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K-9 Mountain Guardians #1
Trained to Defend
“Take Buzz and run. Far away.
…and don’t trust the police.”
Framed for her boss’s murder, Sarah Peterson is on the run—with only her boss’s loyal husky, Buzz, for protection. To clear her name and keep her safe, she must rely on her ex-fiancé, former detective Colton Hawk. The police aren’t the only ones searching for Sarah and the brave dog…the real killer is on the hunt, determined to silence them for good.
…and don’t trust the police.”
Framed for her boss’s murder, Sarah Peterson is on the run—with only her boss’s loyal husky, Buzz, for protection. To clear her name and keep her safe, she must rely on her ex-fiancé, former detective Colton Hawk. The police aren’t the only ones searching for Sarah and the brave dog…the real killer is on the hunt, determined to silence them for good.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
434 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,664 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 12, 2020
Very entertaining and fast-paced romantic suspense story. Sarah witnesses her boss’s murder, so when she flees from the scene not only does she got a killer on her trail, but she later learns that she’s been framed for the murder and the police are after her, too. Sarah goes to her ex-fiancé, Colton, who’s a former police detective and with his help, and her boss’s dog, Buzz, do they try to find out who the real killer is. This story was action-packed, barely ever letting up. I wondered how things would eventually turn out with Sarah and Colton continually finding themselves in one dangerous situation to the next. I totally loved brave and heroic Buzz, who saved Sarah and Colton on numerous occasions. What a wonderful dog. A very exciting story.
July 2, 2020
Extra star for Buzz
I really enjoyed this book. There is maybe one kiss between the couple but the best part of the book was the dog. The couple had split up two years ago due to lack of communication and when Sarah needed help she went to Colton for safety. Her employer was murdered and the heroine was framed. Her ex fiancee was a cop before and he helped her try to solve it. Not a very romantic book but a good one. I enjoyed the support dog storyline and I just wish there'd have been more about him. I love dogs. Like I said it really wasn't heavy on the romance more about the mystery. First time I read this author but I will read her again.
I really enjoyed this book. There is maybe one kiss between the couple but the best part of the book was the dog. The couple had split up two years ago due to lack of communication and when Sarah needed help she went to Colton for safety. Her employer was murdered and the heroine was framed. Her ex fiancee was a cop before and he helped her try to solve it. Not a very romantic book but a good one. I enjoyed the support dog storyline and I just wish there'd have been more about him. I love dogs. Like I said it really wasn't heavy on the romance more about the mystery. First time I read this author but I will read her again.
April 16, 2021
"When Sarah walked away, he’d figured she was gone for good. Now they’d been thrown together in these fantastical circumstances. Colton just needed to concentrate on the goal right now—keeping Sarah alive. That was all that was important. And the task was becoming harder with every day that passed. It had become obvious that the person behind Loretta’s murder would stop at nothing to reach Sarah. And as the noose tightened, Colton needed every bit of his focus to be on this investigation. Their lives depended on it."
I like dogs and have been reading books by Jack London, Spencer Quinn and Albert Payson Terhune since I was a kid. But I won’t read a book just because it has a dog feature.
From the picture on the cover to enthusiastic reviews this book promised to be something worth reading. I wish I had the time back. This book says it is about “K-9 Mountain Guardians” but the person that made up that title didn’t read the book. There is a dog in the book. His name is Buzz. We know very little more about him at the end than we did when the plot began. He belonged to the murdered woman. He is called on to give warnings or save lives or needs to pee when a shift is necessary. For anyone who understands dogs the following interchange between Buzz and Colton (who have just met for the first time) is preposterous.
"Colton stared at her one more moment before nodding. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Buzz, keep an eye on her for me, okay?” Buzz nuzzled his hand in response."
And, even Sarah, who has known this dog for a month or two is given special status by what we are told is a “one person dog.”
"“You’re a good boy,” she murmured, stroking his head. “You’ve been my saving grace. What would I do without you?” He nuzzled her hand. “You’ve always been there for me.” Her words were true. Throughout everything that had happened, Buzz had been the one she shared her deepest secrets with as she took him on walks and brushed his fur. He’d almost become like a best friend. “You know about all my mistakes and you still love me,” she continued. “And you know what? I can’t see you ever leaving me. I can’t say that about many people.”"
So what we have is labeled a “thriller” because someone is trying to pin a murder on Sarah and she runs to her ex-fiance, Colton, and then someone is trying to kill both of them.
"“I can’t send you out there alone, Sarah.”
“I... I don’t want to put you at risk.”
She’d pulled him into danger with her. What had she been thinking? Why had she come here? She would have been better off driving until her car couldn’t make it any farther. But when she’d thought of safety, Colton was the first person who had come to mind. Colton stepped closer and lowered his voice. “You’re not. I’m going with you, Sarah. Nothing you say will change my mind.”
She didn’t want to feel pleased. Didn’t want to feel the shiver that rushed down her spine. Didn’t want to find benefit in the thought that someone else was in harm’s way."
What we are left with is a wacky romance between two people who continue to misunderstand each other and refrain from discussing their thoughts and feelings while “the chase” continues. Here is a typical description.
"All he’d ever wanted to do was take care of Sarah. Yet she’d pushed him away. Made up an excuse about being unable to pass up her job offer. Said she couldn’t see herself living in the country and away from life as she knew it. Colton’s heart had been crushed. He’d tried to talk her into staying, but her mind had been made up. She’d given him the engagement ring back and said goodbye. But she’d been crying as she’d driven away. Colton had seen the tears."
This devolves into the kind of traditional “soap opera” where things are dragged out by all the misunderstandings and immature behavior.
Added to this is what our author suggests is within the realm of reality. Buzz is aware of threats before they become threats. He will knock Sarah away from a bullet or find a hidden opening to escape from a room filling with poisonous gas. One of the worst of these is when we are asked to believe, not only that this big dog can get into a 15 inch square conduit, but that Sarah and Colton can also squeeze into it and travel for a long distance before Sarah can reach around the dog and force the cover on the other side open. Yeesh!
"Buzz barked once more before climbing in through the fifteen by fifteen opening and leading the way. Saying a quick prayer, Sarah climbed in behind him."
I trudged through it hoping for improvement but it was not to be. "Sarah closed her eyes and prayed. Prayed hard. Prayed harder than she could remember doing in recent years—which said a lot because she’d had many pressing concerns to lift up over...well, over her entire life." However, my prayers weren’t answered. One grudging *
I like dogs and have been reading books by Jack London, Spencer Quinn and Albert Payson Terhune since I was a kid. But I won’t read a book just because it has a dog feature.
From the picture on the cover to enthusiastic reviews this book promised to be something worth reading. I wish I had the time back. This book says it is about “K-9 Mountain Guardians” but the person that made up that title didn’t read the book. There is a dog in the book. His name is Buzz. We know very little more about him at the end than we did when the plot began. He belonged to the murdered woman. He is called on to give warnings or save lives or needs to pee when a shift is necessary. For anyone who understands dogs the following interchange between Buzz and Colton (who have just met for the first time) is preposterous.
"Colton stared at her one more moment before nodding. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Buzz, keep an eye on her for me, okay?” Buzz nuzzled his hand in response."
And, even Sarah, who has known this dog for a month or two is given special status by what we are told is a “one person dog.”
"“You’re a good boy,” she murmured, stroking his head. “You’ve been my saving grace. What would I do without you?” He nuzzled her hand. “You’ve always been there for me.” Her words were true. Throughout everything that had happened, Buzz had been the one she shared her deepest secrets with as she took him on walks and brushed his fur. He’d almost become like a best friend. “You know about all my mistakes and you still love me,” she continued. “And you know what? I can’t see you ever leaving me. I can’t say that about many people.”"
So what we have is labeled a “thriller” because someone is trying to pin a murder on Sarah and she runs to her ex-fiance, Colton, and then someone is trying to kill both of them.
"“I can’t send you out there alone, Sarah.”
“I... I don’t want to put you at risk.”
She’d pulled him into danger with her. What had she been thinking? Why had she come here? She would have been better off driving until her car couldn’t make it any farther. But when she’d thought of safety, Colton was the first person who had come to mind. Colton stepped closer and lowered his voice. “You’re not. I’m going with you, Sarah. Nothing you say will change my mind.”
She didn’t want to feel pleased. Didn’t want to feel the shiver that rushed down her spine. Didn’t want to find benefit in the thought that someone else was in harm’s way."
What we are left with is a wacky romance between two people who continue to misunderstand each other and refrain from discussing their thoughts and feelings while “the chase” continues. Here is a typical description.
"All he’d ever wanted to do was take care of Sarah. Yet she’d pushed him away. Made up an excuse about being unable to pass up her job offer. Said she couldn’t see herself living in the country and away from life as she knew it. Colton’s heart had been crushed. He’d tried to talk her into staying, but her mind had been made up. She’d given him the engagement ring back and said goodbye. But she’d been crying as she’d driven away. Colton had seen the tears."
This devolves into the kind of traditional “soap opera” where things are dragged out by all the misunderstandings and immature behavior.
Added to this is what our author suggests is within the realm of reality. Buzz is aware of threats before they become threats. He will knock Sarah away from a bullet or find a hidden opening to escape from a room filling with poisonous gas. One of the worst of these is when we are asked to believe, not only that this big dog can get into a 15 inch square conduit, but that Sarah and Colton can also squeeze into it and travel for a long distance before Sarah can reach around the dog and force the cover on the other side open. Yeesh!
"Buzz barked once more before climbing in through the fifteen by fifteen opening and leading the way. Saying a quick prayer, Sarah climbed in behind him."
I trudged through it hoping for improvement but it was not to be. "Sarah closed her eyes and prayed. Prayed hard. Prayed harder than she could remember doing in recent years—which said a lot because she’d had many pressing concerns to lift up over...well, over her entire life." However, my prayers weren’t answered. One grudging *
January 10, 2020
Seriously, put a dog on the cover of a book and I'm likely to buy it. :-) Then, when I noticed who the author was and that it's part of a new K-9 series I might have howled with delight. And...well...how can anyone resist a husky hero with a name like Buzz? That sold it for me right there..
Buzz is one cool dog -- great under pressure, valiant in the face of adversity and a fuzzy hot water bottle during the down times. His action scenes are pretty epic too. :-) Of course, he has Colton for back up -- you know, to do the kind of tasks that require opposable thumbs.
Love that Colton and Sarah have a history. I was yearning for resolution for them both. I felt their pain and past heartache and it made for an emotionally edge-of-your-seat romance. Of course, it's kind of hard to settle down and talk things through with a killer on your trail. Lots of cat-and-mouse action scenes and plenty of tense moments make the suspense absolutely riveting.
This is the first book in the K-9 Mountain Guardians series. I don't have much info about the series -- looks to be standalone novels with no over-arcing plot threads. But they all share working dogs in wilderness settings as a theme. I'll be reading them all!
Buzz is one cool dog -- great under pressure, valiant in the face of adversity and a fuzzy hot water bottle during the down times. His action scenes are pretty epic too. :-) Of course, he has Colton for back up -- you know, to do the kind of tasks that require opposable thumbs.
Love that Colton and Sarah have a history. I was yearning for resolution for them both. I felt their pain and past heartache and it made for an emotionally edge-of-your-seat romance. Of course, it's kind of hard to settle down and talk things through with a killer on your trail. Lots of cat-and-mouse action scenes and plenty of tense moments make the suspense absolutely riveting.
This is the first book in the K-9 Mountain Guardians series. I don't have much info about the series -- looks to be standalone novels with no over-arcing plot threads. But they all share working dogs in wilderness settings as a theme. I'll be reading them all!
July 26, 2021
my thoughts: this was one of the better love inspired suspense novels that I've read recently and I couldn't put it down. Christy Barrett is one of my favorite romantic suspense writers and true to form she writes a story that flows quickly and holds your interest from beginning to end. I love the addition of the husky, one of my favorite breeds of dogs. This is formula romantic suspense that broke away from the formula in many ways. There were a lot of twists many that I had never saw coming. If you like romantic suspense you will definitely want to grab this book. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
January 23, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Sono una gattofila, ma non so rinunciare a leggere una bella storia con dei cani che lavorano nel soccorso o per la polizia...
Libro pieno di suspence e con due buoni protagonisti (tre, contando Buzz il cane, che ho adorato). E' il primo di una trilogia, ma se ho ben capito, si tratta di libri indipendenti uno dall'altro. Comunque sia, ho già prenotato gli altri due a scatola chiusa.
Sono una gattofila, ma non so rinunciare a leggere una bella storia con dei cani che lavorano nel soccorso o per la polizia...
Libro pieno di suspence e con due buoni protagonisti (tre, contando Buzz il cane, che ho adorato). E' il primo di una trilogia, ma se ho ben capito, si tratta di libri indipendenti uno dall'altro. Comunque sia, ho già prenotato gli altri due a scatola chiusa.
August 23, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
'Trained to Defend’ begins the ‘K-9 Mountain Guardians‘ multi-author series with an intense story of murder, and a couple who were once engaged before Colton’s police work-related issues, and Sarah’s insecurities and flight before fight tendencies tore them apart. Now, two years later when Sarah’s employer is murdered almost before Sarah’s eyes she will run with Buzz, a companion helper dog, and a bag full of Buzz’s stuff. But not before Loretta will tell her with her dying breath to run and not trust the cops. Unfortunately, the only person Sarah feels safe enough to run to is a cop, her ex-fiancé Colton and she has no idea how welcome she might be on his doorstep after she left him when he needed her the most.
The mystery/suspense parts of ‘Trained to Defend‘ took over from the romantic side probably because this is a couple who were once in love enough to plan to marry – they know each other, and it’s unlikely that Colton will ever give them a second chance (or at least, so Sarah believes). There are regrets on both sides as to how and why they broke up years earlier, and that lies heavy between them (and in some inner dialogue as well). The main story is the killer’s chase after Sarah and now Colton – and the race to discover exactly why Sarah’s employer was killed, for it’s obvious that the killer believes Sarah has what they’re looking for. I adored Buzz, he’s such an important part of this story and his heroics often save the day when the humans couldn’t.
I enjoyed Colton and Sarah’s romance, if I wanted a bit more on the romance side that’s my own personal preference and has nothing to do with the quality of the writing or the story itself – I just love the romantic parts of a love story, even a suspense-filled one. If you love a faith-filled romance that focuses on the danger surrounding the couple and seeing their past mistakes through newly opened eyes then ‘Trained to Defend‘ would be perfect for you. I enjoyed myself in this world, but I certainly fell in love with one brave husky named Buzz.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
'Trained to Defend’ begins the ‘K-9 Mountain Guardians‘ multi-author series with an intense story of murder, and a couple who were once engaged before Colton’s police work-related issues, and Sarah’s insecurities and flight before fight tendencies tore them apart. Now, two years later when Sarah’s employer is murdered almost before Sarah’s eyes she will run with Buzz, a companion helper dog, and a bag full of Buzz’s stuff. But not before Loretta will tell her with her dying breath to run and not trust the cops. Unfortunately, the only person Sarah feels safe enough to run to is a cop, her ex-fiancé Colton and she has no idea how welcome she might be on his doorstep after she left him when he needed her the most.
The mystery/suspense parts of ‘Trained to Defend‘ took over from the romantic side probably because this is a couple who were once in love enough to plan to marry – they know each other, and it’s unlikely that Colton will ever give them a second chance (or at least, so Sarah believes). There are regrets on both sides as to how and why they broke up years earlier, and that lies heavy between them (and in some inner dialogue as well). The main story is the killer’s chase after Sarah and now Colton – and the race to discover exactly why Sarah’s employer was killed, for it’s obvious that the killer believes Sarah has what they’re looking for. I adored Buzz, he’s such an important part of this story and his heroics often save the day when the humans couldn’t.
I enjoyed Colton and Sarah’s romance, if I wanted a bit more on the romance side that’s my own personal preference and has nothing to do with the quality of the writing or the story itself – I just love the romantic parts of a love story, even a suspense-filled one. If you love a faith-filled romance that focuses on the danger surrounding the couple and seeing their past mistakes through newly opened eyes then ‘Trained to Defend‘ would be perfect for you. I enjoyed myself in this world, but I certainly fell in love with one brave husky named Buzz.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
January 17, 2020
I love it when dogs play a big part in a story, so I was sure to enjoy Trained to Defend. Buzz was an awesome dog. He was smart, brave, and such a wonderful protector. His personality reminded me of a couple of my dogs. They're different breeds, but they shared that same loyalty and heart.
Sarah's on the run after being framed for her boss's murder, so there's a constant sense of danger. The breakneck pace hardly let up which made for a quick and fast paced read. The mystery was great and had me guessing until right before the reveal. It's a read that fans of romantic suspense, and dog lovers alike, will greatly enjoy.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Sarah's on the run after being framed for her boss's murder, so there's a constant sense of danger. The breakneck pace hardly let up which made for a quick and fast paced read. The mystery was great and had me guessing until right before the reveal. It's a read that fans of romantic suspense, and dog lovers alike, will greatly enjoy.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
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January 1, 2020Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
K-9 Mountain Guardians
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
K-9 Mountain Guardians
October 17, 2021
I thought the writing was done well as far as sentence structure and the use of punctuation. I also felt that the characters were, eh...mostly well developed. I didn't like Sarah all that much and Colton would have never been able to do all the things he did without actually being active in law enforcement. You can't go around and say, "I promise, I'm good for it."
Buzz seemed like a sweet dog and well mannered and well trained. I like that he actually carried the normal dog routine than being portrayed as some superhero dog that wouldn't have been realistic.
It's been a while since I've read Harlequin Love Inspired Romances. I have several that I've accumulated over the past several months and now I'm wondering if that was a smart idea or not? Guess we'll see...
Rating: PG -some violence, aggressiveness
Language: clean read
Recommend: I'm not sure
Buzz seemed like a sweet dog and well mannered and well trained. I like that he actually carried the normal dog routine than being portrayed as some superhero dog that wouldn't have been realistic.
It's been a while since I've read Harlequin Love Inspired Romances. I have several that I've accumulated over the past several months and now I'm wondering if that was a smart idea or not? Guess we'll see...
Rating: PG -some violence, aggressiveness
Language: clean read
Recommend: I'm not sure
May 28, 2020
What I liked: Fast-moving plot, a solid mystery, and a very smart dog.
What I didn’t like so much: Head hopping--the point of view alternated between paragraphs. I noticed a few discrepancies, such as the characters going down a remote road and commenting that they didn’t know where it led, then suddenly they knew exactly where it led. The characters missed some easy, fundamental ways they could have protected themselves; for example, if you’re in a truck, being chased by a car, you can make the truck go places the car can’t follow. Too much romance for my taste. I didn’t learn anything or grow as a person by reading this book.
Main characters: Sarah (artist and caregiver), Colton (detective taking a break), Buzz (husky)
Also of note: The books in this multi-author series stand alone, so you can read them in any order.
Bottom line: A quick, clean, entertaining read.
What I didn’t like so much: Head hopping--the point of view alternated between paragraphs. I noticed a few discrepancies, such as the characters going down a remote road and commenting that they didn’t know where it led, then suddenly they knew exactly where it led. The characters missed some easy, fundamental ways they could have protected themselves; for example, if you’re in a truck, being chased by a car, you can make the truck go places the car can’t follow. Too much romance for my taste. I didn’t learn anything or grow as a person by reading this book.
Main characters: Sarah (artist and caregiver), Colton (detective taking a break), Buzz (husky)
Also of note: The books in this multi-author series stand alone, so you can read them in any order.
Bottom line: A quick, clean, entertaining read.
February 3, 2020
Okay, whenever I know there is a Christy Barritt book out, I grab it and start reading knowing I will be held captivated to the very end. This book was just that way. It grabbed me and took me in from the very first pages. WOW, the suspense this book has is so fast and edgy.
If you like “who-done-it” stories, and books full of jaw-dropping suspense, then this is a book you should read.
Christy Barritt is very skilled at keeping us guessing as to who the bad guy is in this story!
You think it’s one person but then it’s someone else. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish it. Be prepared to not put it down, even to eat or sleep!
Hang on to your seat because this book will take you for a ride and you will find you need to breathe again and stop your head from spinning! One minute you think the characters are safe and then the next they’re in perilous danger again! I really don’t think I’d like to be a character in one of Christy Barritt’s books because they are always getting shot at, chased, threatened, and never know who the good guys or bad guys are!
With all that said, I really do LOVE reading her books because they are so action-packed and suspenseful! It’s never a dull moment and then there are the little bits of romance that happens to pop into the story. That I can go for! Hehe!
Christy Barritt also has wonderful life lessons in each one of her stories. They touch the heart and leave a lasting impression.
I highly recommend reading this story if you’re looking for an entertaining book to read….but just be warned….you might not sleep until you’re done with it!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you like “who-done-it” stories, and books full of jaw-dropping suspense, then this is a book you should read.
Christy Barritt is very skilled at keeping us guessing as to who the bad guy is in this story!
You think it’s one person but then it’s someone else. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish it. Be prepared to not put it down, even to eat or sleep!
Hang on to your seat because this book will take you for a ride and you will find you need to breathe again and stop your head from spinning! One minute you think the characters are safe and then the next they’re in perilous danger again! I really don’t think I’d like to be a character in one of Christy Barritt’s books because they are always getting shot at, chased, threatened, and never know who the good guys or bad guys are!
With all that said, I really do LOVE reading her books because they are so action-packed and suspenseful! It’s never a dull moment and then there are the little bits of romance that happens to pop into the story. That I can go for! Hehe!
Christy Barritt also has wonderful life lessons in each one of her stories. They touch the heart and leave a lasting impression.
I highly recommend reading this story if you’re looking for an entertaining book to read….but just be warned….you might not sleep until you’re done with it!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2020
This book will appeal to suspense fans and dog lovers alike (it may even convert some people to become fans of either). The plot is well-paced and the villain is so well disguised, it was a guessing game until the reveal (at least for me).
Sarah and Colton’s relationship may have ended two years ago, but they fall quickly back into caring for each other. Sarah finds safety in being with Colton, and he is dead set on protecting her no matter the personal cost. And then there’s Buzz. This dog is an important piece of the mystery and he is well written from the sounds he makes to the way he reacts to Sarah’s emotions.
Christy Barritt gives readers a story packed full of intrigue, action, danger, and a second chance to set things right.
Disclosure statement:
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sarah and Colton’s relationship may have ended two years ago, but they fall quickly back into caring for each other. Sarah finds safety in being with Colton, and he is dead set on protecting her no matter the personal cost. And then there’s Buzz. This dog is an important piece of the mystery and he is well written from the sounds he makes to the way he reacts to Sarah’s emotions.
Christy Barritt gives readers a story packed full of intrigue, action, danger, and a second chance to set things right.
Disclosure statement:
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 16, 2020
Sarah Peterson arrives home one night and witnesses the murder of her employer, Loretta, a brilliant scientist who suffers from ALS. As Loretta's emotional support dog, Buzz, has the murderer knocked unconscious, Loretta is able to tell Sarah not to trust the police, and to take Buzz and run. Sarah turns to the only person she can trust, her ex-fiance Colton Hawk who she hadn't seen for two years. There is a lot of suspense in this book as Sarah, Colton, and Buzz endeavor to solve the murder and stay a step ahead of the real murderer, as well as stay away from the police, who have named Sarah as their number one suspect. Colton and Sarah also have to work through their reawakened feelings for each other. This is a quick book to read since it's pretty hard to put down. If you enjoy reading romantic suspense, you'll enjoy Trained to Defend. I received a complementary copy from the author with no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
June 14, 2020
3.5 rating. Trained to Defend by Christy Barritt is the first book in K-9 Mountain Guardians. It was an interesting read. The characters were well developed and the plot was fast-paced.
Colton Hawk, former Seattle detective, has become a recluse after having shot a man in front of his family. He has shut down emotionally and physically.
Sarah Peterson, Colton’s ex, has been accused of murder. She is on the run and she runs to Colton for help. She is attacked by the real murderer several times before Colton can break the case.
Buzz, husky emotional support dog, has been trained to protect. Buzz saves the day more times than I could count. When he is in protective mode watch out.
Colton Hawk, former Seattle detective, has become a recluse after having shot a man in front of his family. He has shut down emotionally and physically.
Sarah Peterson, Colton’s ex, has been accused of murder. She is on the run and she runs to Colton for help. She is attacked by the real murderer several times before Colton can break the case.
Buzz, husky emotional support dog, has been trained to protect. Buzz saves the day more times than I could count. When he is in protective mode watch out.
September 27, 2020
A neighbor gave me the book to read. I enjoyed it. It's easy to read, applicable to older children on up. There is a little violence, but not graphic, no obscenities, yet well written and maintains a high to moderate degree of suspense throughout most of the book. It's an inspiration romance, about Colton, Sarah and Buzz, a dog.
A murder is committed, all evidence points to Sarah, and the chase is on...
A murder is committed, all evidence points to Sarah, and the chase is on...
April 10, 2022
Sarah Peterson is running from a killer. She witnessed her boss being murdered. Now she must keep herself alive along with her boss’s husky, Buzz. She has been framed for the murder and her ex-fiance, former detective Colton Hawk arrives to help her. A fast-paced, heart pounding book. Does the killer get captured, does Sarah live and will she rekindle flames with Colton? I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to start the next one in the series.
November 5, 2022
This is a fast-moving suspense thriller! Sarah and her boss's dog, Buzz, are on the run after Sarah witnesses her boss's murder. The last words from her boss were to take the dog and run - and not to trust the cops! Now Sarah has only one person that she knows she can trust and who she will feel safe with...her former fiance, Colton. Hopefully, Colton will be able to keep both of them alive long enough to figure out who really committed the murder so that Sarah can stay out of jail.
January 23, 2021
A fun quick read. I enjoy books with trained dogs, this book was a little different as the dog was trained as a protective dog for one lady. There is a good mystery at the core of this book with enough clues to keep you engrossed but not so many as to give away the ending. The descriptions of the wilderness in northern Idaho were stunning. A good book
April 24, 2021
Wonderful Dog!
The story was not believable at all. The dog’s chip was highlighted and entered at the end. The story line was sloppy and disappointing. Too many mistakes and absurdities to make this book real, or to keep me intellectually interested. Not a usual Christy Barritt book.
The story was not believable at all. The dog’s chip was highlighted and entered at the end. The story line was sloppy and disappointing. Too many mistakes and absurdities to make this book real, or to keep me intellectually interested. Not a usual Christy Barritt book.
May 12, 2021
A bit over the top
I usually love Barrit's books but this one felt little flat. There was plenty of action, but it was a bit unbelievable. Also, I didn't really feel that tension that you get when you connect with a good suspense novel. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either.
I usually love Barrit's books but this one felt little flat. There was plenty of action, but it was a bit unbelievable. Also, I didn't really feel that tension that you get when you connect with a good suspense novel. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either.
June 6, 2021
Surprised
This is my first book by Christy Barritt in the K9 section. I've loved all of her other books, yes, I've read them all, but was hesitant to start on the k9 series. I love dogs and was just sorry of worried how it would play out. In happy to say that I loved it and read it in one sitting.
This is my first book by Christy Barritt in the K9 section. I've loved all of her other books, yes, I've read them all, but was hesitant to start on the k9 series. I love dogs and was just sorry of worried how it would play out. In happy to say that I loved it and read it in one sitting.
September 21, 2022
Mystery Fear and Love
Sarah is so scared she runs. She goes to the only one she can think of. But there lives are not safe. This is one of those stories you will not put down until you finish it. Or if you have to read it in parts it sticks in your brain until you can pick up again. Thanks Kristy another great one
Sarah is so scared she runs. She goes to the only one she can think of. But there lives are not safe. This is one of those stories you will not put down until you finish it. Or if you have to read it in parts it sticks in your brain until you can pick up again. Thanks Kristy another great one
May 8, 2023
Suspenseful read though relational emotional issues overwrought.
Good plot and suspense story but a couple of key events like the cabin loss, the barn, the friends pickup we’re not reconciled. The ongoing emotional push you-pull me of their breakup, sense of loss and blunted desire to rekindle their romance felt overused.
Good plot and suspense story but a couple of key events like the cabin loss, the barn, the friends pickup we’re not reconciled. The ongoing emotional push you-pull me of their breakup, sense of loss and blunted desire to rekindle their romance felt overused.
March 28, 2020
High stakes drama, but holes in the story
Colton and Sarah are on the run from a killer, but had more than one opportunity to thwart his efforts. At one point they could have shot him or at least out a hole in his tires.
An entertaining story, but too many unbelievable scenarios.
Colton and Sarah are on the run from a killer, but had more than one opportunity to thwart his efforts. At one point they could have shot him or at least out a hole in his tires.
An entertaining story, but too many unbelievable scenarios.
April 18, 2020
Ebook
She’s an assistant to a medical researcher that gets killed. She runs to her ex. Together with Buzz the dog they try to solve the murder, they do but it’s a dangerous route to success.
She’s an assistant to a medical researcher that gets killed. She runs to her ex. Together with Buzz the dog they try to solve the murder, they do but it’s a dangerous route to success.
June 26, 2020
Buzz was a blast!
Wow! I fell in love with Buzz and the suspencefull mystery surrounding him. This book held me captive and was impossible to put down until done. Be sure you have plenty of time to read it all in one sitting!
Wow! I fell in love with Buzz and the suspencefull mystery surrounding him. This book held me captive and was impossible to put down until done. Be sure you have plenty of time to read it all in one sitting!
August 22, 2020
Suspenseful story of a young woman framed for the murder of her boss. She runs to the only safe person she can trust, her former fiancé, who happens to be a former cop. The real murderer is always right behind them, as the web gets tighter.
November 22, 2020
Great reading
Great reading about Sarah who witnesses her boss bring murdered and now she is on the run. She goes to Colton for help, full is suspense as the try to find the Miller.
Great reading about Sarah who witnesses her boss bring murdered and now she is on the run. She goes to Colton for help, full is suspense as the try to find the Miller.
January 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this love inspired Romance. I voluntarily chose to review this book. This was filled with a lot of action and twists and turns to keep you turning the page and very hard to put down. This was a clean romance but a lot of violence in it. It had a surprising ending .
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