and for her safety and her horses ‘, she turns to South Beach Security. They send Matt Perez, a security expert and K-9 handler, who is not just determined but relentless in his pursuit of who is behind targeting Teresa. As Matt delves into the investigation, the stakes rise, and it’s a good thing that Teresa has Matt and his K-9, named Butter, for protection before things get out of hand.

I was definitely captivated by this book, especially with such an action-packed plot and lovable characters with perfect chemistry. Caridad kept me guessing about who was behind everything while also keeping me intrigued with the evolving relationship between Teresa and Matt. Matt had to work out some things about how he saw Teresa at first, thinking she was a ‘rich type’ girl, but after he got to know her, he realized she was a hardworking, independent woman who was doing something she loved. I loved reading the parts of both characters in action when it came to their jobs.

The one who truly stole my heart in the book was Matt’s K-9, Butter. Her loyalty to her handler and doing her job was a delightful layer to the story. I’m a sucker for animals in books, and Butter was definitely a star in Sabotage Operation.

I give this book five stars and look forward to reading more from this series. If you are looking for an action-packed, intense romantic suspense story with some great characters, including an adorable K-9 named Butter, then check out this book.

You may also get a little hungry while reading this book. I know I was hungry whenever the characters mentioned the foods they were cooking and eating. =)

Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Sabotage Operation. This was a new to me author. I will definitely be reading more of her books. This story is full of intense, exciting, sitting on the edge of your seat suspense!! I really enjoyed reading about K-9 Butter. She will steal your heart. Security expert Matt Perez is determined to protect Teresa Rodriguez. Someone wants to stop her from testifying against her former trainer. A must read. I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters in this book. Teresa comes from wealth, but wants to make it on her own. She has built a family at her stadium. Matt is started on a new career with his K-9 partner. They have an instant connection, but they get to know each other better first. This book has family, friends and some suspense. I'm looking forward to more of this series.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sabotage Operation" by Caridad Pineiro is book one in the "South Beach Security: K-9 Division" series. Teresa has been having a lot of bad things happen around her horse stables that have her starting to question her and her horses safety. So she calls in some help to see what is going on. Matt and his K-9 partner, Butter, come to check things out. Matt and Butter are newly working with the SBS, and he has never felt the way he does about Teresa. He will do anything he can to protect her. I absolutely loved this book and feel it is a good start to this series. Caridad has a way of writing that keeps you involved in what you are reading. There were a couple of intense parts where I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I can't wait to continue on in this series.

[Sienna Cornwall-Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and its suspenseful moments, which made it an enjoyable audiobook. The reason why I only gave it 3 stars is because throughout the book, it made it seem like there were more answers of why the dangerous elements were happening, and it threw me off that my initial thought about the answer was correct. I also enjoyed that the 2 main characters were each individually different with different personalities and backgrounds which made them who they are to each other, and learned to trust each other because of those backgrounds. Plus who doesn’t love a German shepherd sidekick?

[Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Sabotage Operation by Caridad Piñeiro, Security expert Matt and his K-9 dog Butter are assigned by the South Beach K-9 Division security team to protect thoroughbred racing stable owner Teresa Rodriguez, whose property recently suffered sabotage and threats from an unknown person. She’s set to testify against her former trainer, and the danger and threats against Teresa intensify to murder attempts before Matt and the team can even get in place and begin protecting her and investigating. All evidence points to her trainer as the primary suspect.

Piñeiro’s writing style is active, descriptive, and concise. Her suspense, mystery, and action sequences are well-constructed with steady pacing. She nicely balances the novel’s romance and suspense. Piñeiro deftly develops her complex, relatable, and likable characters, and her colorful, natural-sounding dialogue perfectly suits her characters and setting. I like how Piñeiro smoothly combines Spanish with English in the characters’ dialogue and conversation throughout the novel. She also explores the characters’ Cuban culture in other ways, i.e., through food, language, family history, etc.

Teresa and Matt don’t get off to a great start. Matt carries baggage from a previous relationship, initially making it difficult for him to view Teresa without bias. Nevertheless, they are intensely attracted to one another from their first meeting. However, neither Matt nor Teresa wants to get involved because she’s focused on her ranch, and he doesn’t want to be hurt again. Still, they cannot resist the intensity of their attraction and feelings that develop while Matt protects her from her unknown saboteur, and the South Beach K-9 Division is investigating. Piñeiro develops Teresa and Matt’s relationship through snarky banter and sweet, sexy, steamy, intimate interactions and emotional love scenes that reveal and evolve their characters.

Although the characters, romance, story, action sequences, and suspense are engaging and well-developed, the mystery/conclusion resolves too quickly and suddenly and is a letdown. Sabotage Operation is a steamy, emotional, sexy, suspenseful, and well-paced read recommended for horse ranching and riding, K-9 security, Latin American/Cuban culture, and romantic suspense/mystery fans. The rushed resolution of the mystery may leave some readers unsatisfied.

Thanks to the author Caridad Piñeiro and DS Promotions-1 for the Advanced Review Copy.

3.5 stars

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every Caridad Pineiro Intrigue that I read, but I especially loved Sabotage Operation for the fantastic relationship she built between Matt and Teresa. Not being a fan of horses, I was on the fence about whether I'd enjoy this one, but I should have known better! Caridad always keeps me interested, teaches me something, and keeps the action going even through the parts we 'think' we won't like.

Matt Perez has been through it, first as a soldier and then as a cop. Now, he works for South Beach Security with his K-9 dog, Butter. When he was assigned to the 'rich girl' at the stables, he wasn't expecting Teresa Rodriguez. She broke every stereotype he had about rich girls and showed him that when life skews our beliefs about a group of people, it's important to take a step back and assess things without that filter over our eyes. When Matt did that, he saw a struggling stable owner plagued by accidents and in need of help. That was something he could provide. Little did he know he'd get shot at within an hour of arriving!

Teresa Rodriguez was drowning in debt, and the accidents at the stable weren't helping. Her racehorses were her income, and when one goes down, she's in a race of her life trying to save him. Enter Matt Perez with his strong chest and a solid head on his shoulders to save the day and remind her why she called South Beach Security to start with. Her connection to Matt was immediate, even as it took her by surprise, but they had criminals to find and stop before they destroyed her reputation and career.

I loved how Matt and Teresa worked together so seamlessly despite the constant sexual tension between them. They fed off it, used it to their advantage as they hunted the men after Teresa, and when they gave into it, whew, hot stuff!

I also appreciated that Ms. Pineiro wrote Butter as a character and not an afterthought. The dog was integral to the story, which isn't always the case, but it was nice to see the author take the time to show us Butter's working side and her sweet side.

Well done, Ms. Pineiro, on another fabulous addition to the South Beach Security Series! I can't wait to see what the team has in store next!

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teresa Rodriguez raises and races thoroughbred horses. There have been recent incidents that track as sabotage. When one of her favorite horses Frijoles is found to have been poisoned, she knows she needs outside help. She is afraid one of her former trainers is behind the terrible crimes, especially since she is about to testify against him.

Matt Perez from South Beach Security is sent to help to protect Teresa's horses and ranch. He brings along his specially trained K9, Butter. South Beach Security has just recently stated a K9 division and German Shepherd, Butter is perfect for the job with her canine skill sets.

Matt is not thrilled at first about this assignment. He thinks of Teresa as a privileged rich girl. Once he gets to know her, Matt realizes there is much more beneath her surface and she is a very hard worker. As the case goes on and the two get to know each other better, they feel more connected than their work relationship. Can two different people form a deeper, romantic bond?

I loved everything about this novel: the setting, the authentic, relatable characters and the heart pounding suspense. I especially loved all the descriptions of the food. I even made cuban picadillo which was mentioned in the book. The recipe I found online was delicious!

Author Caridad Pineiro adds her unique touch to each of her novels. If you haven't read her in the past, SABOTAGE OPERATION is a great place to start since it's the first in a new series. Of course, I highly recommend you go back to read others from her back list.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

What a fabulous story from this new-to-me author. It has everything I love. It was a terrific romance with a touch of steam, with great characters that are interesting and, at times, very humorous, intriguing suspense that totally hooked me, and lots of action and drama.

One major character is an absolute sweetheart, and that’s K-9 operative Butter. She is an intelligent, loving German Shepherd who is always ready to help save the day. What I liked was how she wasn’t perfect and had a couple of little things Matt said he’d be working on.

Matt and Theresa, the lead characters, are very different yet compatible, too. They also have terrific chemistry and immense respect for each other—as do all of the characters in the story.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
What a fabulous story from this new-to-me author. It has everything I love. It was a terrific romance with a touch of steam, with great characters that are interesting and, at times, very humorous, intriguing suspense that totally hooked me, and lots of action and drama.

One major character is an absolute sweetheart, and that’s K-9 operative Butter. She is an intelligent, loving German Shepherd who is always ready to help save the day. What I liked was how she wasn’t perfect and had a couple of little things Matt said he’d be working on.

Matt and Theresa, the lead characters, are very different yet compatible, too. They also have terrific chemistry and immense respect for each other—as do all of the characters in the story.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review. This is the first book that I have read of Ms. Pineiro. I was hooked from the first chapter. Teresa is the owner of a thoroughbread horse, Frijoles. Teresa is awaken in the early morning hours with frantic knocks at her door. She is told that Frijoles is down. This along with other issues throughout her property has her calling her friend Mia who is co-owner of SBS Security. Matt is brought in to be her body guard to protect her and her property. The efforts intensify to keep her quiet and not allow her to testify about her former trainer who she saw drugging her horse to the Racing Commission. Can Matt and SBS Security keep her alive and save her property to testify to the Racing Commission? Come along for this action packed story.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first the suspicious happenings at Teresa’s ranch were an inconvenience but as they become more targeted, she knows that she needs to find out who is behind it and why before either her or her horses are injured or something even worse. She wonders if it is a disgruntled ex-employee, but she hopes with the assistance of South Beach Security she will be able to find out.

Matt may have preconceived ideas about Teresa but that doesn’t mean he and his K-9 partner Butter aren’t willing to help. He soon realizes that she is so much more than he expected and now he finds himself wanting to keep her safe not only for her but for him as well.

The building romance between Teresa and Matt will draw you in and the suspense will keep you on edge as they take us on a action packed adventure that you won’t be able to put down.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense all the way through, several action scenes that were tense and worrying. Great characters I loved and would happily read more of, they were all interesting and I guess some originated in other series before appearing in this book, which means I shall be investing where. Some nice emotional scenes as well which added to the romance and the setting I felt is rife for this type of plot, I could easily see some of these things happening in this field of sport. I was easily held and flipping through the pages, it's well crafted and a nice pace that is steady to fast but easy to follow. I have read some anthology stories by this author which I've also enjoyed. I will definitely be looking out for more by her.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few of this authors other books, but not anything from this series. However, I easily centred myself in the world and was able to keep all the characters in line.

I loved reading this story - what a fabulously Latinx-centred world. Theresa loves her horses, way more than she loves most people. She could have come across as a spoiled rich girl but she is full of grit, determination and empathy. Matt is the perfect image of tall, dark and handsome. He does have a bit of a chip on his shoulder when it comes to rich girls, but to be quite frank, after reading what he went through I'd have a chip the size of NY on my shoulder too!

The chemistry between Matt and Theresa was palpable and they smoothed each others edges. Everyone else could see the attraction before they did, lol. But the star of the show for me was Butter - I am a sucker for a K9 and she was an angel. She wasn't the perfect working dog but she was a new addition to the team so little foibles are to be expected.

There were some great secondary characters and enough twists to keep me intrigued. I'd happily read more books in this series!

[Joyffree]

Talk about defining the word "assume"

Someone is targeting Teresa and her ranch
What started out as annoying pranks, or so she believed, has escalated to life-threatening acts she believes are to stop her from testifying
She needs help if she is going to get to the bottom of this
Enter Matt and his K-9 Butter

Matt doesn't hold a whole lot of respect for the "Rich Gal" Teresa
But he is here to do a job and nothing more

A fantastic blend of suspense, romance, intrigue, Butter ;), humor, mystery
This was my first time with this author and
I am already looking forward to the next release in this series

[Cathy Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teresa Rodriguez owns a racing stable that is experiencing a string of bad luck, or that is what she thought until her prized horse is poisoned. Enter Matt Perez who, with his K-9 partner, Butter, are sent to the stables to investigate and provide extra security. As threats against Teresa become more intense, so is the attraction Matt has for her. Can he and Butter save her and her stables without losing his heart?

This story had a decent pace. The suspense and action scenes were good. I like mysteries with a bit more suspects with frequent plot twists and turns. I absolutely loved Butter and how much she was involved in the story!

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new to me author and one I'll definitely be reading more from, including the next book in the series.
For me, the reason for my rating is purely for inconsistencies that made me stop and think, therefore stopping the flow of the book.
This also happened when we have the other characters pop up who clearly have back stories but there's no brief recap for those new to the author like myself.
Despite all this I'm still looking forward to reading the next book as hopefully I'll feel more in the know to be able to enjoy it.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabotage Operation is a well-written and fast-paced romantic suspense. It's interesting and dangerous and has some yummy steamy heat. Matt doesn't realize it, but he and Teresa are perfect for each other. And a K-9 dog named Butter, who likes to walk around with her tongue sticking out is the Best. Ever!

It's been awhile since I've read a book in Harlequin's Intrigue line, but after reading this book, I'm happy to jump back in. I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in Piñeiro's South Beach Security: K-9 Division series.

[Cher Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama and horses and a K9 and two ppl

What more could you want in a drama romance? Set on a small horse training & breeding ranch, Theresa has worked hard to make her ranch a success. But someone is trying to sabotage her dream. But who? A former trainer she fired for doping a horse, or someone else? She hires a friend's security firm for help but doesn't count on the hot ex k9 cop and how she's attracted to him. Danger in more ways than 1 abounds. Read it in a night.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from the South Beach Security crew. They have added a K-9 agent named Butter! Butter is worth her weight in biscuits! Teresa is having strange and dangerous things happening at her stables – the crew come into help solve the mystery. There is much more going on than they originally thought. Nice story with a great ending. Love Butter!

[Nataliesimmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. The chemistry between Teresa and Matt was sizzling, and I loved how their connection felt real and earned. The suspense had me hooked from the first sabotage incident, and Butter, the K 9, totally stole my heart. This was a great mix of action and emotion Harlequin Intrigue never disappoints.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabotage Operation is a delicious romantic suspense with a riveting who done it and a smoking hot romance. Matt was burned by a rich girl in the past but Teresa teaches him that not all “rich girls” are the same. Butter is the bestest dog.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just started reading this author I found this book to be very interesting. This book is a blend of romance, suspense and drama and the characters of Matt and Teresa will find their way into your heart. An action packed, quick read that has left me wanting more.

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt and Teresa are always on the edge of danger and passion. This book was so good, on the edge of my seat throughout waiting to see what happens. Butter was a great addition and also very protective of both characters. I thurally enjoyed everything about this story.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow burn with a huge payoff in the end. The suspense drives the story with twists and turns I did not expect. It will keep you reading long into the night to find out what happens!
4.5 stars

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Matt, Butter and Teresa take us on a ride and it was fun to watch. This book was filled with mystery, some angst, feels and a dog....it does not get any better than that. This author does a fantastic job at sucking us into her storyland.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teresa is in real trouble but she has friends to watch her back. Matt and his dog Butter become a part of this team. This story is full of suspense and danger. But there is a growing romance between Matt and Teresa as well. And Butter does his best to be the “star” of this story. There are wonderful characters and the pacing of the story had be on the edge of my seat. #CMCon25

[Linda Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love horses, especially racehorses then you will love this book. I have never read a book by this author before, but she did a very good job. It had a little bit of excitement and drama and happiness and love that made the story seem real. I just absolutely loved it.

[Harlequin Books]

Romantic Suspense, Animal Fiction, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
South Beach Security: K-9 Division (Book #1)