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Classified K-9 Unit #5
Bodyguard
SAFEGUARDING THE WITNESS
Close to bringing the Dupree crime family that murdered his parents to justice, FBI agent Ian Slade wants to track the leader—not protect the man's niece. But with Esme Dupree's uncle determined to silence her before she can testify against her brother, Ian and his K-9 partner are duty-bound to guard her. Even if her family ties make him doubt her innocence. But as he and Esme fight to survive the chase through the Florida Everglades, it becomes clear to Ian that she's nothing like her family. And soon, Ian must choose between the vengeance he's craved for so long and a future rich in forgiveness and hope.
Close to bringing the Dupree crime family that murdered his parents to justice, FBI agent Ian Slade wants to track the leader—not protect the man's niece. But with Esme Dupree's uncle determined to silence her before she can testify against her brother, Ian and his K-9 partner are duty-bound to guard her. Even if her family ties make him doubt her innocence. But as he and Esme fight to survive the chase through the Florida Everglades, it becomes clear to Ian that she's nothing like her family. And soon, Ian must choose between the vengeance he's craved for so long and a future rich in forgiveness and hope.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 8, 2017
399 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 2, 2024
Inspirational romantic suspense featuring characters you'll care about including the K-9s. Nicely wrapped up with a HEA.
July 26, 2017
Every time I read a book by Shirlee McCoy I think she can't get any better but she consistently ups her game with each new release. So I stand by my claim -- this is the best book yet by this talented author...for now. :-)
Dare I start by swooning over King? Belgian Malinois extraordinaire who gives the best K-9 hugs ever! He's definite bodyguard material but he has an upbeat personality and a sense of humour too. Yes, I'm gushing over a dog. But that's because he's a canine rock star!
And his human partner -- Ian -- is pretty yummy too. Despite his prejudice towards the Dupree family, he treats Esme with compassion. That doesn't mean he doesn't impose his iron will on her at times. Or struggle inwardly with the fact that she's related to the man who killed his parents. Love the way McCoy develops their relationship. There are some great heart-to-heart chats as well as light-hearted teasing -- and that includes some fun human/canine scenes.
Intrigue, romance and the thrill of the chase make Bodyguard a read-in-one-sitting kind of suspense. It's also the fifth in the six book Classified K-9 Unit continuity series. It could be read as a standalone but I think will make more of an overall impact if you've read the books in order.
Dare I start by swooning over King? Belgian Malinois extraordinaire who gives the best K-9 hugs ever! He's definite bodyguard material but he has an upbeat personality and a sense of humour too. Yes, I'm gushing over a dog. But that's because he's a canine rock star!
And his human partner -- Ian -- is pretty yummy too. Despite his prejudice towards the Dupree family, he treats Esme with compassion. That doesn't mean he doesn't impose his iron will on her at times. Or struggle inwardly with the fact that she's related to the man who killed his parents. Love the way McCoy develops their relationship. There are some great heart-to-heart chats as well as light-hearted teasing -- and that includes some fun human/canine scenes.
Intrigue, romance and the thrill of the chase make Bodyguard a read-in-one-sitting kind of suspense. It's also the fifth in the six book Classified K-9 Unit continuity series. It could be read as a standalone but I think will make more of an overall impact if you've read the books in order.
May 10, 2020
A story with some brilliant moments and some really stupid ones also, so I’m headed for the middle of the road on rating. The scene where Esmé insists on running away into the Everglades and the dog King follows her so persistently was so much fun! But then her continually running away from law enforcement right into towns where her uncle holds absolute control, with only the clothes on her back, is the flat-out stupidest thing a woman who supposedly cares for living should think of doing. So I never really liked Esmé because I spent the book wanting to smack her over the head a few times...otherwise a good story.
February 18, 2018
This is the 6th book that I have read in this series. I have loved each book. This book however had the best k-9 dog named King. When he wasn’t working the dog looked like he was smiling. It was easy to fall in love with him.
Esme was one of the strongest and bravest heroine’s ever. She witnessed her brother kill someone in cold blood. She told the police and agreed to be a witness when he went to trail. Now her very own uncle Angus wants her dead. He said when she turned her brother in, she was the lowest of the low, and she had to die. She escaped witness protection when someone that looked like her ended up dead. The book starts out where Esme is hiding out in the Florida Everglades. She gave up swatting mosquitoes, because it did no good, and her arms were tired.
Ian a agent with the FBI and his K-9 partner was asked to find Esme and keep her safe. This book had plenty of action, suspense, and romance. Loved this book.
Esme was one of the strongest and bravest heroine’s ever. She witnessed her brother kill someone in cold blood. She told the police and agreed to be a witness when he went to trail. Now her very own uncle Angus wants her dead. He said when she turned her brother in, she was the lowest of the low, and she had to die. She escaped witness protection when someone that looked like her ended up dead. The book starts out where Esme is hiding out in the Florida Everglades. She gave up swatting mosquitoes, because it did no good, and her arms were tired.
Ian a agent with the FBI and his K-9 partner was asked to find Esme and keep her safe. This book had plenty of action, suspense, and romance. Loved this book.
February 4, 2019
Altra bella storia e, vista la trama, ne sono rimasta sorpresa. Ora ne manca solo una per finire la serie, non considerando il libro di racconti natalizi.
August 31, 2017
This series just keeps getting better! I can't wait until it all wraps up and we find out about all the loose ends! This book was a major one in the development of the series as it was about Esme Dupree and she's been mentioned in other books. She is the main witness against her brother, who is the crime boss, and the FBI team has been trying to track her down when her location was leaked and she had to run for her life. FBI member Ian Slade is tasked with keeping her safe after they discover where she is. He wants to track down her uncle who is one of the leaders of the crime family, not protect his niece! He has a bad history with the Dupree family. Ian and Esme and K-9, King, fight to survive in the Everglades and it becomes abundantly clear that Esme is nothing like the rest of her family! I really enjoyed the characters and loved all the dogs! They are amazing! I especially liked the characters from other books coming in and playing a big roll. It shows how tight-knit the FBI K-9 unit is. Esme is so vulnerable from all that's happened, especially since it's her family that is after her and trying to kill her! She is devastated by this but still wants to do the right thing by testifying. That takes a lot of courage. I recommend this book!
December 17, 2019
6 stars!!
February 25, 2019
Actual Rating 1.5
The Plot and the Resulting Thoughts
Esme Dupree is on the run from her Uncle Angus who is the right hand man of her drug ring, father of a mob like brother who has been tossed in prison because Esme was brave enough to report him murdering two of her clients in cold blood. After a failed stint in Witness Protection that landed another woman dead, Esme has taken her own safety upon herself.
But a recent run in with her Uncle has her on the run again, and that's when Ian shows up. Ian is part of some sort of Federal K-9 unit that specializes in extracting and protecting key witnesses until trial dates. I don't recall if they ever really give it a name BUT I do remember they are based out of Montana...for some reason. *Shrug*
Ian hates everything Dupree. Because of Esme's brother, Ian's parents were gunned down in the street. Because of the Dupree's he's got nothing left. Now his boss has him out slumming it in the everglades looking for Esme Dupree because she is the key witness to the murder her brother commit. Ian wants nothing to do with her. A Dupree is a Dupree. But an order is an order so he and his k-9 partner King have been out in the wilderness for days searching and waiting for Esme to show up, coming off the croc infested water. When she does, he tries to take her in, only to have both of them attacked. Now the fun really begins as Ian and King take down the bad guys and try to keep hold of the reins to Esme Dupree.
This book started off great. Two people who hate each other on principle are thrust together. Esme is forced to rely on Ian because she injured and tired of running. But she'll never trust a cop to keep her safe and she'll never trust a man with her heart again after the failed romance that was Brent (really surprised I remembered his name). After all, even her own sister has abandoned her, so who's to say this random fed won't?
Ian begrudgingly admires Esme's spirit. He begrudgingly admits that maybe she's not like the rest of her family. He even grudgingly feels a bit sorry for her. After all, her family is trying to kill her off too, just like his parents....and THAT, my friends, is where everything falls apart...sigh.
So two people go from hating each other to insta-love, "I will stay with you always" love, vomit worthy proclamations of sticking by each other's side, IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS!!!!! In ONE NIGHT Ian has had a complete turn around and FULLY intends to follow Esme around like a puppy dog until she tells him to do otherwise. He is fully committed to her. He will follow her to the ends of the Earth...and I say COME ON!!!!! REALLY???? You hated her 3 hours ago!!!!
Esme for her part takes a few pages longer, but hell let's admit we are attracted to him and always want his manliness by our side until the day we die!!!!
What I was really hoping for was a nice slower burn romance. After all, they have at least a full month till the trial. Surely things will unfold slowly. NOPE!!! Let's full in love in ooooo 5 hours? And hell, after only 7 days in a safe house together, baking, laughing, planning a team members wedding, let's admit that we never want to be without one another. Better yet!!! Is someone about to shoot one of us? Yes! Let me take this moment to kiss you and tell you it's a promise for aaaalllll the days to come, so long as you want me. I did the quick math and came out to...Esme and Ian had only known each other for 4 weeks and 3 days before Ian proposed and Esme said yes. As a woman who's fiance walked out of her when she asked him to go into witness protection, you'd think she'd be a little more cautious. Then again maybe that's what got her in trouble with Brent, only it didn't read that way...
Sigh...the more I write this review, the more I want to pull my star rating down because I find thinking back on it has me REALLY annoyed.
Shirlee McCoy does have some good lines in there though...
"Love wasn't supposed to be limited by circumstances. It was supposed to grow during the hard times. Not just romantic love. All love-family, friendship."
"It would probably be the practical thing to do, but there's a lot more to life than practicality."
"New beginnings are wonderful things."
"I'm Max West. Team captain and shameless romantic."
"Really?"
"No, but I thought it might make things less awkward."
Let's end on that positive note.
In Conclusion
Bodyguard is a hate-hate relationship turned insta-love - insta-love in the span of one night kind of romance. So if you dislike the obvious insta-love scenarios like I do, best stay away from this one. I also dislike the one month and propose books. Almost as much as the 3 months to marry books, which fortunately did not happen in this one or I would be ranting and raging for days.
The Plot and the Resulting Thoughts
Esme Dupree is on the run from her Uncle Angus who is the right hand man of her drug ring, father of a mob like brother who has been tossed in prison because Esme was brave enough to report him murdering two of her clients in cold blood. After a failed stint in Witness Protection that landed another woman dead, Esme has taken her own safety upon herself.
But a recent run in with her Uncle has her on the run again, and that's when Ian shows up. Ian is part of some sort of Federal K-9 unit that specializes in extracting and protecting key witnesses until trial dates. I don't recall if they ever really give it a name BUT I do remember they are based out of Montana...for some reason. *Shrug*
Ian hates everything Dupree. Because of Esme's brother, Ian's parents were gunned down in the street. Because of the Dupree's he's got nothing left. Now his boss has him out slumming it in the everglades looking for Esme Dupree because she is the key witness to the murder her brother commit. Ian wants nothing to do with her. A Dupree is a Dupree. But an order is an order so he and his k-9 partner King have been out in the wilderness for days searching and waiting for Esme to show up, coming off the croc infested water. When she does, he tries to take her in, only to have both of them attacked. Now the fun really begins as Ian and King take down the bad guys and try to keep hold of the reins to Esme Dupree.
This book started off great. Two people who hate each other on principle are thrust together. Esme is forced to rely on Ian because she injured and tired of running. But she'll never trust a cop to keep her safe and she'll never trust a man with her heart again after the failed romance that was Brent (really surprised I remembered his name). After all, even her own sister has abandoned her, so who's to say this random fed won't?
Ian begrudgingly admires Esme's spirit. He begrudgingly admits that maybe she's not like the rest of her family. He even grudgingly feels a bit sorry for her. After all, her family is trying to kill her off too, just like his parents....and THAT, my friends, is where everything falls apart...sigh.
So two people go from hating each other to insta-love, "I will stay with you always" love, vomit worthy proclamations of sticking by each other's side, IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS!!!!! In ONE NIGHT Ian has had a complete turn around and FULLY intends to follow Esme around like a puppy dog until she tells him to do otherwise. He is fully committed to her. He will follow her to the ends of the Earth...and I say COME ON!!!!! REALLY???? You hated her 3 hours ago!!!!
Esme for her part takes a few pages longer, but hell let's admit we are attracted to him and always want his manliness by our side until the day we die!!!!
What I was really hoping for was a nice slower burn romance. After all, they have at least a full month till the trial. Surely things will unfold slowly. NOPE!!! Let's full in love in ooooo 5 hours? And hell, after only 7 days in a safe house together, baking, laughing, planning a team members wedding, let's admit that we never want to be without one another. Better yet!!! Is someone about to shoot one of us? Yes! Let me take this moment to kiss you and tell you it's a promise for aaaalllll the days to come, so long as you want me. I did the quick math and came out to...Esme and Ian had only known each other for 4 weeks and 3 days before Ian proposed and Esme said yes. As a woman who's fiance walked out of her when she asked him to go into witness protection, you'd think she'd be a little more cautious. Then again maybe that's what got her in trouble with Brent, only it didn't read that way...
Sigh...the more I write this review, the more I want to pull my star rating down because I find thinking back on it has me REALLY annoyed.
Shirlee McCoy does have some good lines in there though...
"Love wasn't supposed to be limited by circumstances. It was supposed to grow during the hard times. Not just romantic love. All love-family, friendship."
"It would probably be the practical thing to do, but there's a lot more to life than practicality."
"New beginnings are wonderful things."
"I'm Max West. Team captain and shameless romantic."
"Really?"
"No, but I thought it might make things less awkward."
Let's end on that positive note.
In Conclusion
Bodyguard is a hate-hate relationship turned insta-love - insta-love in the span of one night kind of romance. So if you dislike the obvious insta-love scenarios like I do, best stay away from this one. I also dislike the one month and propose books. Almost as much as the 3 months to marry books, which fortunately did not happen in this one or I would be ranting and raging for days.
November 18, 2020
I chose to read this one out of a box of books from a friend because I hadn't read any animal stories in awhile. I did like the dog character, King, in this book. I also liked the description of the everglades, and the details of the suspense. I did thoroughly enjoy it (a 4), but I probably wouldn't re-read it (a 5).
The book came from the middle of a series, and undoubtedly, it would be better to read the series in order. The synopsis at the beginning of the book to catch us up from the prior books felt too rushed, and perhaps complicated, things stated simply that left me saying, "What?! But why ...?" Nevertheless, the book could be easily followed without the prior books.
One reviewer pointed out that it was dumb of the heroine to run away from law-enforcement. True, but I've seen that so much in fiction that it's hardly worth pointing out. Besides, the author did give her motivation for doing so.
As with most of the "Love Inspired Suspense" books, the action is so packed that it doesn't allow for much depth of thought. Also, the romance developed too speedily. He proposed after a couple of weeks, max. That's not much time to get to know the details of the inner character of a person. In fact, one other reviewer derogatorily called this "insta-love."
"But the fact is that I'm a woman in a position that has been held by men for nearly a hundred years. Sometimes, I've got to act tougher than I am." I hated this quote. I hated the fact that she actually said it. Of course that's the way that she is, but to say it undermines it. As someone who's worked in a male-dominated field, sometimes the only woman present, I'd say just smile and let them discover, to their own detriment, just how deep your competence and abilities go. They will not underestimate you again. Or ... perhaps your underlying self-confidence at not having to say such a thing, but the ability to just smile at the circumstances, will unnerve them.
Favorite quote:
"Families couldn't be built and sustained on lies. They couldn't be nurtured when one or more of the members wasn't who he pretended to be."
The book came from the middle of a series, and undoubtedly, it would be better to read the series in order. The synopsis at the beginning of the book to catch us up from the prior books felt too rushed, and perhaps complicated, things stated simply that left me saying, "What?! But why ...?" Nevertheless, the book could be easily followed without the prior books.
One reviewer pointed out that it was dumb of the heroine to run away from law-enforcement. True, but I've seen that so much in fiction that it's hardly worth pointing out. Besides, the author did give her motivation for doing so.
As with most of the "Love Inspired Suspense" books, the action is so packed that it doesn't allow for much depth of thought. Also, the romance developed too speedily. He proposed after a couple of weeks, max. That's not much time to get to know the details of the inner character of a person. In fact, one other reviewer derogatorily called this "insta-love."
"But the fact is that I'm a woman in a position that has been held by men for nearly a hundred years. Sometimes, I've got to act tougher than I am." I hated this quote. I hated the fact that she actually said it. Of course that's the way that she is, but to say it undermines it. As someone who's worked in a male-dominated field, sometimes the only woman present, I'd say just smile and let them discover, to their own detriment, just how deep your competence and abilities go. They will not underestimate you again. Or ... perhaps your underlying self-confidence at not having to say such a thing, but the ability to just smile at the circumstances, will unnerve them.
Favorite quote:
"Families couldn't be built and sustained on lies. They couldn't be nurtured when one or more of the members wasn't who he pretended to be."
August 11, 2017
This is the fifth book in the continuity series Classified K-9 Unit. This series has been written by my most favorite authors so it is a no-brainer that I have really enjoyed this series. This story is well written, fast paced and full of adventure; I love Shirlee's books. I know you are going to love it too.
Esme Dupree is on the run. She is a member of the infamous Depree crime family. She saw her brother kill a man in cold blood. After going to the police she's put in witness protection but after two women who looked just like her are killed she runs. Her uncle is determined to kill her before she can testify and destroy the family. She runs to a place she feels safe from her uncle so she ends up in the Florida Everglades but when she is found she needs help.
FBI Agent Ian Slade and his canine partner, King are assigned to find Esme and keep her safe until the trial. He finds her in the everglades and helps her escape her uncle but Ian has some bad history with the crime family and has a hard time keeping his feelings under control. He soon finds himself drawn to this woman. He must keep her alive without losing his heart.
A struggle of two wounded souls trying to leave their pasts behind to survive and keep each other safe. God has a plan for these two; a plan for a hope and a future. Can they chose to forgive and trust God? God has a plan for you too. Can you give Him your heart and trust Him to turn your life
Esme Dupree is on the run. She is a member of the infamous Depree crime family. She saw her brother kill a man in cold blood. After going to the police she's put in witness protection but after two women who looked just like her are killed she runs. Her uncle is determined to kill her before she can testify and destroy the family. She runs to a place she feels safe from her uncle so she ends up in the Florida Everglades but when she is found she needs help.
FBI Agent Ian Slade and his canine partner, King are assigned to find Esme and keep her safe until the trial. He finds her in the everglades and helps her escape her uncle but Ian has some bad history with the crime family and has a hard time keeping his feelings under control. He soon finds himself drawn to this woman. He must keep her alive without losing his heart.
A struggle of two wounded souls trying to leave their pasts behind to survive and keep each other safe. God has a plan for these two; a plan for a hope and a future. Can they chose to forgive and trust God? God has a plan for you too. Can you give Him your heart and trust Him to turn your life
September 24, 2022
Bodyguard by Shirlee McCoy is one of my favorite Love Inspired Romance novels. Inside, there is plenty of risks. With those risks, came intense pressure, constant danger, death, and loss. Theme of family, justice, trust, and faith were neatly tied in a bow. I love how all of the themes came together in producing a wonderful adventure. From the beginning, I am taken into the danger and threats against the leading protagonist. She is the daughter of a highly known crime family. Her uncle and brother will do everything in their power to destroy her. Even if that means killing her. She has betrayed the family that betrayed her. Losing her family, career, and life to hide from the danger, Esme proves she is stronger than her enemies know. I rooted for her the whole way. Even the officer in charge of protecting her had a stubborn streak and barriers to break down before he got to where there would be a future. Suspenseful, engaging, and romantic this thrilling journey is perfect! Shirlee McCoy writes the most interesting stories and creates the best characters. It is hard not to love them all.
August 2, 2017
And the excitement continues
The next book in the Classified K9 unit series is Esme Dupree's story. She's the key witness in a murder trial, but she's on the run because so far the government hasn't done a very good job of protecting her. But we are not prepared for the strong, tenacious and brave woman trying to avoid death at the hands of her criminal family. When Ian Slade, FBI special agent & his K9 King find Esme, he's determined not to like her. He has his own history that haunts him and vengeance is a big part of it. However, as he and Esme furiously try to avoid the constant attempts to kill her, Ian starts to see who she is, not just an extension of her family, but the honest, caring woman who he can't resist. Touching and romantic while also, fast paced and thrilling this is a fascinating addition to this series. Clearly, not all families are related by blood.
The next book in the Classified K9 unit series is Esme Dupree's story. She's the key witness in a murder trial, but she's on the run because so far the government hasn't done a very good job of protecting her. But we are not prepared for the strong, tenacious and brave woman trying to avoid death at the hands of her criminal family. When Ian Slade, FBI special agent & his K9 King find Esme, he's determined not to like her. He has his own history that haunts him and vengeance is a big part of it. However, as he and Esme furiously try to avoid the constant attempts to kill her, Ian starts to see who she is, not just an extension of her family, but the honest, caring woman who he can't resist. Touching and romantic while also, fast paced and thrilling this is a fascinating addition to this series. Clearly, not all families are related by blood.
August 15, 2017
It has been a long time since I gave any book from this genre more than 3 stars; this one deserves the higher rating. The author developed lead characters with strong personal faith, interesting personalities and a naturally progressing relationship. Normally, fast developing romance annoys me greatly but this time I believed it. I really enjoyed the interaction between Ian and Esme; not only was it entertaining, it seemed to take center stage while the ongoing suspense plot was largely relegated to the background. This book didn't lack action, though, and there were a few surprises, too, making it an intriguing page turner that I found hard to put down. Even now that I finished reading this book I find myself wanting to be privy to more of Ian's and Esme's adventures; I feel like this was only part one of an epic.
August 6, 2017
Love this series
Esme is running for her life, trying to stay alive to testify against her brother Reginald. Ian has been sent to protect her. He want to hate her for what her family done to him. But in getting to know her he see she is nothing like her family. This story is about a strong woman trying to stay alive in order to do the right thing, and a man who wanted revenge for the death of his parents. God has away of separating the good from the evil. Esme brother and uncle was evil but she decided to turn against her family and do what was right. This story has attempted murder, corruption, a dirty FBI agent, and happiness for two people that was almost destroyed by the same family.
Esme is running for her life, trying to stay alive to testify against her brother Reginald. Ian has been sent to protect her. He want to hate her for what her family done to him. But in getting to know her he see she is nothing like her family. This story is about a strong woman trying to stay alive in order to do the right thing, and a man who wanted revenge for the death of his parents. God has away of separating the good from the evil. Esme brother and uncle was evil but she decided to turn against her family and do what was right. This story has attempted murder, corruption, a dirty FBI agent, and happiness for two people that was almost destroyed by the same family.
August 31, 2017
The thrilling fifth installment of the Classified K-9 Unit series did not disappoint.
Esme Dupree has been on the run for months, trying to stay one step ahead of her uncle and the authorities. It's a struggle to stay alive. And she still has to make it until her brother's trial.
Ian Slade has been filled with revenge and hate for the Duprees ever since Reginald Dupree killed his parents. And he's vowed to take them down. Now, he's charged with the task of Esme safe until the trial. He doesn't think he can manage it. He slowly starts to realize, with a lot of help from God, and a little help from Esme that revenge and justice are not the same thing.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as the Christmas installment.
Esme Dupree has been on the run for months, trying to stay one step ahead of her uncle and the authorities. It's a struggle to stay alive. And she still has to make it until her brother's trial.
Ian Slade has been filled with revenge and hate for the Duprees ever since Reginald Dupree killed his parents. And he's vowed to take them down. Now, he's charged with the task of Esme safe until the trial. He doesn't think he can manage it. He slowly starts to realize, with a lot of help from God, and a little help from Esme that revenge and justice are not the same thing.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as the Christmas installment.
December 6, 2018
Another good entry in the Classified K-9 unit series. Ian has a big hatred for the Dupree crime family. His fater, a Chicago cop, and his mother had been murdered by the Duprees, and he is consumed by thoughts of revenge.
When he is assigned to protection duty for Esme Dupree, who has agreed to testify against her family, he is angry. Then he meets her and finds that she is different from what he expected. As they continue on the run with his dog King, he sees a different side to her, and she to him.
Another death occurs, and the team is being taunted by the killers. More action and more suspense to come.
When he is assigned to protection duty for Esme Dupree, who has agreed to testify against her family, he is angry. Then he meets her and finds that she is different from what he expected. As they continue on the run with his dog King, he sees a different side to her, and she to him.
Another death occurs, and the team is being taunted by the killers. More action and more suspense to come.
May 6, 2020
3.5 rating. Shirlee McCoy wrote this installment of the Classified K-9 Unit series. This is Esme Dupree’s story.
Esme is running for her life because she witnessed a murder. The murderer is her older brother and he wants Esme dead. Her only hope is Special Agent Ian Slade and his K-9 partner, King.
Ian has plenty of reasons to hate the Dupree family. Esme’s brother, Reginald, murdered Ian’s parents. Ian has been on the hunt for the Duprees ever since.
Esme and Ian become friends while she is in protective custody. They fight the evil which is her brother and uncle. Reginald remains in jail and her uncle is killed in a failed kidnapping attempt.
Esme is running for her life because she witnessed a murder. The murderer is her older brother and he wants Esme dead. Her only hope is Special Agent Ian Slade and his K-9 partner, King.
Ian has plenty of reasons to hate the Dupree family. Esme’s brother, Reginald, murdered Ian’s parents. Ian has been on the hunt for the Duprees ever since.
Esme and Ian become friends while she is in protective custody. They fight the evil which is her brother and uncle. Reginald remains in jail and her uncle is killed in a failed kidnapping attempt.
May 2, 2018
This is a story I truly enjoyed. Esme was a character I admired because of her courage and determination to do the right thing, even though everyone she loved turned against her. The plot involves murder, attempted murder, betrayal, faith, forgiveness, clean romance, and the witness protection program. K-9 teams intrigue me, and the reader really gets a feel for how the dogs and officers work together. It is a quick, tense, exciting book.
February 26, 2019
I liked the two main characters and loved King. The author did a good job of bringing the reader up to date on the over arching plot, enough for me to enjoy reading the book and feel I understood what was going on. At the very end she suddenly brought in characters who were clearly from other books and mentioned tid bits about them to satisfy readers who are following the series. That was a bit jarring.
September 9, 2017
Bodyguard by Shirlee McCoy is the fifth book in the Classified K-9 Unit series. I enjoyed the read about Esme and Ian. I did feel as if they had to much going on around them to possibly fall for each other in the amount of time given. The story was constant action and didn't leave room for little of anything else.
December 3, 2018
Ian Slade is out to avenge his parents death on the Dupree family and is having to find Esme Dupree and protect her. He’s not a happy person about this assignment but if it helps him to get to her brother he’s all in until he gets to know Esme’s heart. Now he’ll protect her at all costs for however long it takes, if only they can both survive that long!
Lots of action, love and suspense!
Lots of action, love and suspense!
October 14, 2020
Suspense, Hope, Faith
Another good read in the K-9 Classified Series. Each book can be read as a stand alone with no issues.
A story of murder, revenge, justice. A story of bad things happening to people and yes faith. Strong men and women who find romance in troubled times. Each book in this series helps me understand a little more that God has a plan.
Another good read in the K-9 Classified Series. Each book can be read as a stand alone with no issues.
A story of murder, revenge, justice. A story of bad things happening to people and yes faith. Strong men and women who find romance in troubled times. Each book in this series helps me understand a little more that God has a plan.
December 29, 2022
So happy and thankful that I was able to find this book at a thrift shop, because I couldn't find it elsewhere. It is from 2017, but I LOVED it. Great story, it is a love inspired one, so there are no "adult scenes", but there is love earned and shared between the two main characters. The book picks up right from the start and there is plenty of action until the end. Good, quick read.
April 16, 2025
Such a lovely book. A fairly quick read, with lots of action and dogs. I love books with dogs. K~9s and their partners are very special, and they aren't talked about enough, so I'm glad to read a book that includes them and their partners. An inspirational book about faith in God. Such a good storyline and characters. A straight five-star all the way.
October 29, 2025
The FBI agent guarding Esma Dupris is the one whoose parents were murdered by her uncle. The man reluctantly agrees to protect her while his dog thinks she just lovely. (Listen to your dog, man.) The descriptios of the Forida swamps remindme once again why I have NO dessire to flee for my life through one HOWEVER Ms. McCoy makes it a delightful read.
December 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book especially the agents with the dogs. I love that the dog,
was as much a character as Ian Slade and Esme Dupree. Ian was a great romantic lead. Esme was a strong female character.
was as much a character as Ian Slade and Esme Dupree. Ian was a great romantic lead. Esme was a strong female character.
February 20, 2018
SUUREAL
These books involving the Dupree family are exciting, not only because they are a mystery, but they are romantic, intriguing, and so many of the characters are Christians, depending on God to keep them safe, and depending on Him to lead them through life
These books involving the Dupree family are exciting, not only because they are a mystery, but they are romantic, intriguing, and so many of the characters are Christians, depending on God to keep them safe, and depending on Him to lead them through life
October 25, 2020
What a Trip!
Well, never have liked Florida and ever will, but I understood all the fears and disgust that came through this great story!
Now the, thank you Shocked for this heart stopping story! I am 85 and wasn't sure I could make it through!
Well, never have liked Florida and ever will, but I understood all the fears and disgust that came through this great story!
Now the, thank you Shocked for this heart stopping story! I am 85 and wasn't sure I could make it through!
December 21, 2023
I see that this book got many high ratings, but for me it was more like a book for youth than adults. It just didn't seem to have a lot to it and was kind of slow moving. It wasn't something I enjoyed.
June 22, 2025
It was meh. There were many grammatical and spelling errors that were distracting also, but the story was just okay. I recognized a few characters from other stories by other authors, although it doesn’t mention this being part of a series. The story was alright, but nothing special.
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