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Texas Hotline #1

The Plus One Rescue

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With a heroic-sounding name like his, Axel Hammerstone naturally made all the “most likely to succeed” lists in his high school yearbook. So it comes as no surprise to his friends and family when their favorite defensive tackle player returns from Afghanistan with a Purple Heart for an injury sustained while saving three fellow soldiers during an ambush. He’s the only one who blames himself for the one man he failed to rescue from their burning vehicle before it plunged over a cliff. Despite his own injuries, he’s determined to atone for the loss of his battle buddy, Marcus, by devoting the rest of his career to search and rescue operations.

Kristi Kimiko was first called the “dog whisperer” on her sixteenth birthday when she coaxed a wounded Boston Terrier from their burning apartment complex. Seven years later, she’s living her dream as an expert search and rescue trainer in Disaster City, Texas. Unfortunately, it leaves her little time for dating or any sort of social life, for that matter. When the hunky Axel half-limps and half-swaggers his way into her renowned dog training course with his beautiful golden retriever, she senses her life is about to change — especially after he somehow manages to coax her into serving as his Plus One at a big family birthday bash the following weekend.

If she’s learned anything in her line of work, where there’s smoke, there’s a fire; and this particular hunky firefighter has a way of making the sparks fly every time he looks in her direction!

Step into the world of Disaster City Search and Rescue, where officers, firefighters, military, and medics, train and work alongside each other with the dogs they love, to do the most dangerous job of all — help lost and injured victims find their way home.

206 pages, ebook

Published April 14, 2020

604 people are currently reading
304 people want to read

About the author

Jo Grafford

167 books667 followers
Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.

Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.

Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.

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5 stars
689 (61%)
4 stars
282 (25%)
3 stars
122 (10%)
2 stars
22 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
1,441 reviews
November 2, 2021
It was nice but very short and surface level.
1,779 reviews33 followers
April 15, 2020
This is another great addition to this series! Axel Hammerstone (don't you love the name?!) is such an endearing character. Not only was he a foster kid growing up but he joined the military and was such a hero, doing a heroic job there until the last campaign when he saved everyone in his group except his best friend and he can barely live with himself, even though he was injured badly. Axel is home now following his recuperation from his injuries and doesn't quite know what he'll do. He happens to meet this darling grandma on his returning flight on his way home. I adored his cute little lady! This meeting puts him in the sight of her granddaughter, Kristi. They can't know that their paths will cross again when Axel attends the Disaster Search & Rescue place and Kristi ends up being his instructor! Both these characters were awesome! They fit together so well and I love stories with search dogs in them! Another great story from this author!
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,082 reviews131 followers
April 15, 2020
Axel didn't understand why anyone would think he was a hero, it should be more like: "Local guy joins Marines, gets shot, barely survives, fails to save his best friend, and returns a broken man."
A touching story full of emotion and a wounded hero in more ways than one that pulled at my heart.
Axel had grown up as a foster kid but he and Marcus have become best friends in school. They played football together and served together and when he died it seemed he would always carry that guilt.
But when he came back home, at least where he grew up, life was about to change for him in the best of ways!
Kristi Kimiko loved her job! She was working under the senior K9 Search and Rescue Handler at the academy and she helped train new recruits. She could not believe it when Axel's name was on the list! She had met him at the airport when she picked up for grandmother (great story that!)
I want to just tell you the entire story but I will stop there. Jo Grafford is amazing as she pulls you in making you feel like you know the characters by her descriptions and dialogue.
Fall in love with Axel and Kristi as they find their way together while training and working for this great team of heroes who save lives everyday! Sigh.....
1,662 reviews15 followers
November 25, 2023
The first 3 chapters were so emotional. I rarely cry from a book, but this one was certainly the exception. Best friends, the H and his bro played football in school, join the Marines, and served together. The best friend had the best homelife, with caring parents and a little sister. The H was an orphan and never adopted.

Not everyone comes home and the recovery period for the H was awful. He goes back to his hometown and visits the cemetery. The scene with his friend's father was a tearjerker, along with two other family members.

Since the beginning was so dramatic and written that you felt the emotions from the H I had high hopes. But, when the h enters the picture it started to fizzle. I never felt a real connection to the MC.

There is no search and rescue except for one person near the end. The job of the H is like an afterthought and we don't get to feel for what he does. Yes, we get a touch of their training but that is it.

There must be a more indepth story than this one. One reviewer wrote about crude words and a rescue, that wasn't in this story. This story is clean with only kisses.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance, clean and ends at 78% on my e-reader, rest tease for another story. (ljb)

Profile Image for Jane.
1,322 reviews47 followers
April 26, 2020
I have a soft spot in my heart for first responders - my son is an EMT and former volunteer firefighter. I understand just a little what these people do when they put others before themselves so I am always happy to read a book that puts a face to first responders. Jo Grafford has done that with her Disaster City Search and Rescue series. The Plus One Rescue is book four in that series and you do not have to read the series consecutively in order to enjoy it. Axel is a Marine returning to his hometown without his best friend, whom he couldn’t save during an attack. While things seem to move almost too quickly, he finds healing and recovering when he reconnects with his friend’s family. There are several instances of “OMG” spread throughout the book which may be offensive to some. The Plus One Rescue is a sweet romance and a quick read.
While this clean romance is written for the adult audience, I do not see any problem with adding it to a K-12 Christian school library (if you can get past OMG), Older middle school and high school girls would probably enjoy the book.
I received a complimentary e-copy of The Plus One Rescue. This is my honest review.
948 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2023
Axel returns from overseas deployment as a hometown hero. But he's also a broken man. Having no family of his own, losing his best friend in battle, he's not sure what he'll do next or where he'll live. His first priority is to visit his friend's grave.
As the plane lands, an elderly woman sitting next to Axel turns pale. Yes, it's a challenging landing, but Axel talks the woman through it and walks with her to the baggage claim area. She wants him to meet her granddaughter Kristi who is picking her up. When he does, he discovers the granddaughter is gorgeous. As they begin to chat and flirt a little, the local media surround Axel, welcoming him as their hometown hero. By the time they finish with the interviews and photos, Kristi and her grandmother have left. But that's not the end, is it?
Axel finds a family who's always been there for him. And, coincidence or not, he and Kristi are reunited when she's teaching the K-9 SAR training class he'll be attending for the next month. Only one problem--no PDA or dating. Will Kristi and Axel find a way? A great sweet and clean love adventure!
1,004 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2020
The Plus One Rescue by Jo Grafford is book 4 of the Disaster City Search and Rescue series. This is the story about Axel Hammerstone and Kristi. Jo Grafford does a wonderful job of dealing with Axel's growing up as a foster child , his best friend's death and coming home from getting hurt as a Marine. Axel gains a lot thru his best friend's family . I really enjoyed how Jo Grafford weaves Kristi Kimiko, search and rescue K-9 trainer into the story and Axel's heart. Jo Grafford has created a story that pulls your heart strings and uses information from the headlines in recent years to create a wonderful written story. the characters are well written.

I received an ARC of this book. I loved it so much I decided to write a review.
8 reviews
May 12, 2020
Part 2 ?

Honestly the reason I gave this book a 4 and not a 5 is because it was too short !!!! I was sucked in immediately, the writing was excellent. This was the first insta-love story that was actually believable and that gave me the feels. Obviously with this being a short story there were details that could not be included. However, I wished we got to see more of the struggles of PTSD/ Axel returning to civilian life. For Kristi I wish we got to see more of her grandmother. These two things were mentioned in the beginning of the book and I felt like were important parts of the story that just were never really mentioned again. Overall I really fell in love with the characters and their stories. I rooted for them from the very beginning and just wish we got more.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,284 reviews53 followers
February 7, 2021
This left me emotionally exhausted!

By far the best of the series, this book hooks you from page one and you are living every minute of the journey with Kristi and Axel. I sobbed through the first third of the book, with the occasional unexpected giggle bursting through the tears, courtesy of Marcus and Kiera. The way Marcus's family embraced Axel warms your heart but again had me sobbing for everything they had all lost and everything they are determined to gain.
Kristi and her grandmother are a delight, they look sweet and dainty but are little rockets full of fire and sass!
This is a book you will want to read again and again, so it is a bonus it is on Kindle Unlimited! Thank you Jo for this amazing read!
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,594 reviews129 followers
June 20, 2020
(4.5 stars) - a Hallmark flavored rescue romance

Axel's story plays the heartstrings, and being claimed by his new family will make your heart so warm it practically glows.

Kristi & Axel have such entertaining exchanges that the fact theirs was an insta-attraction-to-love relationship barely registered while I was reading. Witty & amusing dialogue win me over every time.

The story is predictable, but well done enough to just sit back and enjoy it. Perfect for when you're looking for a lighthearted, relaxing & quick read at the end of your day.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,822 reviews44 followers
August 8, 2025
I thoroughly enjoy Jo Grafford‘s Born in Texas series. I’ve read all but the most recent book and am trying to stretch it out closer to when the next one comes out. So I decided to jump into her Texas Hotline series. This series deals with first responders and with search and rescue dogs.

I enjoyed this first story. I didn’t think it was quite as flushed out or complex as other books. I’ve read by this author. But it was still an enjoyable read.

When Axel and Kristi meet for the first time, he’s not in a good place and it’s really not a great time for them to connect. But neither can get the other off their mind as the months go by. And then they meet again. This time a lot has changed in Axel‘s life and he’s more confident and secure.

I loved reading about all the different training techniques and ways the search and dogs can be used. I love that Christe is not a large woman, but she knows how to use her strength, skill, and intelligence to take down even a large opponent.

There were definitely some questions left at the end and some hints at future main characters. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books48 followers
April 17, 2020
Wonderful story! The characters are fun and charming to the point you can’t help but fall in love with them. This story touched me so much, first I cried because of sorrow then because of Joy. The author does a fantastic job of pulling the readers heart and sole into the story. I pray after reading this book, many will thank all service people for how they unselfishly give to serve their country and community! This is a definite must read!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ruth Ann.
246 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2020
Hero

This was a very good book written by Jo Grafford and I really enjoyed reading it. A soldier, a Purple Heart, PTSD, best friends death, a young woman, grandmother, an instructor for search and rescue, setting rules for now, K-9 training, a new family, falling for each other, a birthday, no more nightmares, family coming to terms with a sons death, graduation? Will he graduate? Will there be a happy ever after for them? Will they get married? I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy the book and enjoy reading what happens to them. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Robin.
Author 3 books30 followers
November 4, 2021
Moved to Tears

Gosh! I was moved to tears while reading this story. I confess to having a heart for the military and for those troops who've suffered losses like the hero. I guess it's no surprise I was bawling.
Moving on...this was a good story. It was more action than romance. But the romance portions were spot on for a clean read while maintaining some witty banter. There was just the right amount of tension to keep me reading.
If you enjoy clean stories of romance and action, you might enjoy this story.
172 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2024
The Plus One Rescue is a story about a marine who has struggled physically and emotionally and his journey coming home from war. Grafford’s descriptive writing is her superpower. She fills her stories with descriptions of her scenes, characters and moments, which also brings great romance in her relationships. She has a special ability to bring across understated conversations and narration that makes the reader smile and gives extra depth to her stories. I highly recommend this author and this series.
1,181 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2020
Loved Axel and Kristi's story!! I especially love that they didn't date or kiss until after his time at the academy was over!! Reminded me of the old Harlequin stories I used to read, especially the ones by Sue Peters!! From beginning to end, the banter between the two was wonderful, and the feelings were spot on!! Another great read by Jo!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
251 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2021
The Plus One Rescue: A K9 Handler Romance (Disaster City Search and Rescue Book 4)

Axel returns from the war after he lost his best friend Marcus totally devastated. He meets Kristi's Grandmother on the plane who introduces him to Kristi her Granddaughter. Axel is taken with her and he finally meets her again when he joins the K9 Rescue Training School where Kristi is an Instructor. The rest is history. They connect to each other right away.
4,583 reviews38 followers
January 3, 2023
The Plus One Rescue is a clean, heartwarming romance. With hunky heroes and dogs, most readers should love these stories of the men and women who train to be first line responders. I loved Axel's humility, his interaction with Kristi's grandmother and his patriotism. I loved Kristi's devotion to her job and to her grandmother. This love was made more intense by having to remain hands-off until the training was completed. I just sat and read straight through!
504 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2023
I’ve enjoyed several of Jo Grafford’s books in the past and this one started out with good character set-up and tragic loss in their backgrounds, especially Axel. Enjoyed the focus in the search and rescue training, but the last third of the book seemed so rushed and even incomplete, that I lowered my rating. Will certainly read the next in the series because I like the storyline, and hope it flows a little better.
Profile Image for Caitlin Nikolai.
Author 10 books11 followers
January 24, 2024
The characters are amazing. I love how they build through the story. I was cheering for them, especially Axel. I really loved his character arc (though I feel like part of his growth was rushed).

My biggest complaint was that the story seemed to be building, it was growing, then it ended. There are no unanswered questions at the end, but it seemed very abrupt and I was surprised the book was over.

I did like the story and would recommend it, just be ready for it to stop abruptly.
2,404 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2024
The Plus One Rescue

This was an exciting story. Axel was returning home to Dallas from Kandahar. He had been seriously injured and hiss best friend had died. He was feeling really down because he was a foster kid and had no family. He met a lady on the plane who wanted to introduce him to her granddaughter. He went to pick up his lugage and there she was. Just th beginning of a great story. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Lew.
19 reviews
January 21, 2025
Good premise and the first chapters were okay. Then magically his PTSD is fixed and the book became very rushed. Several scenes should have either been cut or expanded. Ex - Keira thinks she sees her dead brother which causes the birthday party to be shut down early, but that's the last you hear about it. And how did the girlfriend know where and when the birthday party was with no communication from Axel?
260 reviews
December 3, 2025
ok - but if you’re looking for an inspiring Christ based Christian romance, this may not be for you

This book was OK. It was a little rushed at times. There were elements that I liked. However, one thing I didn’t like is how little reference there was to God. Or being a Christian. I don’t even think the main characters prayed together even once. For Christian books, this type of interaction would be common should definitely be represented in the book.
751 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2020
What's not to like about Axel? A military hero,fireman rescue dog handler
but this story is more than that. It's the story of a man finding his purpose and a woman that captures his heart. Not many books make me cry so fast upon starting a book....this one does. It's definitely worth the read and the feelings that come with it.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,411 reviews31 followers
April 15, 2020
Axel and Kristi

After Axel is severely injured while in the Marines and he also loses his best friend, he is lost. But his best friends family embraces him and a chance meeting with a beautiful rescue dog trainer make things brighter. Even better he gets in her class. Now let the courtship begin.
558 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book! The firefighter in the story is just back from war having lost his best friend in battle. He meets the girl in the airport as he is getting home, having sat by her grandmother on the flight home. I will leave you there and let the author tell you the rest. This is a great story and I recommend it highly!
4,589 reviews33 followers
July 11, 2021
I could become addicted to the Disaster City Search and Rescue books, okay maybe I already am. I was excited to find one I hadn’t read, perhaps missed in the hubbub of Covid. I knew Axel from other books but I was glad to get his full story and his romance with Kristi. Jo Grafford never fails to bring interesting characters, exciting story lines and all with humor and romance.
1,246 reviews10 followers
August 10, 2021
Sweet

Axel is coming home, he thinks to no one. He doesn't have a family. He meets Kristi and her grandmother at the airport. He likes her. Axle is reunited with the family of his best friend who take him in. Meanwhile he is accepted to the K9 training program and meets Kristi again. Can they make it work?
Profile Image for Kim Slye.
146 reviews
May 22, 2022
Rescue Hero’s Series

I really enjoyed the insights into the soldier and Search & Rescue worlds settings for this Romance.

This is set within a multi author series which makes each book feel like different points of view on the same set of people whose intersections are complex and intriguing. I’m hooked.
886 reviews7 followers
January 9, 2023
Great story

A wounded soldier, a new family, then a job & search & rescue training.
The new family brings relief & help in his grief. He brings help to their grief.
Great story. In our state we've had 7.9 earthquakes with no human loss. It was a decent shaker but minimal fires. Most of our buildings can take Strong earthquakes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews

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