Delaney Thompson isn’t just a dog trainer—she’s the key to preventing a disaster. With loyal Military Working Dog, Surge, by her side, she’s ready to prove herself on her first mission…even without military training. Her goal? Help the intense Belgian Malinois track down a specific chemical linked to a dangerous terrorist group before it reaches American soil. But to succeed, she must navigate unfamiliar terrain and an even more unpredictable partner.
Garrett Walker is a seasoned military operator, driven by duty and haunted by tragic losses. Reluctantly, he teams up with Delaney, whose lack of tactical experience makes her a liability as he leads them across Southeast Asia. Yet, Garrett knows that mission success and the safety of countless lives back home hinge on his leadership, the Malinois’s special scent training, and Delaney’s unique skills.
The stakes couldn’t be if Delaney and Garrett fail to locate and secure the toxic chemical, hundreds of thousands of Americans could die. As they hunt down the terrorists, their objectives are clear—find the stash, neutralize the threat, and try not to get killed. But with mutual distrust simmering between them, their greatest challenge may be learning to rely on each other.
A gripping tale of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected romance. Dive into this high-stakes adventure where every moment counts…and falling in love might just be the most perilous move of all.
Completed my goal of finishing this 5-installment series this year!
I’m always in awe of how Ronie Kendig is able to balance her trademark Rapid-Fire Fiction action with tender emotion. You can be assured that, with her successful career writing paramilitary suspense, her care for a retired MWD dog, her taekwondo training, and her husband’s Krav Maga training, Ronie’s books will have an authentic feel. I continue to be pulled in with her compelling stories featuring military working dogs (MWD) and their handlers.
This installment has absolutely stellar team dynamics, intense combat sequences, and amazing scenes featuring connection and bonding. I made particular note of how some team members pushed each other’s buttons and how some relationships were still working on building trust. These aren’t often things spotlighted in military books, but I appreciated the authenticity of including human nature.
It also never occurred to me that our furry friends experience post-traumatic stress with the loss of a ‘family’ or ‘team’ member. Surge L724 is a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois former working dog, who is suffering after the death of his sister. My emotions were definitely tied to Surge’s successes.
I appreciated that this installment focused on an intern trainer with A Breed Apart. The playoff between a ‘newbie’ and an established, well-trained team was fantastic. The themes of mistakes and disappointments were well supported by Delayney Thompson and the team.
I’ll remember this book each time I pour myself a cup of coffee! The message I’ll take with me into next week is that our limitations don’t limit God.
Surge was a fast pace military suspense full of action and a four-legged hero you sometimes want to snuggle because of the cute personality and other times fear his warrior protectiveness.
I was pulled in from the start, with the emotional, heartbreaking epilogue right till the end when the danger was contained.
The chemistry between the characters added a different spark to the chemical threat they had to find and stop.
I enjoyed each and every military hero and their sidekicks I met in this series and sad to see the end.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine own.*
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Delaney "Rogue" Thompson and Garrett "Bear" Walker each come with trust issues from their past. Circumstances outside their control land them on the same team trying to protect the U.S. from a terrorist attack. Their mission involves multi-nation international travel with the MWD Surge. Throughout the book, each character experiences growth and progress.
Kendig creates a compelling setting and plotline in this book. If you enjoyed the prior four books in the series, you will enjoy this high-octane romantic adventure.
I didn’t enjoy this one quite so much as the others in this series, but it was still a fun read. I think the pacing was a little slower and the romance didn’t quiiite seem linear. It was hard to tell though whether I just wasn’t as much in the mood for the genre, perhaps, as when I read the others!
Terrorists want to kill thousands of Americans with a deadly poison in the food supply. A team of four plus a MWD stand between them and mayhem. Garrett, a former Navy Seal, is asked to join the team to find and destroy the poison before it taints the US food supply. Surge, a former MWD at A Breed Apart has been trained to detect the specific poison, but the only problem is the only handler that can work with him is Delaney. Delaney is a dog trainer. She doesn’t have any military training, but she is feisty and fearless. The team chases these slippery terrorists, who always seem to be a step ahead of them, through Singapore and Indonesia. They all need to learn to trust each other and God to stop this potential attack. This book has lots of action, amazing dog feats, and lots of romantic sparks between Garrett and Delaney. “I think she has room for two operators in her life. One with two legs, one with four.”
I loved the action and romance. What really sparkled in this book was the dog handling details. Surge could be a fierce warrior and also a playful sidekick. I received an advanced copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing.
Once I started reading, I did not want to stop. I was immediately drawn to the characters. Delaney Thompson was a heroine I could root for from the beginning and Garrett Walker was the grumpy, yet lovable hero. They had great chemistry. I really liked that Delaney was aware of her limitations and yet was willing to jump into danger to stop the villains. The premise was chilling and made me think about how much devastation a few madmen could cause. The action was well-paced and kept me turning the pages long after I should have gone to sleep. And, of course, the dog, Surge, was a scene stealer. This is one of my favorite reads for 2024.
Surge by Ronie Kendig by Ronie and Voni Harris is an excellent fast-paced story. The beginning is heartbreaking but oh so realistic. From there the continues to be hard hitting captivating read. Delaney Thompson is a lovable character with her compassion, knowledge and ability to “read” a dog especially a dog like Surge. One tough woman, she does not give up, but her determination is blended with grace. Garrett Walker is everything that you would expect from a top military operator. At the time of there meeting, he also has some strong anger issues too. You can’t blame him but know that God is going to work in his life in a mighty way. Then there is Surge, one hard working, complex dog. I just loved him.
The entire series is so thrilling but also clean and faith based. While Surge is the fifth book in the A Breed Apart: Legacy Series, each book is a stand-alone so you could read in any order. Surge is a great choice to start with if you haven’t been reading the series. Highly recommend to all military suspense readers or any reader who loves an incredible story.
Surge by Ronie Kendig and Voni Harris is another outstanding addition to the Breed Apart Legacy series. I am a huge fan of this series and the way that several different authors have brought together various characters into one overall outstanding theme. I enjoy the fast-paced plot, overlapping characters, storylines, and wholesomeness of each book in this crowd-pleasing action-adventure series. Surge brings readers a tale full of suspense, romance, faith, forgiveness, betrayal, and a high-stake mission that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. I enjoyed the characters, the humor, the seriousness, the scars and hurts, and the overall plot and character growth throughout Surge. The fast-paced plot was wonderful, full of adrenalin and adventure, but also included lessons of forgiveness, trust, faith, and courage. I appreciated the themes, the interwoven life lessons, the character traits, and the focus on teamwork despite gaping differences. Overall, Surge is an outstanding read that I hope you read and enjoy!
To be perfectly honest my favorite characters are the feisty and seemingly unapproachable characters in fiction and in real life. Delaney Thompson, also known as Rogue or Mav (for Maverick), fills both qualities as she trains the military working dogs for A Breed Apart. Not every dog trainer helps military working dogs learn to track down specific chemicals linked to a dangerous terrorist group, but Delaney does. When a couple of strangers stop at the ranch, Delaney is told that Surge, the dog she has been training, is needed to track down and neutralize toxic chemicals that could kill hundreds of thousands of Americans. Then even bigger bombshell news is dropped on Delaney when they tell her that she is specifically needed to be Surge's handler on this mission. With no military training or experience, Delaney is nervous, but wants to help on this critical mission.
The appointed leader, Garrett Walker comes across as gruff and opposed to Delaney being a part of this mission. Garrett has many years of tactical training and scars from his military past, but is driven to help defend those at home. Garrett also has to deal with another liability in this mission, a former spook that Garrett blames for a past deadly mission that claimed the lives of his buddy. Needless to say, there is quite a bit of unease and lack of cohesiveness in the team, but the stakes are higher than any of their liabilities and preferences. As the team travels across the ocean to track down and stop the terrorists' evil plot, they have to learn to work together somehow to not only prevent the attack, but keep one another alive. Can the team survive and keep their families and friends safe back home? Read Surge to find out for yourself! I was highly impressed by Surge and I highly recommend it. Happy reading!
Disclaimer: Sunrise Publishing graciously provided me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.
The stakes couldn't be any higher with thousands of American lives at stake. The horror behind this story is a little scary, but American heroes of the two legged kind and four legged kind are willing to sacrifice their very lives to save others.
Delaney Thompson is a dog trainer. She has trained the MWD known as Surge. Surge's scent detection skills are far superior to other dogs. Delaney feels she has something to prove. When she is a sent on this dangerous mission, others do not feel she is qualified as she has no military experience. However, they do not count on her tenacity and fearlessness.
Garrett Walker is a warrior in every sense of the word. He is willing to sacrifice everything to save one. He and the rest of the crew have to stop an attack before it even starts. They are in enemy territory so they must learn to trust each other and depend on each other while trying to stop an attack.
This story will get your blood pumping and curdling all at the same time as you realize the seriousness of this mission and what could happen if they fail. This will make you truly appreciate those who are so brave and willing to risk it all. It is also highlights the bravery and intelligence of a military working dog. Surge is a soldier first, but Surge is also very loveable. This riveting story will grab your attention and not let go until you reach the end of the book.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Intense! Never a disappointment with Ronie Kendig!
SURGE had energy, fire, intensity . . . and that is just the dynamics between military operator, Garrett Walker and Delany Thompson, MWD trainer.
Garrett is no nonsense and not thrilled at all that an untrained civilian is the one leading the MWD necessary for this mission. Surge is the only canine with a scent for the chemicals they need to locate and Delaney is his handler.
Delaney is determined to prove she can handle the mission not only to Garrett but to herself. When Delaney botches what should be the beginning and end of the mission, Garrett wants to send her packing However, Delaney knows what she did wrong and convinces Garrett he can't complete the mission without MWD Surge. When Delaney stumbles upon the evidence they need to complete the mission, she puts herself on the line.
Garrett not only wants mission success, but needs to make sure Delaney survives. The emotions he feels for the handler confuses and irritates his single-focus mentality. He is either turning soft or quite possibly could be in love. Either way, losing Delaney and failing the mission is not an option.
SURGE is a quick read, mainly, because once you start, you don't want to put it down. Great action. Great Chemistry. Thrilling climax.
SURGE definitely goes on my favorites list, along with the rest of the installments in the A Breed Apart Legacy series!
It’s bittersweet saying goodbye to a series that has captivated me, and Surge truly delivered a memorable send-off. Delaney Thompson and Garrett Walker's high-stakes mission isn’t just another adventure—it’s a story about trust, resilience, and unexpected love that develops in the face of danger.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Garrett’s character. There’s something profoundly moving about his connection with Surge, the highly trained Belgian Malinois, and how that relationship mirrors the emotional walls he builds around himself. As Delaney breaks through his gruff exterior, Garrett’s growth feels genuine and earned, especially as he learns to follow a path he hadn’t anticipated—one that’s led by both love and faith.
The story’s uplifting and encouraging message really resonated with me. The author beautifully balanced suspense and action with moments of introspection, showing how even the most guarded among us can learn to rely on others, and ultimately, on the path set before us.
With so much at stake, the chemistry between Delaney and Garrett was wonderfully tense yet undeniably heartwarming. It’s a testament to the author’s talent that, even in the face of such intense action, the emotional journey shines through. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to one of my favorite series.
Garrett, a former Navy SEAL, and Delaney, a military working dog trainer, join forces to locate a toxic chemical before terrorists can use it to attack the United States. Surge, Delaney’s MWD, is the only operative that can locate the chemical, and despite both her and Garrett’s reluctance, Delaney is the only one who can handle Surge. What Garrett and Delaney didn’t plan on is the growing attraction they feel for each other as they deal with their own difficult pasts while foiling this dangerous terrorist plot.
This book is packed full of action and excitement while also being heartwarming! There were so many great action sequences (especially the train!!), but so many sweet moments as well. I loved reading about Surge, and you can absolutely tell the book was incredibly well-researched. It is a very quick read, as you can’t wait to find out what happens! Ronie Kendig and Voni Harris have created a great set of characters and a very special book!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Delaney Thompson has felt like a failure since she hid while a robber shop her father in the leg when she was eight years old. Now she is a dog trainer with a military working dog, Surge, and ready for their first mission --finding a dangerous chemical that a terrorist group is sending to America! Garrett Walker is an experienced military operator who is not happy to be put with an inexperienced woman. This book will have you turning pages to see what is going to happen next! You will be shocked at where Surge locates the chemical and how the terrorists plan to get it into the American people. (Clue: My coffee may not have tasted as good this morning!) This may be my favorite of the A Breed Apart series as the team faces one danger after another! I received a complimentary e-book from the author and Sunrise Publishing. This is my honest opinion.
This story will fill you with a surge of non-stop adrenaline! It grips your attention from the start and will not let go until the end! Delaney and Surge was signed up for the adventure of a lifetime, not knowing it was a high-octane, stess laden race that was going to push them to their limits! Luckily, Garrett(Bear) was there to protect them against the terrorists and their evil plans. You can't help but fall in love with Surge! Yes, he is a highly trained military working dog, but he has a soft side that craves love. I love how the characters grow and develop to overcome their own past and fears, learning to fully trust on God. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished! A definite cannot afford to miss book!
Delaney loved training dogs, but not just any dogs. These were high security dogs trained to find chemicals in warfare, and she was counterconditioning Surge who had been traumatized by the death of his sister. Confident and determined, Delaney “held his collar, barely restraining the raw power of the Malinois, who barked excitedly.”
Without warning, she and Surge get paired with retired SEAL Garrett Walker, who is appalled to find himself taking an untrained woman on a dangerous mission. As the friction between them intensifies, so does the electric attraction. The espionage action will put you at the edge of your seat.
This is a mystery, military drama, and romance all in one. Better yet, it’s centered around an intense, loyal dog.
A wonderful book full of danger and adventure. Delaney Thompson trains dogs. Working with Surge, her military work dog to detect dangerous chemicals; she is hoping to thwart chemical terrorist attacks. Garrett Walker retired from military after the last failed mission where his buddy and the man’s canine partner died by a chemical weapon. When he is asked to lead a small team to stop a chemical terrorist attack on the United States food supply, he felt compelled to say yes. He will even accept a woman who has never faced combat because of the canine she has trained and handles. Read of their adventures through China and Indonesia to try to save their country.
Surge pulled me straight in from the prologue and all the way to the end. Former Navy Seal Garrett "Bear" Walker must lead a team that includes Surge, a MWD, and his handler Delaney "Rogue" Thompson to stop a terrorist group's attack on the US. There's tension as it seems that the terrorists are one step ahead of them. Both Garrett and Delaney struggle with trust issues and must learn to trust each other and their teammates. Surge was a playful dog at times and a fierce military working dog the other times. I enjoyed this action-packed, fast-paced, adventurous military story that leads Garrett, Delaney, Surge, and the rest of the team across Southeast Asia.
To be honest, I was a little nervous about reading this book. First, I don’t usually read books where one of the main characters is an animal (don’t judge me!) 😀, and secondly I kind of avoid stories that might have violence, and a lot of suspense, but, the book came highly recommended and I really enjoyed reading it.
Surge is the story of a Military Working Dog, named Surge. Delaney, his handler, and Surge are unexpectedly sent on a military mission across Southeast Asia to locate a dangerous chemical, destined to poison the food supply of the United States.
The story is full of excitement and adventure and even some romance. 🥰
This was my favorite of the Breed Apart Legacy series.....Delaney Thompson is a dog trainer not a trained warrior, Garrett Walker is a former SEAL, together they are trying to bring down a terrorist group that wants to unleash a deadly chemical on the United States. I liked Delaney's character because she knew her limitations but still wanted to help and Garrett was willing to work with her. This story was full of action and suspense with some romance and of course Surge, the real hero of the story.
3.5 stars. I’ve enjoyed the original A Breed Apart series and the extension of it in ABA: Legacy. This fifth book in the series is packed with action, adrenaline, and twists and turns in the plot to lay a solid foundation for an excellent romantic suspense. Unfortunately I didn’t connect with either Delaney or Garrett, though Surge was an awesome MWD. Their relationship felt stiff, even when they were falling in love. The mission that took them to Singapore then to Indonesia was fascinating and it was nice to reconnect with Heath and Crew.
Garret and Delaney's story. Mission To Singapore and Indonesia (bit closer to my homeland). MWD Surge who grieves and is being retrained. Rescuing needed to be done from evil ones. (motive to put your hand up). Intel not always correct but needing to improvise. Trust factor (tested) Romance and conversation.
Great read. (funny dog antics) Is there going to be more? Fun year in catching up with " A Breed Apart" and authors.
What an epic adventure to bring this serious to a close!
I absolutely loved this series and Surge, Delaney and Garrett wrapped up the series flawlessly. I really enjoyed the story, the action and the intrigue. But most of all, I loved Delaney and Garrett's journey together. I loved watching the two of them learn to get past failure and trust each other, the team and above all, God.
Another great story that continues a great series. The series has given me more respect for Military Working Dogs. I have never really heard much about them until I read the original series. Both series have given me a deeper appreciation for them and their handlers. Always love the way that the characters seem to come alive. Also love the way the suspense and action grab hold of you and pulls you into the story. Hard to put it down.
This may be the way real Seals and CIA do things, but somehow it seemed too far fetched in many places. Previous books by Ronie Kendig felt much more towards reality than this issue. I absolutely agree that chemical warfare is a horrible thing, but kinda think there might be more than four operators and a MWD involved in its destruction.
Whew! Heart-pounding, intense, suspense-filled, page-turning, and "can't put it down"... all words that describe this story to a "T." I absolutely loved the theme of releasing control (or the idea of control) to God and trusting HIM to work things out. Of course, the growing relationship between Bear and Rogue is satisfyingly sweet, too! Surge also deserves the spotlight; what an incredible dog! This story just hits in all the best ways!
Ronnie Kendig and her cohorts in writing have blessed us with another amazingly fast paced suspense filled MWD series with all the things I love --- military suspense, clean romantic relationships, and wonderful faith elements to remind us that ultimately God is in control.
A wonderful relationship came out of tragedy. He's an ex Seal commander and she's a dog trainer with a Breed Apart. They go on a mission with Zim, a former Seal teammate and Caldwell, a CIA operative that may be untrustworthy. They stop the bad guys and all live happily ever after. Love this series.
Surge was another great book in A Breed Apart Legacy series! The book can be read as a stand-alone, but it's better if you read the other books and know some of the minor characters. If you like MWDs, excitement, and romance, this is the book for you!
Loved reading this series and all of Ronnie Kendig books. Love they are offered free on Kindle Unlimited. Enjoyed reading about the dogs and how they train n use them in different services.
The action/suspense was consistent and builds to a rousing conclusion, but my favorite is Surge. His personality is just too engaging—funny, goofy, intense, fierce best character in the book.