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Carlilse K-9 #1
To Protect
Atlas De Vaus loves his job as a Carlisle K-9 officer. When his canine partner Evie senses a problem during a semitrailer traffic stop, a search of the truck reveals undocumented immigrants being transported to New York. Local shelters can house the women while the case is processed, but they can't accommodate the lone man. Unwilling to leave a vulnerable person alone at the mercy of the system, Atlas takes him in until a place can be found for him.
When Bazel Dadiani's family and village discovered his secret, his only option was to leave his home country of Georgia. He's used every cent he had to reach America, but he's determined to get where he's going, no matter how scared he is. He appreciates Atlas offering him a place to stay, but he's forgotten how to trust anyone, much less a figure of authority like Atlas.
Slowly, Atlas and Evie—mostly Evie—begin to win him over, leaving Bazel even more confused by his developing feelings for Atlas. They circle each other, each reluctant to make the first move. Just when they might be on the same track and close to catching the traffickers, government red tape threatens to separate them forever.
When Bazel Dadiani's family and village discovered his secret, his only option was to leave his home country of Georgia. He's used every cent he had to reach America, but he's determined to get where he's going, no matter how scared he is. He appreciates Atlas offering him a place to stay, but he's forgotten how to trust anyone, much less a figure of authority like Atlas.
Slowly, Atlas and Evie—mostly Evie—begin to win him over, leaving Bazel even more confused by his developing feelings for Atlas. They circle each other, each reluctant to make the first move. Just when they might be on the same track and close to catching the traffickers, government red tape threatens to separate them forever.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 11, 2026
Andrew Grey is one of the most prolific authors of gay romance novels. He turns out books faster than most of us can read them.
Knowing that, it's surprising how many of them are good to great.
To Protect is one of his better stories. Not only are the protagonists people you immediately care about, but there is a wonderful police dog and several interesting, important secondary characters.
With a slightly different narrative, this one is a really good read.
Knowing that, it's surprising how many of them are good to great.
To Protect is one of his better stories. Not only are the protagonists people you immediately care about, but there is a wonderful police dog and several interesting, important secondary characters.
With a slightly different narrative, this one is a really good read.
April 26, 2026
Andrew Grey is a prolific author of gay romances, usually involving big thirtysomething police officers falling for a vulnerable younger man. To Protect doesn't deviate from that trope. In the city of Carlisle, Atlas is a K-9 officer with Evie, and they are trained to search out drugs or other suspicious issues. One day they're called out to investigate a suspicious truck, and they uncover undocumented immigrants being trafficked, a group of women being protected by a young man. Bazel needed to escape Georgia (the country) after being outed as gay, so he paid someone in the town marketplace to take him to America. But when the cops help them out of the trailer, social services realizes they don't have a place for man, only the women. Atlas impulsively steps up and offers Bazel his spare bedroom. The two men are attracted to each other, and over time, they become close. Naturally they wind up sharing a bed.
There's a nothing burger subplot involving a couple strange men trying to break into Atlas' home but that's fairly quickly resolved.
After some thought, I think my biggest issue with Grey's book is they're low-key. HIs prose tells, it doesn't show us things. And the dialogue is so stilted, it feels out of place. Try reading some of the dialogue outloud, it doesn't sound natural, like actual humans talk.
I'd rate this very middle of the road. 2 stars
There's a nothing burger subplot involving a couple strange men trying to break into Atlas' home but that's fairly quickly resolved.
After some thought, I think my biggest issue with Grey's book is they're low-key. HIs prose tells, it doesn't show us things. And the dialogue is so stilted, it feels out of place. Try reading some of the dialogue outloud, it doesn't sound natural, like actual humans talk.
I'd rate this very middle of the road. 2 stars
January 20, 2026
I thought this was a really touching read that goes beyond a romance and really gets to the heart – and so does Bazel – he’s just a beautiful soul and finds such a great match with Atlas!
Atlas is a K-9 officer and he and his fantastic partner Evie make a major discovery in the back of a truck during a traffic stop. They find a group of people hidden away in the truck, likely being trafficked, there are a group of women and one man, Bazel. Bazel had hopes of coming to America after being disowned by his family in Georgia for being gay. He’s paid his money, taken this journey in hopes of building a life, not really understanding what is really happening to him. When social services is able to find a shelter for the women rescued from the truck, there doesn’t seem to be a place for him to go, until Atlas steps in and offers Bazel his guestroom.
The two seem to click easily, despite the circumstances Bazel seems to easily understand that Atlas is there to help and protect him. The attraction doesn’t hurt either, but Atlas is very careful not make it seem like Bazel owes him. He wants it to be a genuine connection too and as they build trust and open up to each other they also learn about the operation that brought Bazel into the country. There’s also a bit of danger added in when it seems as though someone may be coming after Bazel.
I liked the mix of romance and reality in this book, it’s as much about Bazel finding himself and his place as it is about the building romance with Atlas. He’s so endearing as he learns how things work in this country and how he wants to be a part of it and make it his own. The romance is there for sure, it’s sweet and touching and I did love how it built between them and how strong Atlas was standing up for them when needed. I also really loved how it came together for them, it felt very fitting and made my heart happy. A really great read and I loved seeing characters from previous books as well!
Atlas is a K-9 officer and he and his fantastic partner Evie make a major discovery in the back of a truck during a traffic stop. They find a group of people hidden away in the truck, likely being trafficked, there are a group of women and one man, Bazel. Bazel had hopes of coming to America after being disowned by his family in Georgia for being gay. He’s paid his money, taken this journey in hopes of building a life, not really understanding what is really happening to him. When social services is able to find a shelter for the women rescued from the truck, there doesn’t seem to be a place for him to go, until Atlas steps in and offers Bazel his guestroom.
The two seem to click easily, despite the circumstances Bazel seems to easily understand that Atlas is there to help and protect him. The attraction doesn’t hurt either, but Atlas is very careful not make it seem like Bazel owes him. He wants it to be a genuine connection too and as they build trust and open up to each other they also learn about the operation that brought Bazel into the country. There’s also a bit of danger added in when it seems as though someone may be coming after Bazel.
I liked the mix of romance and reality in this book, it’s as much about Bazel finding himself and his place as it is about the building romance with Atlas. He’s so endearing as he learns how things work in this country and how he wants to be a part of it and make it his own. The romance is there for sure, it’s sweet and touching and I did love how it built between them and how strong Atlas was standing up for them when needed. I also really loved how it came together for them, it felt very fitting and made my heart happy. A really great read and I loved seeing characters from previous books as well!
September 25, 2026
Atlas De Vaus, a Carlisle K-9 officer, and his dog Evie discover undocumented immigrants being smuggled in a semitrailer during a traffic stop. While local shelters take in the women, Atlas steps in to house the lone male survivor, Bazel, to keep him safe from the system. Bazel Dadiani fled his home country of Georgia after being outed by his family and village, draining his savings to reach America. Though deeply afraid and struggling to trust an authority figure like Atlas, Bazel is slowly won over by Atlas and Evie, eventually developing unexpected feelings for the officer. As the two men grow closer and edge toward helping catch the human traffickers, rigid government red tape suddenly threatens to tear them apart permanently.
This story was full of emotion, starting right out of the gate with the drama of finding hidden undocumented immigrants during a traffic stop. From there, it transitioned into a deeply moving journey as Atlas gave Bazel a home, and we got to watch their relationship slowly and tenderly develop. One of the most touching highlights was the bond between Bazel and Atlas's K-9 partner, Evie. The way Evie instinctively comforted and protected Bazel melted my heart. I also appreciated how respectful Atlas was—he went out of his way to ensure Bazel never felt pressured or beholden into a physical relationship just because he was living under Atlas's roof. The supporting cast is great too, especially Chris the social worker, who was an absolute rockstar doing everything she could to help Bazel navigate the system and guide Atlas along the way. On top of the romance, the human trafficking investigation added a layer of intense drama as dangerous people tried to track Bazel down to silence him. It was a gripping, high-stakes, and deeply emotional story about finding safety, trust, and love in the most unexpected places. This was an MM story with mature content.
This story was full of emotion, starting right out of the gate with the drama of finding hidden undocumented immigrants during a traffic stop. From there, it transitioned into a deeply moving journey as Atlas gave Bazel a home, and we got to watch their relationship slowly and tenderly develop. One of the most touching highlights was the bond between Bazel and Atlas's K-9 partner, Evie. The way Evie instinctively comforted and protected Bazel melted my heart. I also appreciated how respectful Atlas was—he went out of his way to ensure Bazel never felt pressured or beholden into a physical relationship just because he was living under Atlas's roof. The supporting cast is great too, especially Chris the social worker, who was an absolute rockstar doing everything she could to help Bazel navigate the system and guide Atlas along the way. On top of the romance, the human trafficking investigation added a layer of intense drama as dangerous people tried to track Bazel down to silence him. It was a gripping, high-stakes, and deeply emotional story about finding safety, trust, and love in the most unexpected places. This was an MM story with mature content.
January 25, 2026
This needs more than 5 stars. It's now my favorite Andrew Grey book of the year and this my sixth one read and start of new series in K9 unit set in Carlisle which I so love and wish could go there and find these amazing characters.
On a traffic stop Atlas is backing up Wyatt from the Carlisle Troopers series pulling over a semi. Atlas' work partner is a K9 officer and she finds something and when Atlas opens up and goes inside the last thing he was expecting to find was people.
Bazel is the lone man found and he protected the women best he could. They were heading to New York and for who knows what to be done. Bazel wanted a new life because when his secret came out back home he was thrown out. Thankfully he finds a place with Atlas.
I really loved this so much. Atlas stands up for Bazel when some people at work don't take kindly to him helping. It was no one's business what he did in his personal life. Bazel and he find that they like each other. And it so sweet. Bazel discovering so much and the nickname he gives Atlas had me busting out laughing because it was unique and adorable, but the moment itself when Bazel said it I couldn't help but find it funny in a good way. Atlas expression I could totally see being like what that got to do with what they doing.
Bazel is so loveable and I adored Evie and Atlas so compassionate to Bazel. Perfect.
I loved seeing past characters like Wyatt, Red, and Carter. I loved Chris who's friend of Atlas' and a social worker. There so much happiness even though some tough moments as well. Realistic fiction because this stuff happens.
Thanks Andrew for another epic work of love and art in this. I can't wait til the next one.
On a traffic stop Atlas is backing up Wyatt from the Carlisle Troopers series pulling over a semi. Atlas' work partner is a K9 officer and she finds something and when Atlas opens up and goes inside the last thing he was expecting to find was people.
Bazel is the lone man found and he protected the women best he could. They were heading to New York and for who knows what to be done. Bazel wanted a new life because when his secret came out back home he was thrown out. Thankfully he finds a place with Atlas.
I really loved this so much. Atlas stands up for Bazel when some people at work don't take kindly to him helping. It was no one's business what he did in his personal life. Bazel and he find that they like each other. And it so sweet. Bazel discovering so much and the nickname he gives Atlas had me busting out laughing because it was unique and adorable, but the moment itself when Bazel said it I couldn't help but find it funny in a good way. Atlas expression I could totally see being like what that got to do with what they doing.
Bazel is so loveable and I adored Evie and Atlas so compassionate to Bazel. Perfect.
I loved seeing past characters like Wyatt, Red, and Carter. I loved Chris who's friend of Atlas' and a social worker. There so much happiness even though some tough moments as well. Realistic fiction because this stuff happens.
Thanks Andrew for another epic work of love and art in this. I can't wait til the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Tender, Triumphant Story of Trust and Found Family
"Carlisle K-9" is so much more than a romance; it's a beautifully layered novel about the courage it takes to trust again. Atlas, with his inherent decency and his remarkable K-9 partner Evie, represents a safe haven. Bazel, carrying the weight of his past and navigating a terrifying new reality, represents the fragile hope for a new beginning. Author [Andrew Grey] brings them together with exquisite slowness and deep empathy.
The true magic of this book lies in its quiet moments. The growing trust isn't declared it's shown through Evie leaning against Bazel, through a shared meal, through the careful respect Atlas consistently offers. The author handles Bazel's trauma and displacement with a sensitivity that avoids cliché, making his gradual opening feel profoundly earned. The romantic tension is a slow, delicious burn, making the emotional payoff incredibly satisfying.
Furthermore, the plot is cleverly constructed. The external threat of the traffickers and the bureaucratic "red tape" provide constant, believable stakes that never overshadow the character development but instead heighten it. This is a story that celebrates resilience, the healing power of compassion (both human and canine), and the transformative nature of love in all its forms.
A standout read that is both heartwarming and gripping. Highly recommended for fans of Annabeth Albert, Lucy Lennox, or anyone who loves romance where the emotional connection is as compelling as the attraction
"Carlisle K-9" is so much more than a romance; it's a beautifully layered novel about the courage it takes to trust again. Atlas, with his inherent decency and his remarkable K-9 partner Evie, represents a safe haven. Bazel, carrying the weight of his past and navigating a terrifying new reality, represents the fragile hope for a new beginning. Author [Andrew Grey] brings them together with exquisite slowness and deep empathy.
The true magic of this book lies in its quiet moments. The growing trust isn't declared it's shown through Evie leaning against Bazel, through a shared meal, through the careful respect Atlas consistently offers. The author handles Bazel's trauma and displacement with a sensitivity that avoids cliché, making his gradual opening feel profoundly earned. The romantic tension is a slow, delicious burn, making the emotional payoff incredibly satisfying.
Furthermore, the plot is cleverly constructed. The external threat of the traffickers and the bureaucratic "red tape" provide constant, believable stakes that never overshadow the character development but instead heighten it. This is a story that celebrates resilience, the healing power of compassion (both human and canine), and the transformative nature of love in all its forms.
A standout read that is both heartwarming and gripping. Highly recommended for fans of Annabeth Albert, Lucy Lennox, or anyone who loves romance where the emotional connection is as compelling as the attraction
January 9, 2026
This is a story that points out a dark side of society – human trafficking. The act of conning or kidnapping people and then selling them into basic slavery. It’s a difficult situation that the author handles with a deft pen. In this one, Carlisle cop Atlas and his dog Evie discover a group of refugees in the back of a truck – one man and six women. And only the man, Bezal, speaks any English. The women get taken to as special shelter where they will be safe, and someone speaks their language. But there is no place for Bezal, so Atlas takes him home. And thus begins their adventure.
Bezal cannot return home as he would be killed for being gay, so social services goes to work to get him asylum. Meanwhile, Bezal tries to make himself useful by redoing Atlas’s neglected yard and does an amazing job. The two men become closer even though Atlas tries not to. But some of the people who had taken Bezal cause problems and it’s up to Atlas and the justice system to make sure they don’t.
This was a good romance with a lot of conflict and a HEA that satisfies. I loved Bezal and his challenges with language, understanding life in the US, and learning about how things work here. And the way Evie and Atlas work together show that the author did his homework.
Recommended.
Bezal cannot return home as he would be killed for being gay, so social services goes to work to get him asylum. Meanwhile, Bezal tries to make himself useful by redoing Atlas’s neglected yard and does an amazing job. The two men become closer even though Atlas tries not to. But some of the people who had taken Bezal cause problems and it’s up to Atlas and the justice system to make sure they don’t.
This was a good romance with a lot of conflict and a HEA that satisfies. I loved Bezal and his challenges with language, understanding life in the US, and learning about how things work here. And the way Evie and Atlas work together show that the author did his homework.
Recommended.
April 21, 2026
Great Action, and wonderful storyline.
Atlas was a police officer with a K-9 dog. He was called out to search a truck that was on the interstate, and when he opened the compartment where his dog was barking furiously, it was loaded with passengers that had paid to come to the United States, but was not gonna be going where they thought they were. There was only one man inside and a bunch of women and the women had a place to stay, but the man did not sell. Atlas offered him a place to stay.. I really love the story and how it came together because bizarre cannot speak English very well and Atlas just sometimes had to just go along with what he said, and it was miscommunications and jokes and heartfelt war moments and true love and a man standing up for the person that he loved to his commander and other people he worked with about it being his private life and I loved that.
Atlas was a police officer with a K-9 dog. He was called out to search a truck that was on the interstate, and when he opened the compartment where his dog was barking furiously, it was loaded with passengers that had paid to come to the United States, but was not gonna be going where they thought they were. There was only one man inside and a bunch of women and the women had a place to stay, but the man did not sell. Atlas offered him a place to stay.. I really love the story and how it came together because bizarre cannot speak English very well and Atlas just sometimes had to just go along with what he said, and it was miscommunications and jokes and heartfelt war moments and true love and a man standing up for the person that he loved to his commander and other people he worked with about it being his private life and I loved that.
January 21, 2026
Atlas and Bazel have quite the different story !
Atlas is a K-9 Policeman with his German Shepherd named Evie. While on duty, Evie finds some people in a large truck, and saves their lives from a trafficking ring.
It’s a complicated situation with the bad guys and a difficult trail to follow. The women have a safe house but Bazel needs a place to stay, so Atlas takes him home.
The guys are attracted, but Bazel is trying to understand his new life and the language. Atlas is patient and Evie watches over Bazel.
This new series is going to be exciting!
I liked the guys, their struggles, the slow burn and also the investigating. We learn about K-9 dogs training and their abilities.
ENJOY !
======
Atlas is a K-9 Policeman with his German Shepherd named Evie. While on duty, Evie finds some people in a large truck, and saves their lives from a trafficking ring.
It’s a complicated situation with the bad guys and a difficult trail to follow. The women have a safe house but Bazel needs a place to stay, so Atlas takes him home.
The guys are attracted, but Bazel is trying to understand his new life and the language. Atlas is patient and Evie watches over Bazel.
This new series is going to be exciting!
I liked the guys, their struggles, the slow burn and also the investigating. We learn about K-9 dogs training and their abilities.
ENJOY !
======
January 27, 2026
Wonderful book, Andrew. Atlas de Vaux is a policeman in a K-9 unit with his German Shepherd, Evie, when he is tasked with supervising Bazel, the lone man among several women from Georgia, the one next to Russia. It turns out Bazel is good at two things Atlas doesn't do well, cooking and gardening, and he gets to know Evie. Atlas also works with Chris, a Lesbian in Social Services. Atlas and Bazel then come face to face, while Chris works behind the scenes to move Bazel toward American citizenship. Atlas and Bazel, of course, end up sleeping in the same bed while Bazel learns more English. At the end of the book, Chris has him get a library card and a Y card, while Evie gets an award. By the end of the book, Bazel is close to citizenship, and he and Atlas are committed to each other.
January 12, 2026
Pay no attention to the blurb that refers to human beings as illegal. The story is done in a very realistic, compassionate way. Atlas is a K-9 police officer who is called to the scene of a suspicious semi-truck. Instead of finding drugs, the dog located a small group of trafficked persons. With no other options, he offers his guest room to the lone male undocumented person, Bazel. As time goes by, friendship develops and then, feelings. It is all handled carefully with full consent and oversight by Social Services. There are moments of danger, drama, and a beautiful love story.
January 30, 2026
Sorry to be so supportive of Grey's work, but O.. M.. G! AGAIN!
Grey takes an amazingly complex relationship with all the pitfalls that triple in danger since Atlas is in law enforcement. How he handles his growing attraction for this new man is tenuous at best. As always, honesty is the best decision, but explaining his feelings to the new man in his life and his bosses... that's a tough one. The HEA takes a while, with much drama and intrigue in the midst, but it's perfectly worth the wait.
Grey takes an amazingly complex relationship with all the pitfalls that triple in danger since Atlas is in law enforcement. How he handles his growing attraction for this new man is tenuous at best. As always, honesty is the best decision, but explaining his feelings to the new man in his life and his bosses... that's a tough one. The HEA takes a while, with much drama and intrigue in the midst, but it's perfectly worth the wait.
January 11, 2026
Typical Andrew Grey.
More of his tales of law enforcement in small town Pennsylvania. New characters plus minor roles for Red and Carter from prior series. While you hope you know the end of the story, you can not be sure of the end of the journey. First in a new series, related to his other series in the same community with the same theme. Stand alone but you might be courage to read more about a small community and it's residents.
More of his tales of law enforcement in small town Pennsylvania. New characters plus minor roles for Red and Carter from prior series. While you hope you know the end of the story, you can not be sure of the end of the journey. First in a new series, related to his other series in the same community with the same theme. Stand alone but you might be courage to read more about a small community and it's residents.
February 2, 2026
The story is good, I really liked it but maybe because English isn't my first language but the abrupt change of scenery bothered me deeply. There were times when I was in one place in one paragraph and in the next I was in a completely different place OUT OF NOWHERE fucking confusing let me tell you but maybe I'm just a dumb bitch yeah? Anyway congrats for the ideia truly not so much for the writing I'm sorry
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a slow burn protector romance.
Atlas is a K 9 officer trying his partner Evie. She finds a load of people in the back of a truck and Atlas let's Basel stay with him till he gets situated.
Theres lots of I trigger some mystery and sweet romance.
Evie the K 9 dog really does steal the story though.
I love a man in uniform and strong protector. The dog is a plus.
Atlas is a K 9 officer trying his partner Evie. She finds a load of people in the back of a truck and Atlas let's Basel stay with him till he gets situated.
Theres lots of I trigger some mystery and sweet romance.
Evie the K 9 dog really does steal the story though.
I love a man in uniform and strong protector. The dog is a plus.
January 9, 2026
Well Written!
A good series beginning with an interesting plot and characters, good character development and a supporting cast which includes some previously introduced in earlier books. Touches on issues associated with human trafficking and drug smuggling without getting too deep into either. Ends on a positive note with a hopeful future for Atlas and Bazel.
A good series beginning with an interesting plot and characters, good character development and a supporting cast which includes some previously introduced in earlier books. Touches on issues associated with human trafficking and drug smuggling without getting too deep into either. Ends on a positive note with a hopeful future for Atlas and Bazel.
Did Not Finish
April 15, 2026DNF @ 23%
Nothing wrong with the book, but it just wasn't to my tastes. I understand why Bazel's dialogue was in broken english, but it unfortunately always took me out of the story whenever he talked, and I couldn't quite get used to it.
No rating because this was a DNF for a perfectly fine style choice I just happened to not like.
Nothing wrong with the book, but it just wasn't to my tastes. I understand why Bazel's dialogue was in broken english, but it unfortunately always took me out of the story whenever he talked, and I couldn't quite get used to it.
No rating because this was a DNF for a perfectly fine style choice I just happened to not like.
January 24, 2026
Absolutely loved this read. As ever Andrew Grey builds his characters thoroughly and doles out information as needed to flesh them out. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline itself and was wrapt around this book, hence my hard to come by 5 stars. I only read for about an hour at night but this really stretched that as I was so engrossed.
February 16, 2026
Another amazing story
Very short review: another amazing story by Andrew Grey. Just the right amount of everything, love, angst and a very happy ending. Mix in a dog and you have a great story.
Very short review: another amazing story by Andrew Grey. Just the right amount of everything, love, angst and a very happy ending. Mix in a dog and you have a great story.
May 11, 2026
I have read a lot of books by Andrew Grey in the last 10 or so years and I have always enjoyed them. This book was no exception. It was a mystery and a romance--I couldn't ask for more. Characters were likeable and outstanding. Recommend reading.
May 11, 2026
A cop, his K-9 partner, a man in trouble lead to a satisfying read. The slant is human traffic. This one walks the line between light romance and something with teeth. It works. Enjoyable and worth the read.
January 11, 2026
3,75⭐️
Loved to see Bazel discover another way of life and freedom
Loved to see Bazel discover another way of life and freedom
August 18, 2026
A sweet story about a cop, a refugee, and an awesome drug-sniffing Malinois.
September 7, 2026
Writing was absolutely too naïve. I don't like to dnf and that's why I gave book a chance by browsing it through. Dogs are lovely creatures and it would be nice to find good MM stories with K9.
May 11, 2026
3.5/5
Interesting police procedural involving trafficking refugees and homophobia.
Part of a new Andrew Grey Carlisle police series focusing on K-9 officers with K-9 partners.
Interesting police procedural involving trafficking refugees and homophobia.
Part of a new Andrew Grey Carlisle police series focusing on K-9 officers with K-9 partners.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews