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Cerberus Tactical K9 Team Charlie #2
Sheltering Instinct
Their sheltering instinct might keep them alive. But can it save them from heartbreak?
WorldCares scientist Tess Dagomba is always prepared for danger while touring Namibia, Africa. So, she wasn’t even that surprised when she found herself in need of an emergency rescue. But when her rescuer turned out to be her first love, the man whose heart she shattered two decades ago…well, nothing could’ve prepared her for that…
Former SEAL and Iniquus K9 handler Levi Elliot thought he’d never see Tess again. He especially didn’t think he’d be able to play the part of hero to her damsel in distress. Now, he can’t help but wonder if this second chance with the one who got away is a gift from Fate or a cosmic joke that’ll leave him brokenhearted. Again…
With their past, their missions, and even Mother Nature herself working against them, can Tess and Levi finally get the happily ever after they deserve?
Only if they’re willing to move forward with every sheltering instinct they’ve ever had…
Sheltering Instinct , book 2 in the Cerberus Tactical K9 Team Charlie series, is an action adventure romantic suspense featuring a hero who finds his Mojo (literally), and the strong STEM heroine of his dreams. Download today and get ready for a wild ride.
WorldCares scientist Tess Dagomba is always prepared for danger while touring Namibia, Africa. So, she wasn’t even that surprised when she found herself in need of an emergency rescue. But when her rescuer turned out to be her first love, the man whose heart she shattered two decades ago…well, nothing could’ve prepared her for that…
Former SEAL and Iniquus K9 handler Levi Elliot thought he’d never see Tess again. He especially didn’t think he’d be able to play the part of hero to her damsel in distress. Now, he can’t help but wonder if this second chance with the one who got away is a gift from Fate or a cosmic joke that’ll leave him brokenhearted. Again…
With their past, their missions, and even Mother Nature herself working against them, can Tess and Levi finally get the happily ever after they deserve?
Only if they’re willing to move forward with every sheltering instinct they’ve ever had…
Sheltering Instinct , book 2 in the Cerberus Tactical K9 Team Charlie series, is an action adventure romantic suspense featuring a hero who finds his Mojo (literally), and the strong STEM heroine of his dreams. Download today and get ready for a wild ride.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2024
400 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Quinn
80 books510 followersFiona Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author, a Kindle Scout winner, and an Amazon All-Star.
Quinn writes action-adventure romance in her Iniquus World of books including Lynx, Strike Force, Uncommon Enemies, Kate Hamilton Mysteries, FBI Joint Task Force, Cerberus Tactical K9 Team Alpha, and Delta Force Echo series.
She writes urban fantasy as Fiona Angelica Quinn for her Elemental Witches Series.
And, just for fun, she writes the Badge Bunny Booze Mystery Collection with her dear friend Tina Glasneck under the pen name Quinn Glasneck.
Canadian born, Fiona Quinn is now rooted in the Old Dominion where she lives with her husband. There, she pops chocolates, devours books, and taps continuously on her laptop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 3, 2025
Content warnings: snake bite, physical injury, natural disaster, death of a spouse (in the past)
2.5 stars
Look, I only picked this book up because it's set in Namibia and I needed something set in Namibia for my Read Around the World challenge. Canine handling military dudes are not my jam and if I had to read the word "doggo" one more time I was definitely going to quietly lose my mind.
Anyway, this was...fine? The romance very much felt like an afterthought and for a book that's less than 300 pages, this D.R.A.G.G.E.D. for a hundred thousand years. Ultimately, it was fine and it ticked a box for my reading challenge. But I wouldn't say I enjoyed it. I just sort of...nothing-ed it.
2.5 stars
Look, I only picked this book up because it's set in Namibia and I needed something set in Namibia for my Read Around the World challenge. Canine handling military dudes are not my jam and if I had to read the word "doggo" one more time I was definitely going to quietly lose my mind.
Anyway, this was...fine? The romance very much felt like an afterthought and for a book that's less than 300 pages, this D.R.A.G.G.E.D. for a hundred thousand years. Ultimately, it was fine and it ticked a box for my reading challenge. But I wouldn't say I enjoyed it. I just sort of...nothing-ed it.
December 10, 2024
Sheltering Instinct
Fiona Quinn, author
Another spellbounding novel of adventure, tense life threatening moments and of course that second chance romance by Quinn. I really really loved this one on so many levels. Tess and Levi were dynamic together. ❤️
Fiona Quinn, author
Another spellbounding novel of adventure, tense life threatening moments and of course that second chance romance by Quinn. I really really loved this one on so many levels. Tess and Levi were dynamic together. ❤️
December 14, 2024
Fiona Quinn never does anything less than 100%. This story is set in Namibia and is a second chance love story - but my goodness what Tess, Levi and Mojo, another extraordinarily trained dog, have to go through to get to that happy end had me glued to the book until I finished at 3.50 a. In Fiona's newsletter she explained, with photos, how she spent her time doing the research for this book, and it really shows in the story. Tess and her friend Gwen study weather patterns and drifts - all technical stuff - for World Cares, the organisation that helps people in need in dire circumstances. The heroine in a previous book worked for them too. When Tess senses danger approaching that no one else can, in a race against time, fire and flood, Levi and Tess, with Mojo's help, fight to save as many lives as they can. It takes imagination to keep up with the narrative, especially when I'm trying to read it, pulse racing, as fast as possible. I can't think of enough words to express my admiration for this author. I love the whole World of Iniqqus she has created, and each of the individual books are well crafted, the characters come alive and the storylines are - brilliant
December 19, 2024
This is the second book in this series, but like all the books I’ve read in this Inquus security world, this book stands alone well. I do love that we sometimes see characters overlap between the various books and series. I also adore that there’s a good mix of inside information about the function of these agencies, lots of action, and a bit of romance. One of the main characters in this book is Levi, a former SEAL who is new to Team Charlie and looking for a trained K-9 who will be a good fit, which brings him to Africa. Also, Tess and Gwen are in Africa doing climate predictions so that agencies will know where to pre-position food and water supplies, which are becoming badly needed. Unknown to Levi’s teammates and Gwen, Tess and Levi were previously engaged about 18 years ago before she felt she had to marry her widowed childhood friend, who had cancer and had 2 children to finish raising. Now she’s widowed and the sparks are still there, but there’s a lot of drama before they could ever get to a possible happily ever after. I can highly recommend this book, series, and all of these interrelated books. I was provided an ARC, but these opinions are my own.
December 10, 2024
I always love Fiona Quinn's books, especially when there is a dog in it! This is my new favorite, I love Mojo! Tess finds herself rescued by her first love while in Africa. Levi cant believe he is seeing Tess again. With Mother Nature going wild, they find themselves fighting for survival. Tess, Levi and Mojo must fight with everythey have to survive. This book has it all, love, loss, suspense.....I was on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next. Fiona Quinn has such a way of pulling the reader into the story so that they feel a part of the faced paced action. You will love this book and author as much as I do!
December 14, 2024
I was so impressed by Fiona Quinn's storytelling in Sheltering Instinct. It is one of the best books I've read this year. For Levi Elliot and Tss Dagomba this is their second chance for love but it's the events surounding them reconnecting that make this book hold-your-breath intense, exciting and thrilling and one you won't/can't put down.. The last six chapters have to be the most spine-tingling, treacherous, action filled and perilous that I've ever read--and I read a lot. In addition, Ms. Quinn interweaves real life recent global weather events whose impact affect the world's problems far beyond the climate. Add to all that a courageous, spirited and highly intelligent K9 named Mojo who will capture you heart and I just don't know how it can get any better.
January 3, 2025
Reviews
World Cares scientist Tests Dagomba is always prepared for danger while touring Namibia, Africa. She gets snake bite while hiking. Former Navy Seal and Unique K-9 handler Levi Elliot and others goes looking for him a dog stops to help two women. He realizes it is his Tests that he was in law he with her years ago. He was hoping to marry her but while on deployment he got a letter and her tells him she was marrying Abraham her childhood friend. It has almost twenty years since they seem each other. She married Abraham because he saved her when she was a child and he had cancer. She married and moved to the US so she became mother to his two sons and raised them.
World Cares scientist Tests Dagomba is always prepared for danger while touring Namibia, Africa. She gets snake bite while hiking. Former Navy Seal and Unique K-9 handler Levi Elliot and others goes looking for him a dog stops to help two women. He realizes it is his Tests that he was in law he with her years ago. He was hoping to marry her but while on deployment he got a letter and her tells him she was marrying Abraham her childhood friend. It has almost twenty years since they seem each other. She married Abraham because he saved her when she was a child and he had cancer. She married and moved to the US so she became mother to his two sons and raised them.
May 1, 2025
Nature will win
Nature is a formidable foe and a beautiful sight. Levi and Tess went separate ways in a sharp break that Levi still doesn’t understand. They run into each other in an unlikely and unexpected situation, which quickly has them feeling the same feelings and opening up for the discussion that is 20 years past due. The members of the team were great about testing the K9s and Mojo might be my favorite in this world so far. His skills, feelings, and connection to Levi and Tess was tremendous. The transition of Gwen’s behavior was somewhat confusing and not seeing her mentioned at the end was odd as well, but seeing who was standing up at the event was sweet.
Nature is a formidable foe and a beautiful sight. Levi and Tess went separate ways in a sharp break that Levi still doesn’t understand. They run into each other in an unlikely and unexpected situation, which quickly has them feeling the same feelings and opening up for the discussion that is 20 years past due. The members of the team were great about testing the K9s and Mojo might be my favorite in this world so far. His skills, feelings, and connection to Levi and Tess was tremendous. The transition of Gwen’s behavior was somewhat confusing and not seeing her mentioned at the end was odd as well, but seeing who was standing up at the event was sweet.
December 10, 2024
The perfect alignment of circumstances brought these three lost souls together; the working dog that needed new work, and the former sweethearts that life had pulled apart. I kind of don’t even have words for this, I loved it so much. Tess, Levi, and Mojo made the perfect team, especially when facing off against the wrath of Mother Nature. And now that I’ve seen what they can do entirely unprepared, I can’t wait to discover what the author will throw at them next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
December 16, 2024
Sheltering Instinct
This is an incredible story from start to finish! Levi is on a mission to find his K9 partner and this leads him back to his true soulmate, Tess. Having survived a traumatic childhood, she answers a call for help from the man who saved her life, even though it tears Tess and Levi apart. Danger reunited them. Tess's ability to reach out and feel the air reminded me of Lynx and her unusable abilities. It gave me goosebumps every time she did this action. I absolutely believe this is one of Fiona Quinn's best K9 adventures!
This is an incredible story from start to finish! Levi is on a mission to find his K9 partner and this leads him back to his true soulmate, Tess. Having survived a traumatic childhood, she answers a call for help from the man who saved her life, even though it tears Tess and Levi apart. Danger reunited them. Tess's ability to reach out and feel the air reminded me of Lynx and her unusable abilities. It gave me goosebumps every time she did this action. I absolutely believe this is one of Fiona Quinn's best K9 adventures!
December 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this latest K9 action adventure with the members of a the training team and a recent recruit, and a medley of pieces connections to team members and their collective histories and colleagues
it's interesting to once again see Cerberus work side by side with humanitarian and aid organizations.
harrowing suspense and action, heart ache, trust, and teamwork mix together for emotional and dramatic action side by side with bits of romance.
it's interesting to once again see Cerberus work side by side with humanitarian and aid organizations.
harrowing suspense and action, heart ache, trust, and teamwork mix together for emotional and dramatic action side by side with bits of romance.
December 22, 2024
This writer has an interesting style
She spends quite a lot of time giving background and setting the scene so that the actual romance flows quick and smooth. She monologues a bit too much on her topic-of-choice, but most of it is relevant and interesting. The sex is non-existent and any sexual chemistry down-played--if not totally submerged--by the emotional. A tad more time on sexual tension and less on monologuing would be a perfect formula, I think.
She spends quite a lot of time giving background and setting the scene so that the actual romance flows quick and smooth. She monologues a bit too much on her topic-of-choice, but most of it is relevant and interesting. The sex is non-existent and any sexual chemistry down-played--if not totally submerged--by the emotional. A tad more time on sexual tension and less on monologuing would be a perfect formula, I think.
January 8, 2025
Exciting and thrilling
A love story to remember.
The back and forth of each others thoughts and fears was well written. I learned about the weather as well. (We need filler in an exciting story)
But the action parts were compelling, I had difficulty putting the book down to get something else done! I was supposed to be quilting but just had to stop and read the end of the book! Thank heavens Levi and Mojo was there for Tests when she needed them.
Good job Fiona.
A love story to remember.
The back and forth of each others thoughts and fears was well written. I learned about the weather as well. (We need filler in an exciting story)
But the action parts were compelling, I had difficulty putting the book down to get something else done! I was supposed to be quilting but just had to stop and read the end of the book! Thank heavens Levi and Mojo was there for Tests when she needed them.
Good job Fiona.
January 12, 2025
Intriguing story. Wonderful reading.
Test is an amazing character. The world is a poorer place that she's a fictional character. Abraham, while not even technically part of the primary plot, is another one. His heroics were inspiring. Levi is a wonderful hero, and his friends/colleagues make me happy that there are people like that, in skills and honor.
Altogether a wonderful story of survival in the face of almost insurmountable situations.
Test is an amazing character. The world is a poorer place that she's a fictional character. Abraham, while not even technically part of the primary plot, is another one. His heroics were inspiring. Levi is a wonderful hero, and his friends/colleagues make me happy that there are people like that, in skills and honor.
Altogether a wonderful story of survival in the face of almost insurmountable situations.
December 11, 2024
Iniquus always send the right team this time Cerberus Tactical K-9 is it.
Tess and Gwen are supposed to be on vacation from their weather jobs for World Care, but the weather is their life and it isn’t acting normal. Tess had been saved once by the tactical guys looking at K-9s for their jobs. Now they are all in danger again along with a school teacher and thirteen kids.
Tess and Gwen are supposed to be on vacation from their weather jobs for World Care, but the weather is their life and it isn’t acting normal. Tess had been saved once by the tactical guys looking at K-9s for their jobs. Now they are all in danger again along with a school teacher and thirteen kids.
December 11, 2024
Wow! ten stars worth of thrills
A totally amazing book. Possibly the best one in the whole of the world of Iniquus. Great characters thrust into one life-threatening disaster after another. As usual, lots of interesting background.
It’s going to take me a while to get my breath back!
A totally amazing book. Possibly the best one in the whole of the world of Iniquus. Great characters thrust into one life-threatening disaster after another. As usual, lots of interesting background.
It’s going to take me a while to get my breath back!
December 11, 2024
Another Great one!
Once again Fiona lets us dive into another book in this series. Love all the characters and in this one we get to meet Levi and Tess. Also a new canine named Mojo to fall in love with. Lots of action to keep the pages turning and again trouble putting the book down. Loved it!
Once again Fiona lets us dive into another book in this series. Love all the characters and in this one we get to meet Levi and Tess. Also a new canine named Mojo to fall in love with. Lots of action to keep the pages turning and again trouble putting the book down. Loved it!
December 18, 2024
A rollercoaster ride from start to finish. I’m so impressed with the amount of research Fiona Quinn puts into her books. I’m aware of climate change and the disastrous effects it is having on many parts of the world but this story blasted out in technicolor! Oh yes, and the second chance at love for Tess and Levi was heart stopping and heartwarming.
December 30, 2024
Excellent read, as always. Levi is new to Cerberus and looking for a dog to work with, since he is a dog handler. Years ago, the woman of his heart married another man. While looking for a dog, Levi meets the woman from his past. A dangerous event helps to rekindle their love, and Levi finds the dog of his heart.
February 14, 2025
Interesting and captivating
At first I didn't know if it was my type of book as I prefer to have more interaction with the k9 s. As I continued the details were perfect and descriptions of the events were easy to follow. I got to read more about how the K9 performed with the handler and the situations presented. I read many of her books and this is one of my favorites.
At first I didn't know if it was my type of book as I prefer to have more interaction with the k9 s. As I continued the details were perfect and descriptions of the events were easy to follow. I got to read more about how the K9 performed with the handler and the situations presented. I read many of her books and this is one of my favorites.
May 29, 2025
The Gift
Tess & Levi were made for each other.
Even though Life can sometimes get in the way, they find themselves in each other's orbit as they were meant to.
Through many unexpected situations they have to trust in each other as never before.
Highly Recommend to Anyone and Everyone who enjoys a damned good story. 🌹👍 Awesome Author never fails to satisfy.
Tess & Levi were made for each other.
Even though Life can sometimes get in the way, they find themselves in each other's orbit as they were meant to.
Through many unexpected situations they have to trust in each other as never before.
Highly Recommend to Anyone and Everyone who enjoys a damned good story. 🌹👍 Awesome Author never fails to satisfy.
June 26, 2025
This book is quite an adventure with interesting, wonderful, varied characters, and a wonderful K-9. It takes place in Namibia, and I learned things about Namibia as well as about the various characters. The depth in the characters is something I always enjoy. And I needed that happy ending. Very entertaining!
June 28, 2025
good book
Wow,what an action packed story. It broke my heart for Levi and Tess to lose each other but what a ride it was to the end and back together again. This author continually surprises me with her insight and unusual storylines. Great characters and fabulous series. Cannot wait for the next book now. The narration was excellent as always
Wow,what an action packed story. It broke my heart for Levi and Tess to lose each other but what a ride it was to the end and back together again. This author continually surprises me with her insight and unusual storylines. Great characters and fabulous series. Cannot wait for the next book now. The narration was excellent as always
July 13, 2025
My second book in this series and I couldn’t be more impressed!! Amazing author. Amazing story and refreshing mature and competent characters. High quality of romance. No unnecessary drama. Two people who fell in love, kept loving despite heartaches. I especially adore the heroine having her ‘ethos’.
July 24, 2025
the H and h, each living their lives and finally crossing.
the pace and angst ebbed and flowed in this story and kept me waiting with eagerness for the time their paths crossed.
as usual fiona has filled her craft with in depth information and suspense and maybe a touch of lynx (iykyk)
just love the K9's
looking forward to more.
thanks teddy, great narration
the pace and angst ebbed and flowed in this story and kept me waiting with eagerness for the time their paths crossed.
as usual fiona has filled her craft with in depth information and suspense and maybe a touch of lynx (iykyk)
just love the K9's
looking forward to more.
thanks teddy, great narration
December 11, 2024
A really good read
Another good book. I always enjoy this author’s books and this one is no exception. The snakes could have been left out in my opinion but does make for some additional excitement. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Another good book. I always enjoy this author’s books and this one is no exception. The snakes could have been left out in my opinion but does make for some additional excitement. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
December 12, 2024
Another great Fiona Quinn book!!!
Adventure in African location with familiar characters and current world climate issues.
Compelling.
I read it all today.
Many Fiona Quinn books are on my device so I can reread.
Adventure in African location with familiar characters and current world climate issues.
Compelling.
I read it all today.
Many Fiona Quinn books are on my device so I can reread.
December 13, 2024
Amazing again!! While Tess and Levi have the epic love story, Mojo won my heart. Fiona Quinn is an amazing author. Every story she writes pulls you in from the first word. You become part of the book.
December 13, 2024
a story with many layers
This is an amazing book! It invites the reader to learn about K9 training, to use critical thinking about the impact of weather on the world, and to hold one’s breath on a harrowing journey!
It’s one of the best stories I’ve read in a very long time!
This is an amazing book! It invites the reader to learn about K9 training, to use critical thinking about the impact of weather on the world, and to hold one’s breath on a harrowing journey!
It’s one of the best stories I’ve read in a very long time!
December 14, 2024
love Iniquus
I have enjoyed all the books in the Iniquus and Cerberus world. The characters are well developed and true to their characters throughout. I enjoy the conversations between characters as they learn about each other and how they see the world.
I have enjoyed all the books in the Iniquus and Cerberus world. The characters are well developed and true to their characters throughout. I enjoy the conversations between characters as they learn about each other and how they see the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews