What do you think?
Rate this book
Colorado K-9 Unit #4
Protecting the Baby
Guarding a child in danger
…is a K-9 team’s most important mission.
When a dangerous assailant trespasses on his ranch in the middle of the night, K-9 Officer Eli Blackwood must act quickly to outwit a kidnapper targeting his neighbor and her baby. Protecting veterinarian Carly Mayor and the infant she’s become guardian to means going off the grid and hiding out at his grandfather’s cabin. But who is after baby Ariel…and does it have to do with the mysterious deaths of her parents? Chased through the Colorado wilderness by deadly gunmen, Carly and Eli must work together to survive. But with threats coming from every direction, untangling the mystery behind the attacks could be the last thing they do…
…is a K-9 team’s most important mission.
When a dangerous assailant trespasses on his ranch in the middle of the night, K-9 Officer Eli Blackwood must act quickly to outwit a kidnapper targeting his neighbor and her baby. Protecting veterinarian Carly Mayor and the infant she’s become guardian to means going off the grid and hiding out at his grandfather’s cabin. But who is after baby Ariel…and does it have to do with the mysterious deaths of her parents? Chased through the Colorado wilderness by deadly gunmen, Carly and Eli must work together to survive. But with threats coming from every direction, untangling the mystery behind the attacks could be the last thing they do…
Audible Audio
First published June 30, 2026
About the author
Jodie Bailey
102 books203 followersJodie Bailey is the author of Quilted by Christmas, as well as two suspense novels, Freefall and Crossfire and a novella in Holiday Defenders. Her devotions have appeared in Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. She is also a contributor to PWOC International’s e100 Bible study for military wives. Her memberships include American Christian Fiction Writers.
When not at the keyboard, Jodie is a former middle school literature teacher and yearbook adviser who is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.
When not at the keyboard, Jodie is a former middle school literature teacher and yearbook adviser who is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Protecting the Baby" is a Christian romantic suspense. Eli lost his pregnant wife in an accident and is reluctant to love again. Carly's dear friends were both murdered within months of each other, leaving her as the guardian of their young baby. Someone wants guardianship of the baby so they can access her secret inheritance, but someone's also trying to kidnap the baby--why? Eli and his protection K9 not only protected Carly and the baby but worked to uncover what's going on. He also worked with his team to solve a ongoing case of a pregnant girl who's been kidnapped as the last in a series of kidnapped pregnant girls that have been found murdered after giving birth.
The suspense came from the danger to Carly and the baby as well as the looming deadline on finding the missing girl in time. Eli and Carly asked good questions, and Eli did a good job of protecting Carly. They fell in love as they spent time together. They'd already become good friends as neighbors, but the danger brought them closer together as they dealt with past and present hurts. Both trusted in God and prayed for help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.
The narrator of the audiobook did a good job of saying the text in a way consistent with the text (with surprise if surprised, etc.), and it was easy to follow who was talking and what was going on. She read the story in a way that immersed me in the story and easily kept my interest. 5 stars.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The suspense came from the danger to Carly and the baby as well as the looming deadline on finding the missing girl in time. Eli and Carly asked good questions, and Eli did a good job of protecting Carly. They fell in love as they spent time together. They'd already become good friends as neighbors, but the danger brought them closer together as they dealt with past and present hurts. Both trusted in God and prayed for help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.
The narrator of the audiobook did a good job of saying the text in a way consistent with the text (with surprise if surprised, etc.), and it was easy to follow who was talking and what was going on. She read the story in a way that immersed me in the story and easily kept my interest. 5 stars.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An exceptional addition to the ‘Colorado K-9 Unit’ continuity series. I love how the author blended the over-arcing series suspense with the suspense unique to this book. She did an amazing job of piquing my interest for both. My sleuthing armchair worked overtime this read!
This is the fourth book in the series – no worries, ‘Protecting the Baby’ reads well as a standalone too – but I’ve been curious about Eli’s backstory since I first ‘met’ him and, whoa, talk about heartbreak and trauma! His personal growth through the course of this novel is phenomenal. Loved the way he gradually softened towards Carly and baby Ariel. Even in the midst of tension and danger, there were so many bright moments that lightened the darker ones.
So, an emotional romance paired with lots of intrigue and action along with the best K-9 team to provide back up, made this an unputdownable read…
Well, I should say ‘unstoppable’ since I listened to the audio edition expertly narrated by Cindy Kay. Absolutely love her narration style, her voice fits this genre perfectly. She knows how to inject the right sense of tension and drama in the action scenes and she’s great a creating memorable dialogue too. Her performance added to my overall enjoyment of ‘Protecting the Baby.’
My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/06/04/p...
This is the fourth book in the series – no worries, ‘Protecting the Baby’ reads well as a standalone too – but I’ve been curious about Eli’s backstory since I first ‘met’ him and, whoa, talk about heartbreak and trauma! His personal growth through the course of this novel is phenomenal. Loved the way he gradually softened towards Carly and baby Ariel. Even in the midst of tension and danger, there were so many bright moments that lightened the darker ones.
So, an emotional romance paired with lots of intrigue and action along with the best K-9 team to provide back up, made this an unputdownable read…
Well, I should say ‘unstoppable’ since I listened to the audio edition expertly narrated by Cindy Kay. Absolutely love her narration style, her voice fits this genre perfectly. She knows how to inject the right sense of tension and drama in the action scenes and she’s great a creating memorable dialogue too. Her performance added to my overall enjoyment of ‘Protecting the Baby.’
My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/06/04/p...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this latest addition to the series, a Christian suspense with some clean romance, it’s K-9 officer Eli Blackwood who gets his story.
Eli lost his wife and baby in an accident and years later, is still mourning the loss.
Meanwhile Carly Mayor and baby Ariel have moved next to his ranch after Carly became the guardian of the baby.
When Eli sees someone going through his ranch in order to reach Carly’s. When it seems the intruder wants to kidnap Ariel, he goes into action. Though not able to get to the intruder, he is able to keep Carly and Ariel safe.
It seems that someone wants to take Ariel which has Eli and Carly trying to get away from the danger in order to be out of harms way . Questions arise. Was the accident that took Ariel’s parents really an accident or was it more than that? Why are they after the baby?
In the action packed audiobook , we see these two characters change as they discover feelings for each other.
A sub-plot is also in the mix. Young pregnant women are going missing, some later found dead, but no clues as to where the babies are. Where, who and why is an unsolved mystery.
The story was engaging and the narrator, Cindy Kay, brings the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Eli lost his wife and baby in an accident and years later, is still mourning the loss.
Meanwhile Carly Mayor and baby Ariel have moved next to his ranch after Carly became the guardian of the baby.
When Eli sees someone going through his ranch in order to reach Carly’s. When it seems the intruder wants to kidnap Ariel, he goes into action. Though not able to get to the intruder, he is able to keep Carly and Ariel safe.
It seems that someone wants to take Ariel which has Eli and Carly trying to get away from the danger in order to be out of harms way . Questions arise. Was the accident that took Ariel’s parents really an accident or was it more than that? Why are they after the baby?
In the action packed audiobook , we see these two characters change as they discover feelings for each other.
A sub-plot is also in the mix. Young pregnant women are going missing, some later found dead, but no clues as to where the babies are. Where, who and why is an unsolved mystery.
The story was engaging and the narrator, Cindy Kay, brings the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a pulse pounding romantic suspense from Jodie Bailey. Carly and Eli are in a race to find out why someone is trying to kidnap baby Ariel. With the help of Eli's K-9, Wrangler, they will run through the wilderness and face the gunmen that are hot on their trail.
I really enjoyed this story and I felt like the characters were very likeable and relatable. They have both been through a lot but they grow and learn to get past all of what has come before. This is a great suspense story full of action, romance, a loveable K-9 and a few twists along the way. I really enjoyed how it unfolded and the way that the author kept the pacing up throughout the book.
One of the things I really liked was the way the plot was first and the romance came second. It made sure that it didn't take away from the pacing of the suspense story while it was also slow enough of a burn to be believable.
I listened to this one by audiobook and the narrator did a really good job at bringing the author's work to life.
I really enjoyed this story and I felt like the characters were very likeable and relatable. They have both been through a lot but they grow and learn to get past all of what has come before. This is a great suspense story full of action, romance, a loveable K-9 and a few twists along the way. I really enjoyed how it unfolded and the way that the author kept the pacing up throughout the book.
One of the things I really liked was the way the plot was first and the romance came second. It made sure that it didn't take away from the pacing of the suspense story while it was also slow enough of a burn to be believable.
I listened to this one by audiobook and the narrator did a really good job at bringing the author's work to life.
July 1, 2026
Great addition to the series
Carly is getting home with her new charge, baby Ariel when someone tries to take Ariel from her. She runs from her house to her neighbor Eli's house. Eli has a K-9 partner and is working on the Colorado K-9 Unit task force to find the missing Mia. Now he and his K-9 Warrant have to keep Carly and Ariel safe while continuing his work with the task force. Eli has dealt with some major tragedies, and trying to keep Carly and the baby safe trigger some conflicting emotions. The bad guys keep trying to take Ariel. Can Eli and Warrant keep them both safe and figure out why this is all happening? Read this to find out.
The pace is breakneck with an action and action oriented storyline that has no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is a great story that moves the continuity forward. I can't wait to read the next one!
Carly is getting home with her new charge, baby Ariel when someone tries to take Ariel from her. She runs from her house to her neighbor Eli's house. Eli has a K-9 partner and is working on the Colorado K-9 Unit task force to find the missing Mia. Now he and his K-9 Warrant have to keep Carly and Ariel safe while continuing his work with the task force. Eli has dealt with some major tragedies, and trying to keep Carly and the baby safe trigger some conflicting emotions. The bad guys keep trying to take Ariel. Can Eli and Warrant keep them both safe and figure out why this is all happening? Read this to find out.
The pace is breakneck with an action and action oriented storyline that has no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is a great story that moves the continuity forward. I can't wait to read the next one!
July 20, 2026
Veterinarian Carly Mayor has recently become the guardian of young Ariel, but there are people with nefarious intentions towards the little girl, so she asks Eli Blackwood a rancher and K-9 officer to help her.
Fast paced red, filled with mystery and suspense. I liked that Carly and Eli knew each other previously from church, and that they work together well as a team. There is a lot going on, and I liked that they bonded over their faith and little Ariel. I liked how Eli jumped in to help, offering support and a place to stay. He is determined not to fall in love, but God might just have other plans.
Full of twists and turns, the story kept me on my toes. Ariel is a sweet little girl, and I admired Carly's devotion to keeping her safe. Great characters, good interactions, and strong faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Carly Mayor is caring for Ariel, the infant of her two closest friends who recently died. Something isn’t quite right about either of their deaths. When someone tries to take Ariel, Carly makes a run for her neighbor Eli Blackwood’s house.
Eli is part of the K-9 task force that is searching for a missing pregnant girl and trying to catch a baby smuggling ring.
Eli and Carly go on the run with Ariel to try to protect her. Both have past hurts that make things difficult.
I thought I knew where the storyline was going, but there was a twist I didn’t see until late.
Eli and Carly fall in love as one would expect in romantic suspense. It was interesting to see Carly develop trust in Eli and to see Eli learn that he could move forward - it’s today.
I like the narrator of the audiobook.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to the book.
Eli is part of the K-9 task force that is searching for a missing pregnant girl and trying to catch a baby smuggling ring.
Eli and Carly go on the run with Ariel to try to protect her. Both have past hurts that make things difficult.
I thought I knew where the storyline was going, but there was a twist I didn’t see until late.
Eli and Carly fall in love as one would expect in romantic suspense. It was interesting to see Carly develop trust in Eli and to see Eli learn that he could move forward - it’s today.
I like the narrator of the audiobook.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to the book.
Review of advance copy
Woe! What a great read! A friend gave it to me while I was recovering from surgery, and it could not have come at a better time. Once I started, I truly could not put it down.
The storyline was engaging from the very beginning, with the perfect mix of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments that kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter.”
I especially appreciated that the romance was sweet and tasteful without being overly graphic. It felt authentic and added so much to the story without taking away from the plot.
If you enjoy fast-paced stories with strong characters, emotion, and just the right touch of romance, you are going to love this book. I’m already excited for others to experience it too!
The storyline was engaging from the very beginning, with the perfect mix of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments that kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter.”
I especially appreciated that the romance was sweet and tasteful without being overly graphic. It felt authentic and added so much to the story without taking away from the plot.
If you enjoy fast-paced stories with strong characters, emotion, and just the right touch of romance, you are going to love this book. I’m already excited for others to experience it too!
July 21, 2026
Protecting the Baby by Jodie Bailey is book #4 in the Colorado K-9 Unit series. This series doesn't disappoint. Imagine your best friends both died and you are given custody of their baby and now someone is trying to take her and will take you out to get to her.
That's exactly what happens to Carly Mayor and she can't trust anyone, even the police. Running for their lives, Carly stumbles into the back yard of K-9 Officer Eli Blackwood - can she risk it all to trust him? Enjoy this page turner of a read - you won't be sorry!
That's exactly what happens to Carly Mayor and she can't trust anyone, even the police. Running for their lives, Carly stumbles into the back yard of K-9 Officer Eli Blackwood - can she risk it all to trust him? Enjoy this page turner of a read - you won't be sorry!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got an ALC of this book and absolutely loved it. FMCs best friend died a few days after her husband so she because the guardian of their daughter. Little did she know that being her guardian would put her life and the babies life in danger. She doesn't trust cops but she found that she trusts one. Her neighbor and his K-9 dog. They have to go on the run until they can figure out what they want with her and the baby.
July 2, 2026
Five stars and more
Oh I Love It! There were moments i wanted to smack Eli in back now the head and knock sense into him but my heart aches for him too. And Carly who had been through so much was a tower of strength and didn't realize it. I love Isacc was not going to be alone either. He is going to be a pawpaw in my ending. Wrangler is star of it all with his heroic saves.
Oh I Love It! There were moments i wanted to smack Eli in back now the head and knock sense into him but my heart aches for him too. And Carly who had been through so much was a tower of strength and didn't realize it. I love Isacc was not going to be alone either. He is going to be a pawpaw in my ending. Wrangler is star of it all with his heroic saves.
July 11, 2026
This series is full of action. You do not need to read all the series or even read them in order. I do hope they find Mia soon. That part is getting old.
In this book Carly Mayor has taken in her best friends baby girl after her friend died. But someone is trying to take her from her! Why? She flees and runs into K-9 officer Eli Blackwood. He helps her but someone is still trying to take Ariel. Can they figure out who and why before it is too late?
In this book Carly Mayor has taken in her best friends baby girl after her friend died. But someone is trying to take her from her! Why? She flees and runs into K-9 officer Eli Blackwood. He helps her but someone is still trying to take Ariel. Can they figure out who and why before it is too late?
July 26, 2026
What a wonderful addition to this romantic suspense series. Eli lost his pregnant wife and baby daughter in an accident years ago and is still grieving for them, but can he move forward and find love again? Carly, his next door neighbor, suddenly becomes the guardian of her friends' baby girl Ariel after their deaths. Someone is after Ariel, but who and why? Protecting the Baby is fast-paced and has suspense, danger, twists and turns, secrets, and romance. Great read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can be read as a standalone but some of the characters overlap with other books.
She's struggling to adjust to life as a single mom after the deaths of her friends. Unfortunately, someone else wants the baby and will stop at nothing to get her.
The last thing he wants is them reminding him of what he lost, but he can't ignore their needs.
Second chances
Forced proximity
Slow burn
She's struggling to adjust to life as a single mom after the deaths of her friends. Unfortunately, someone else wants the baby and will stop at nothing to get her.
The last thing he wants is them reminding him of what he lost, but he can't ignore their needs.
Second chances
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fast paced inspirational suspense that will keep you guessing! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life!
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Protecting the Baby by Jodie Bailey is part of the Colorado K-9 unit. Great Christian romantic suspense. Narrated by Cindy Kay. She did a great job, it made it very enjoyable. Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for this Arc. This is my honest review. Released June 30, 2027
July 13, 2026
This is a fast-paced mystery with plenty of twists and questions. Although it’s part of a continuing series (which I do suggest checking out), this can be read as a stand-alone. Carly, Ariel, and Eli are strong characters that I liked and was rooting for.
July 21, 2026
Protecting the Baby is another great book by Jodie Bailey.
Sheriff Eli Blackwood must protect Carly Mayor and her
goddaughter from the criminals who are selling babies
on the black market. This book was a really exciting
story. In fact this Colorado K-9 Unit series is just so great!
Sheriff Eli Blackwood must protect Carly Mayor and her
goddaughter from the criminals who are selling babies
on the black market. This book was a really exciting
story. In fact this Colorado K-9 Unit series is just so great!
July 4, 2026
A very enjoyable read
July 5, 2026
Protecting the Baby
This was a fabulous read. I loved the storyline as it continues through the series but also enjoying meeting the characters and their K-9.
This was a fabulous read. I loved the storyline as it continues through the series but also enjoying meeting the characters and their K-9.
July 9, 2026
Great storytelling!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed two of the previous books in the Colorado K-9 series, and
Protecting the Baby
was another captivating read.
In this installment, K-9 Officer Eli Blackwood finds himself protecting his neighbor, Carly Mayor, and the baby now in her care. Carly is a hardworking veterinarian who has suddenly become the guardian of her infant niece, Ariel. It takes only one look at the little girl for Carly to fall completely in love. Unfortunately, someone is determined to take Ariel, but Carly is even more determined to keep her safe.
As Eli and Carly race to stay one step ahead of the would-be kidnappers, they also try to uncover why someone is so intent on abducting the baby. Amid the constant danger and mounting suspense, trust begins to grow between them, followed by feelings neither of them expected. Their journey gives them the opportunity to discover that the future they both long for may have been closer than they ever imagined.
This is a fast-paced story filled with suspense, a sweet romance, and the ever-present backdrop of faith. I especially enjoyed it as an audiobook, and the narrator kept the story moving at a steady pace. I look forward to reading more books in this series and more from Jodie Bailey.
Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
In this installment, K-9 Officer Eli Blackwood finds himself protecting his neighbor, Carly Mayor, and the baby now in her care. Carly is a hardworking veterinarian who has suddenly become the guardian of her infant niece, Ariel. It takes only one look at the little girl for Carly to fall completely in love. Unfortunately, someone is determined to take Ariel, but Carly is even more determined to keep her safe.
As Eli and Carly race to stay one step ahead of the would-be kidnappers, they also try to uncover why someone is so intent on abducting the baby. Amid the constant danger and mounting suspense, trust begins to grow between them, followed by feelings neither of them expected. Their journey gives them the opportunity to discover that the future they both long for may have been closer than they ever imagined.
This is a fast-paced story filled with suspense, a sweet romance, and the ever-present backdrop of faith. I especially enjoyed it as an audiobook, and the narrator kept the story moving at a steady pace. I look forward to reading more books in this series and more from Jodie Bailey.
Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 3, 2026
Jodie Bailey's Protecting the Baby is exciting from start to finish. Eli Blackwood steps in to help his neighbor, Carly Mayor. She became a new mom when her friends died under mysterious circumstances. Now someone is claiming to be the legal guardian of the infant. Eli and Carly go on the run to protect Ariel from being taken--by force. Men with guns are hunting them down and Eli pulls out all the stops to keep Carly and Ariel safe. And of course, Carly and the baby are just what Eli needs to overcome his own broken heart. Forced proximity for the win!
This is book four in the Colorado K-9 Unit series and I love that it features working dogs! But I enjoyed this fast-paced story. I haven't read much from Jodie Bailey, but she's becoming one of my new favorites for action and suspense. The characters had depth and of course, I love run-for-your-life danger and suspense. I listened to this one on audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job of bringing the story to life. Definitely check this story out. It's the kind of series you can read out of order and be ok, but I recommend the whole series.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own
This is book four in the Colorado K-9 Unit series and I love that it features working dogs! But I enjoyed this fast-paced story. I haven't read much from Jodie Bailey, but she's becoming one of my new favorites for action and suspense. The characters had depth and of course, I love run-for-your-life danger and suspense. I listened to this one on audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job of bringing the story to life. Definitely check this story out. It's the kind of series you can read out of order and be ok, but I recommend the whole series.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the fourth book in the Colorado K-9 Unit series. I have read one other book in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I like the audiobook. I found this book went over the same things over and over again. There is a lot of action throughout this book, but I felt some of the suspense and action was over done. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews