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Alaskan Police Protector

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To save a child,

he has to risk his own life.

When a minivan slides off the road into an icy lake, Officer Samuel Miller narrowly rescues a woman and child from certain death. Only, Rachel Harding insists the crash is no accident—it’s eerily similar to how her sister and brother-in-law recently died. As the unexplained attacks escalate, Samuel is determined to protect Rachel and her orphaned niece at all costs. But when they make a shocking discovery, their investigation becomes even more dangerous, and survival may be impossible.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Audible Audio

Published July 1, 2025

4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Megan Short

15 books40 followers

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5 stars
44 (59%)
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22 (29%)
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4 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,143 reviews128 followers
October 17, 2025
I thought this book was only ok.
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,491 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2025
This is a Romantic Suspense. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I really enjoyed the audiobook. I really love the suspense and mystery in this book. The main characters as a connection for the beginning that you can feel. I really enjoyed this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Profile Image for DevotedToHope.
669 reviews98 followers
June 19, 2025
Alaskan Police Protector opens with a crash … metal against ice, time slowing down, choices sharpening in the cold. The moment that stayed with me is the man stepping out of safety and into someone else’s storm. Officer Samuel Miller doesn't need fanfare. His steadiness speaks louder than sirens ever could.

And the narration? Expertly done. Jennifer Jill Araya doesn’t just read the story … she inhabits it. With calm strength and nuanced inflection, she carries the listener through icy tension and quiet grief, never rushing the fear, never flattening the faith. I didn’t feel like I was listening from afar … I was right there, shoulder to shoulder with the characters, every step of the way.

The landscape of Cordova, Alaska doesn’t pull punches. Jagged. Isolated. Dangerous. The weight of uncertainty made me shiver … the sense that someone is always one step too close. Yet even there, amid the wreckage and the rising fear, small flashes of comfort shine through. A protective husky named Bruce. A niece with wide eyes and deep grief. A man who shows up before he’s even asked.

Rachel’s story is quieter — but no less powerful. Grief has carved deep places, and she walks carefully now. I didn’t always understand her, but maybe that’s the point. Real people aren’t always easy to read. Especially when loss has pressed in too close. Still, there’s strength in the way she moves forward anyway. In the way she chooses to stay. To fight. To believe Katie is worth everything.

And faith? It hums in the background — subtle, unwavering. A whispered prayer. A calm presence in chaos. When everything else shakes, that’s what holds.

Alaskan Police Protector is about what protects us when everything else falls away — not walls or weapons, but faith, loyalty, and the quiet strength of a soul surrendered to God!

I received a digital audiobook ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Profile Image for Laur.
719 reviews125 followers
July 11, 2025
This debut book proved to be a thrilling suspense with mystery in all the right places. From the very beginning, I was sucked in the story immediately as it started with a car accident. The car slipped off an icy road into a freezing lake with Rachel and her 6-yr old niece trapped inside. An officer (Samuel Miller) is quick to respond (with his endearing trusting K-9), and all turns out well (this time) even though it was a harrowing ordeal.

However, Rachael isn't convinced this was an accident. She thinks her brakes were tampered with and it eerily resembles a car accident that had involved her late sister and sister's husband - both deceased due to the accident. Now she is raising their 6-year daughter because she is the girl's only family.

After pleading with the officer (Samuel) to investigate this accident and the former one more closely that killed her sister, serious incidents keep happening to Rachel. Frightened for her life and the life of her niece, Samuel stays close by and desperately wants to protect them and find out what exactly is going on.

The mystery deepens - who is behind this and why her? She is just an accountant with a simple life. No enemies - no stockers - they are at a loss, but the increasing accidents are life threatening - even threatening the life of Samuel.

This is a beautifully written story with a great plot and a budding romance in the making guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to listen to an AAC to provide my honest review. Thank you, Megan Short, NetGalley, and Harlequin Audio for this advanced copy. I look forward to many more stories from Megan Short.

5 Shiny Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,714 reviews334 followers
did-not-finish
July 18, 2025
DNF at 10%.

I tried. I didn't catch that this was an "inspirational" romance when I signed up for the advanced reader audiobook copy. The cover was cheesy so it wasn't like I was expecting it to be amazing. But, I'm finding the characters to be annoying and the situation to be overmelodramatic.

The narration matches the story, but all the shrieking from the little girl combined with the thoughtless panicking of the woman and the negative motivation thoughts of the man... ugh, I can't make myself finish.
Profile Image for Christine B.
248 reviews11 followers
June 6, 2025
Alaskan Police Protector is simply wow, amazing! I was shocked at how much I loved this book! Easily a top favourite of the year! From page one the action is blazing when Rachel and her niece are in a car crash. Samuel is a cop who risks his life to save them. Rachel doesn’t believe things to be accidental. Through surviving danger at every turn, the two work together to find out the truth. I read this book in one sitting! I could not put it down. The pages flew past with nonstop action and danger! The romance was amazing. The characters were so well developed! Can’t say enough good things about this book. A debut novel! Super impressed. I look forward to much more by this amazing author! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Dana.
189 reviews
July 5, 2025
What a wild ride this book was! I loved it. Had so much twists and turns you didn’t know where everything was going. I was all in with this new to me author.

Lastly, I always love K-9 books and Bruce was the cutest and most protective doggie.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,647 reviews
June 25, 2025
I really liked this story! The mystery was all kinds of intriguing and there are several moments that had me on the edge of my seat. I will definitely be looking for more from Megan!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Amber.
31 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2025
Thank you to the publisher & author for this ARC. This book had it all! Romance, suspense, to the point I didn't want to stop listening! I loved that it is a Christian based book, there was praying, & no over the top love scenes. I will definitely be reading more from Megan Short!
Profile Image for Grace.
691 reviews21 followers
July 14, 2025
First, I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of Alaskan Police Protector. This review is my genuine opinion, and I was not influenced by them in any way.

With unexpected twists and turns on each page, this book is sure to hold your interests throughout.

“Was Sarah and Frank’s accident truly an accident? “

Alaskan Police Protector, Megan Short's debut novel, is an impressive effort. The book maintains suspense throughout, and the story is realistic with believable characters. It is well-written and clean, which I appreciate. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward tlo reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Carmen Thornton.
2 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this action-packed romantic suspense novella by author Megan Short. It’s a lovely, clean/sweet read with authentic characters, a tender faith element, themes of grief and loss and an adorable dog called Bruce. This story kept me wanting to know more as the action and romance built up to a surprising twist. Megan Short has an engaging writing style and makes you feel like you’re in Alaska, seeing life through the eyes of Rachel and Samuel and the other characters. A highly recommended read for those who love lots of fast-paced action, twists and turns and gentle romance.
I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Tina Lowery.
238 reviews
May 10, 2025
Author Megan Short really blew me away with this wonderfully written tale of suspense that was written within the pages of Alaskan Police Protector. This story had loss, grief, danger, and multiple incidents resulting in death or near-death. This story had no evident clues, in the beginning, but faith had to assist them in figuring out who was trying to bring death and destruction to this Alaskan city. Yet, it was realized that if Officer Samuel Miller followed the clues, the safer he could keep Rachel and her niece, Katie.
I loved this book, as it was filled with characters feeling love and every bit of gratitude for the supportive people around them. It didn’t seem to matter that things were full of fear, Rachel became determined to keep Katie safe, knowing that her protector had once faced a traumatic event of his own. This story kept me guessing what would happen next, even as lives were on the line. I truly loved the secrets, suspense, emotion shown towards others and faith that helped overcome the fear. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I loved it. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to more by this author!
3,950 reviews1,764 followers
June 11, 2025
Whoa! An amazing debut written with the classic nail-biting flare much loved in this genre. Honestly, the action and tension was through the roof! Constant danger, relentless pursuit, intriguing predicaments, all lead our hero and heroine along a treacherous trail of devastating destruction and hair-raising near-death experiences. Not sure when my heart rate will get back to normal!

I listened to the audio edition expertly narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya who is fast becoming one of my favourite narrators. And with good reason. She manages to capture the personalities of each character through tone and inflection. Makes a listener feel like she’s right there in the midst of all the chaos right along with Samuel and Rachel. Highly recommend the audio edition of Alaskan Police Protector for discerning listeners.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/06/11/a...
408 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2025
Great read. Many twists and turns
Profile Image for Ausjenny.
400 reviews
December 15, 2025
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

This is Megan Short's debut book and wow what a book. Right from the start you can feel the suspense. We meet Rachel and her niece in a precarious situation. Meanwhile Samuel a police officer and his trainee police dog Bruce hear what sounds like an accident. When he goes to look Rachels minivan is on the edge of an icy lake. This is just the beginning of a suspense filled book.

Rachel is now living in Alaska to raise Katie her niece. Katies parents died 6 months previous in a car accident which is eerily similar to the current accident. Rachel is convinced there is more to both accidents while the police think it's just an accident. Samuel thinks it's just an accident but is prepared to look into it. This is just the start of events. There is suspense right through this book. So many twists and turns and it kept me guessing.

Katie and Bruce are real scene steelers. Katie is 6 and Bruce is still in the puppy stage and a husky. They add to this book. I have always loved reading books set in Alaska and with the cold and remote it's a character on its own. Also reading it in winter makes it more real. I eagerly wait for more books by this author and hope we revisit this area as there were side characters who need their own stories.

If you like suspense where you are kept on your seats, I am sure you will enjoy this story.
1,744 reviews7 followers
May 30, 2025
A fast paced inspired suspense set in Alaska. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life! I didn't want to put it down!

I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Dienece Darling.
Author 3 books8 followers
July 14, 2025
I loved how the author really played into the strengths of the Alaskan setting to give us some fresh action scenes, sea planes, ice, and remote locations. I even learned things! And there is plenty of action!
I also liked how the author inserted space between those intense moments to give the couple time to develop and grow closer to each other. I've often thought couple development missing in some of the shorter format suspense books I've read, so I really liked how the author included it alongside personal and spiritual development in this book. I could see what the couple would be like one day, and how they'd help each other when they weren't almost dying. :)
And of course, the all-important 'who dun it' carried me along on a fun ride! Just when I thought I'd figured it out... LOL. I really enjoyed the way the author weaved the past into the story. For a novella, it has much of the character development and well thought out back stories which can be missing in shorter works.
A very enjoyable and action packed read with depth, heart, and faith!
273 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2025
What a thrilling story! The setting was beautifully described, the characters were dynamic and easy to sympathize with, and the plot did not let up on danger and suspense until the very end. My heart was sore for the main characters because they had endured so much trauma and tragedy. There were some unexpected surprises that made the story even more compelling. I loved Bruce the husky and his love for Katie, and the relationship between Samuel and Rachel was sweet. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational suspense, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
58 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2025
Great new author, well written. Engaging from start to finish. Balanced beginning, middle, and end. Can't wait for more from this author.
Profile Image for Ethelann.
431 reviews
July 9, 2025
Alaskan Police Protector is a totally amazing story. I read this in 2 days and I wasn't disappointed in it at all. This twist at the ending was great.
39 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
This book was so good. Had me guessing until the end.
Profile Image for Josephine Sorrell.
1,947 reviews41 followers
June 26, 2025
Alaskan Police Protector opens with a bang! Well actually a crash of metal against ice. Was it an accident or a set up for murder?

This tale of relentless adventure is set in rural Alaska, in the dead of winter, where roads are ice covered p, towns are remote, and the suspense is buried under mounds of relentless snow.

Rachel and her niece, Katie are in a perilous situation. Samuel, a police officer and his trainee police dog Bruce hear what sounds like an accident. A minivan is teetering on the edge of an icy lake. The occupants are Rachel and Katie! Enter Samuel.

Katie's parents died 6 months ago in a car accident which is eerily similar to the situation she and Rachel are in now. Rachel is convinced there is something sinister behind the two accidents; the police write it off as just an accident. Samuel also thinks it’s just an accident but is prepared to look into it, mostly due to his attraction to Rachel I felt.

This is a good novel of romantic suspense with a snowy setting, and some heart-pounding moments.

The narrator was good portraying the different voices, except in my opinion, the six year old katie. In an attempt to mimic a child’s voice it came off in a screechy, nails on the chalkboard manner.

Still a solid four star read
Profile Image for Allison Hensley.
44 reviews
July 1, 2025
While I enjoyed this book I also found it very unrealistic. There were so many things occurring that were unbelievable. I found it specifically very frustrating that I was supposed to see Samuel as a protector and yet he misses multiple warnings that his dog sensed. It was hard to hold both of those things to be true at the same time. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Missy.
1,179 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️3/5 Stars (Good)
Setting: Rural Alaska, in the dead of winter — icy roads, remote towns, and lots of snowed-in suspense.
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense; Christian Fiction

Alaskan Police Protector had a strong start—icy roads, a terrifying rescue, and a mysterious crash that might not be an accident. That opening scene pulled me in right away. I liked Officer Samuel Miller’s quiet strength and sense of duty, and Rachel’s determination to protect her niece made her a compelling lead.

But as the story went on, things started to feel a bit over the top. The nonstop danger and dramatic twists pushed the limits of believability for me. And I have to say—the niece was so annoying. I know she’s a child who’s been through trauma, but her constant interruptions, whining, and lack of awareness grated on my nerves.

Still, if you like romantic suspense with a snowy setting, some heart-pounding moments, and can tolerate a frustrating kid side character, this might be an entertaining weekend read. Just not one I’d revisit.
#netgalley #alaskanpoliceprotector #booked_this_weekend
2 reviews
July 11, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I found myself thinking about it when i wasn't reading it, wondering about what was going to happen. I loved the way the sweet romance between Samuel and Rachel developed. I can't wait to read the next book!
318 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2025
Alaskan Police Protector by Megan Short, narrated by Jennifer Jill Arya. Rachel is already suspicious about her sister and brother in laws car accident that led to their death, when her brakes fail causing her van to crash with her orphaned niece Katie with her. With mystery and suspense and a budding romance you will want to keep reading or listening. Great beach read! Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Debra Gaynor.
695 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2025
Alaskan Police Protector
Megan Short
The setting is Cordova, Alaska.
The minivan slid into the icy water of the lake. Officer Samuel Miller and his K-9 assistant hear the crash; they found the minivan on the edge of the icy lake. Samuel managed to pull the child and woman from the minivan in the nick of time. Rachel Harding knows it wasn’t an accident; her sister and brother-in-law died similarly. The “accidents” were accelerating. Samuel offers Rachel and her orphaned niece his protection and they need it because the more they probe the more danger there is.
Rachel moved to Alaska to care for niece, Katie. The child’s parents passed away in a car accident, 6 months ago in a car accident.
The description of Cordova, Alaska is breathtaking. As I listened to this book, I could see the remote, jagged, and perilous landscape. I could feel the fear, the uncertainty and danger. Samuel and Bruce were the only hope Rachel, and her niece had.
The characters in this book are pure perfection. Bruce is a special dog. Rachel and Samuel played well together. Rachel’s niece, 6 year old Katie, was such a sweet girl. Both Rachel and Samuel are ready to fight for Katie. There is a feeling of love and gratitude from the main characters and the secondary characters add depth to the story.
There is a subtle Christian theme in this tale. The focus is on trusting God, allowing Him total control of your life. Author Megan Short is a talented writer. There were plenty of twists and turns throughout this tale. There were mysteries, confusion, and sentiment to keep me turning pages.
3,562 reviews40 followers
June 8, 2025
In this debut audiobook, the author takes the readers on a bumpy ride through the beautiful and at times , dangerous winter in Alaska.
Rachel Harding and her sweet niece find themselves crashing into the water when the breaks of Rachel’s car don’t work. Thankfully, police officer Samuel Miller is in the area and comes to their rescue.
As the danger escalates, Rachel now suspects her sister’s and brother-in-law’s car accident was anything but an accident.
Determined to keep the duo safe, Samuel’s heart can’t help but have feelings for them. But he wasn’t able to protect someone he loved, and he’s not willing to risk loving another woman for fear of not protecting them as he should.
Things get complicated when Rachel’s family past comes to volition.
Will the threesome survive the danger and finally find their HEA?
This is a clean, Christian, suspense romance filled with danger, loyalty to family, and reconnecting with God, as well as finding forgiveness.
The story was engaging and the characters well developed. The dog and the little girl were adorable and a great addition to the story.
Looking forward to more stories by this new author. The narrator, Jennifer Jill Araya, did a very good job with the narration.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Mimi.
790 reviews119 followers
January 15, 2026
This story was action packed with lots of mystery and suspense. Rachel was a great aunt who gave up everything for her niece after her parents died. Samuel finds himself rescuing them both at the start of the story and then finds himself mixed up in their lives as time after time someone is trying to harm them.

As they get closer to finding out who is behind all of the attacks Rachel and Samuel grow closer and they learn about each other's pasts. It felt like they fell for each other a little too quickly for me, but I liked watching them grow closer.

When secrets are unearthed, it leads them to what's been going on since before we meet the characters and reveals some hard truths that Rachel is unprepared for.

I liked the narrator overall, but had a hard time with the voice of the little girl. Other than that, I appreciated the difference between the other characters in the story and the emotions she brought with each one.

There's a light thread of faith in the story, but we hear more towards the end from the author.
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