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Rookie K-9 Unit #4
Honor and Defend
A PERILOUS REUNION
Framed for a crime he didn't commit, Lee Earnshaw is two weeks out of prison when an ex-con tries to kill him and his former love, K-9 rookie cop Ellen Foxcroft. Recognizing their attacker as a man he met in prison, Lee knows he must be the intended target. But is the shooter settling a score, or does Lee have something he wants? Determined to start over, training puppies and maybe getting a second chance with Ellen, Lee vows to keep both of them safe. But as they investigate together, Ellen's golden retriever partner at their side, they find themselves dead center in a killer's crosshairs.
Rookie K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners
Framed for a crime he didn't commit, Lee Earnshaw is two weeks out of prison when an ex-con tries to kill him and his former love, K-9 rookie cop Ellen Foxcroft. Recognizing their attacker as a man he met in prison, Lee knows he must be the intended target. But is the shooter settling a score, or does Lee have something he wants? Determined to start over, training puppies and maybe getting a second chance with Ellen, Lee vows to keep both of them safe. But as they investigate together, Ellen's golden retriever partner at their side, they find themselves dead center in a killer's crosshairs.
Rookie K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 5, 2016
225 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Lynette Eason
182 books3,768 followersLynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."
Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice
Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 16, 2021
This may be a an issue with the smaller books, but I felt like I never really got invested in the characters--but I love puppies! And the action got intense...
June 21, 2016
Another installment of the Rookie K-9 Unit continuity series and I'm chomping at the bit to see if my suspicions are valid in the over-arcing suspense thread. You don't need to have read the first three to enjoy this one, but it sure is fun to speculate!
Is there anything cuter than Golden Retriever puppies? I think not! And there are three in this story! And a hunky hero who just also happens to be a dog trainer. Serious heart palpitations! Lee's determined to take his life back...and that includes resuming his ill-fated romance with Ellen. She's intent on crime solving so she can finally escape her home town for good. There's no room in her life for opening her heart to anyone, let alone ex-boyfriend, Lee. Besides, she feels way too guilty over the way she treated him. Life gets even more complicated when they become targets of illusive predators.
Lots of action and intrigue balanced by sweet romance made me a very happy romantic suspense reader.
Is there anything cuter than Golden Retriever puppies? I think not! And there are three in this story! And a hunky hero who just also happens to be a dog trainer. Serious heart palpitations! Lee's determined to take his life back...and that includes resuming his ill-fated romance with Ellen. She's intent on crime solving so she can finally escape her home town for good. There's no room in her life for opening her heart to anyone, let alone ex-boyfriend, Lee. Besides, she feels way too guilty over the way she treated him. Life gets even more complicated when they become targets of illusive predators.
Lots of action and intrigue balanced by sweet romance made me a very happy romantic suspense reader.
June 5, 2016
Pretty good; this one involves Lee Earnshaw, brother of the murdered dog trainer Veronica. He has been released from prison after the discovery that he was set up and framed by a crooked police officer. He and Ellen Foxcroft had been high school sweethearts, but she did not trust him enough to believe in his innocence.
He has been working as a dog trainer, both in and out of prison and looks to resume his career path of veterinary school and a local practice. The ongoing mysteries keep them involved, though. They are no closer to understanding who committed the series of murders on the night of the fundraiser dance eah year, nor who killed Veronica or who attacked Ellen's mother and left her in a coma. Good issues of forgiveness and trust brought out here; also a reminder of all the things that they don't understand yet, and - where is Marco?
He has been working as a dog trainer, both in and out of prison and looks to resume his career path of veterinary school and a local practice. The ongoing mysteries keep them involved, though. They are no closer to understanding who committed the series of murders on the night of the fundraiser dance eah year, nor who killed Veronica or who attacked Ellen's mother and left her in a coma. Good issues of forgiveness and trust brought out here; also a reminder of all the things that they don't understand yet, and - where is Marco?
June 21, 2016
HONOR AND DEFEND is the first Love Inspired Suspense book I read by Lynette Eason. I love her books published by Revell and decided to look at these - but they read so different it's like they are not written by the same author. I suppose it might be the brand - or the editor, I don't know.
I didn't figure out whodun it or even why right away, so as a suspense keeping the reader guessing, it was good. The story was told more than shown, and it has the typical LIS formula of something keeping the heroine running in every chapter. It was interesting to see how all the crimes that were unsolved tied together.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as Ms. Eason's other suspense so I likely won't pick up any more LIS by this author but will continue to read her other books.
I didn't figure out whodun it or even why right away, so as a suspense keeping the reader guessing, it was good. The story was told more than shown, and it has the typical LIS formula of something keeping the heroine running in every chapter. It was interesting to see how all the crimes that were unsolved tied together.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as Ms. Eason's other suspense so I likely won't pick up any more LIS by this author but will continue to read her other books.
November 26, 2016
love this series was glad to find some of them at used bookstore. Started the books I had got from the library
January 29, 2019
I enjoyed this story about an ex-convict and a police officer working together. The police officer works in the K-9 unit and has also started a training center for service animals for the disabled that she runs on the side. Why would she hire an ex-con to work for her? Can she trust him? Obviously, she believes she can and is determined to protect him when someone starts shooting at them as they are delivering some puppies for the Prison Pups program where Lee had been incarcerated only a few months before. The attack comes on suddenly and viciously. Is there any way that they can get out of this situation alive? Or will this end with two more deaths in a string of unsolved crimes over the past several years. One of those involved the murder of Lee’s own sister. The stakes are high but the police are having a major problem tying any of the crimes together, or even finding any clues to help locate the perps and bring them to justice. One of the most puzzling aspects is that there has been a series of break-ins but nothing has been taken. Suspense runs high as the attacks escalate, while the police feel everything is spinning out of control. I especially liked the action involving the dogs. They made the story much more exciting.
January 26, 2022
I picked up several of these Rookie K-9 books at my local thrift store even though I have never read any Harlequin romance novels before. But they looked interesting to me, featuring K-9 units.
And I was surprised to find that I really liked it.
I liked the characters, Ellen ( how can I not like a woman named Ellen?) Foxcroft, rookie police officer, and Lee Earnshaw, who had just been released from jail for a crime that he was framed for. There had been several murders and bank robberies in the small town of Desert Valley and Ellen and Lee were targets by other inmates who were part of a K-9 prison program, training young puppies. In addition to being a K-9 officer, Ellen also ran the Desert Valley Assistance program she recently started. Lee was one of her employees. But they also had a past relationship, from high school, when they had loved each other, but Ellen's mother had disapproved of Lee, and Ellen was kind of influenced by her mother to break up with Lee.
Working together and both being targets put Ellen and Lee in close situations that stirred up their past feelings.
And because it's a romance novel, we all know the ending when they finally acknowledge their love for each other. And the criminals are caught.
And I was surprised to find that I really liked it.
I liked the characters, Ellen ( how can I not like a woman named Ellen?) Foxcroft, rookie police officer, and Lee Earnshaw, who had just been released from jail for a crime that he was framed for. There had been several murders and bank robberies in the small town of Desert Valley and Ellen and Lee were targets by other inmates who were part of a K-9 prison program, training young puppies. In addition to being a K-9 officer, Ellen also ran the Desert Valley Assistance program she recently started. Lee was one of her employees. But they also had a past relationship, from high school, when they had loved each other, but Ellen's mother had disapproved of Lee, and Ellen was kind of influenced by her mother to break up with Lee.
Working together and both being targets put Ellen and Lee in close situations that stirred up their past feelings.
And because it's a romance novel, we all know the ending when they finally acknowledge their love for each other. And the criminals are caught.
July 25, 2019
Another wonderful addition to this series. The golden retriever puppies are so adorable, especially Dash!
Lee and Ellen's relationship is one unlike the others in this series, so far. Having fallen in love as teens, their romance was cut short by her domineering mother and later his incarceration. Having been proven innocent, Lee is hired by Ellen to be a dog trainer for her new project to pair dogs with those with special needs. Unfortunately, someone is after the puppies and they have to figure out the reason why while at the same time protect each other. Pieces of the puzzles from the previous books appear to fall into place as more clues about the motives behind the mysterious deaths plaguing the series are revealed.
Again, a wonderful addition and Lee and Ellen's relationship is tender and full of healing. Wonderful!
Lee and Ellen's relationship is one unlike the others in this series, so far. Having fallen in love as teens, their romance was cut short by her domineering mother and later his incarceration. Having been proven innocent, Lee is hired by Ellen to be a dog trainer for her new project to pair dogs with those with special needs. Unfortunately, someone is after the puppies and they have to figure out the reason why while at the same time protect each other. Pieces of the puzzles from the previous books appear to fall into place as more clues about the motives behind the mysterious deaths plaguing the series are revealed.
Again, a wonderful addition and Lee and Ellen's relationship is tender and full of healing. Wonderful!
March 11, 2019
Ellen and Lee used to date but went their separate ways. Lee ended up being sent to prison for a crime he did not commit.
Now he is out and there has been a series of deaths and crimes in the area. Ellen's mother has hired 5 rookies including Ellen, to come to town and find out who is behind the crimes. Ellen is a K-9 officer and Lee is helping her train therapy dogs.
It is a fast moving book that I think you will enjoy. I did. It held my interest, the story line was really good and the characters will make you feel like friends.
Now he is out and there has been a series of deaths and crimes in the area. Ellen's mother has hired 5 rookies including Ellen, to come to town and find out who is behind the crimes. Ellen is a K-9 officer and Lee is helping her train therapy dogs.
It is a fast moving book that I think you will enjoy. I did. It held my interest, the story line was really good and the characters will make you feel like friends.
July 19, 2022
Lynette Eason has been one of my favorite romance writers for several years. I appreciate her contributions to the Love Inspired series, especially to the K-9 divisions. In this story, Ellen and Lee are involved in trying to find out who killed Lee's sister. As they deal with ambushes and threats on their lives, they also discover latent attraction and concern for each other. I enjoyed this book.
July 13, 2018
I like reading Lynette's books. I caught up with this one as a ebook through the library. Adore the cover with the puppies and liked reading the work done by people who help train dogs to be placed in homes and work environment. Enjoyed the story line, didn't solve all the crimes but that is reality. (school holidays and much reading is done)
December 4, 2016
Lynette Eason is one of my favorite authors and her Honor and Defend, continuing the Rookie K-9 Unit series, is exceptionally well written The little town police department, with the help of the K-9 Units solve crimes, quickly. A little romance never hurt, either.
March 20, 2018
A 20+ star book! Loved it! I can highly recommend the whole Rookie K-9 Series! I love all the Love Inspired Suspense Books and I know you will to if you give them a chance. This book had suspense, romance, angst and of course, a HEA ending.
February 23, 2021
Lee Earnshaw has spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t do. Now out, he finds himself as a target from someone who wants him dead. His girlfriend, Ellen Foxcroft, is a K 9 officer who may also be a target. Great book!
May 27, 2025
Lynette is a favorite author of mine. I love stories with K-9 's! Ellen is trying to figure out a lot of things all at the same time. Someone is trying to steal puppies. Lee has gotten the short end of stick too many times. What a great story!
December 5, 2016
Another mystery solved
Just not the murders. Guess I'll need to read on.
Dogs and puppies, special needs kids and adults, and K-9 cops!
All in all a good read!
Just not the murders. Guess I'll need to read on.
Dogs and puppies, special needs kids and adults, and K-9 cops!
All in all a good read!
October 11, 2017
loved the story, if you like suspense and romance you will enjoy reading the book and the series.
April 9, 2018
I love books with dogs in the story.
May 11, 2018
LOVED IT!
I swear I'm addicted to this series of books. I can't seem to get enough of them. About the time I finish one I'm ready to start the next one.
I swear I'm addicted to this series of books. I can't seem to get enough of them. About the time I finish one I'm ready to start the next one.
January 30, 2019
WOW!!!!
This book has everything I enjoy, romance, God, mystery and dogs. It was a really good read. I especially enjoyed the antics of Dash.
This book has everything I enjoy, romance, God, mystery and dogs. It was a really good read. I especially enjoyed the antics of Dash.
November 9, 2019
Wonderful
I loved every second of this exiting and touching book. It was romantic, suspenseful, and inspirational. I can't wait to read the next book.
I loved every second of this exiting and touching book. It was romantic, suspenseful, and inspirational. I can't wait to read the next book.
December 12, 2020
Fabulous!
The series keeps getting better. This book provides the need for a good faith driven mystery. The characters become family to readers.
The series keeps getting better. This book provides the need for a good faith driven mystery. The characters become family to readers.
May 22, 2023
This book's storyline was okay. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Carly 🐕. Ellen's character was okay. Lee's character was okay. The ending was okay.
Read
November 1, 2024Animal Fiction, Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Suspense, Crime, Crime Thriller
Miniseries
Rookie K-9 Unit (Book #4)
Miniseries
Rookie K-9 Unit (Book #4)
January 11, 2025
The ending went way too fast for how slow the rest of the book was.
Read
April 29, 2025Stopped around chapter 3. I just wasn’t feeling it.
May 29, 2025
This mystery is compelling, fast-paced, intriguing, and was hard to put down. There were twists and turns, plenty of questions, and a second-chance romance.
January 1, 2026
Review to come
Read
July 20, 2016"Crisp storytelling will leave the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment, as there are still a number of unanswered questions. Mystery lovers will enjoy this tale and its adorable four-legged heroes" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Rookie K-9 Unit
Miniseries: Rookie K-9 Unit
July 20, 2016
Exceptional Story
I love the K-9 stories, I think they are wonderful. This story was great. I loved the guy who wants to be a vet and the rookie K-9 cop. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
I love the K-9 stories, I think they are wonderful. This story was great. I loved the guy who wants to be a vet and the rookie K-9 cop. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews