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FBI-K9 #1
Avenging Adam
While hiking in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, FBI Special Agent Kendra Dean and her K9 partner, Baxter, stumble upon a dead body stashed in the woods. The discovery changes both of their lives forever.
Special Agent Rick Sanchez hunts a serial murderer who is targeting women on a multi-state killing spree. Kendra Dean, an agent Rick met on a joint mission six months ago, has found the most recent victim. Rick and Kendra once shared a tempting chemistry but time and miles made their spark a distant memory.
Now, thrust together to solve a deadly case, Rick and Kendra rekindle their attraction only to find their personal demons are even greater obstacles than their geography. It’s hard for Kendra to see around the chip she carries on her shoulder as she works to prove herself in a man’s world. Rick harbors a debilitating guilt over a past failure that holds his heart prisoner and he’s terrified to love again.
The serial killer sets his sights on Kendra. With her life in the balance, she and Rick must deal with their issues. Will they be able to admit their feelings and embrace their growing intimacy before it’s too late?
Special Agent Rick Sanchez hunts a serial murderer who is targeting women on a multi-state killing spree. Kendra Dean, an agent Rick met on a joint mission six months ago, has found the most recent victim. Rick and Kendra once shared a tempting chemistry but time and miles made their spark a distant memory.
Now, thrust together to solve a deadly case, Rick and Kendra rekindle their attraction only to find their personal demons are even greater obstacles than their geography. It’s hard for Kendra to see around the chip she carries on her shoulder as she works to prove herself in a man’s world. Rick harbors a debilitating guilt over a past failure that holds his heart prisoner and he’s terrified to love again.
The serial killer sets his sights on Kendra. With her life in the balance, she and Rick must deal with their issues. Will they be able to admit their feelings and embrace their growing intimacy before it’s too late?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2020
1365 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Burnett
35 books367 followersJodi Burnett is a Colorado native and a mountain girl at heart. She loves writing Mystery and Suspense Thrillers from her small ranch southeast of Denver, where she lives with her husband and their two big dogs. There she dotes on her horses, complains about her cows, and writes to create a home for her imaginings. Burnett is a member of Novelists, Inc. and Sisters in Crime. Connect with Jodi at jodi@jodi-burnett.com, on Facebook @ JodiBurnettAuthor, on Instagram @ JodiBurnettAuthor, or on Twitter @ Jodi_writes. Get free books by Burnett on her website.
https://jodi-burnett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
January 21, 2024
I do not understand all the 4 and 5 star ratings for this unbelievable mess of a book! The author keeps telling us how smart everybody is then shows them doing incredibly stupid things. A serial killer steals her keys and she doesn't bother to call a locksmith to have the locks changed? Oh well, it really doesn't matter because she leaves her door unlocked. Her dog has had a leg amputation and isn't fully recovered, but when he doesn't come back when called, she just decides to punish him for not coming back by assuming he'll stay in his outdoor doghouse? They finally get a detailed sketch of the suspect and they don't show it to the FBI agent who was attacked by him to see if she recognizes him? They don't even tell her about it because he takes her off the case to protect her? Then she gets mad and goes flying off to DC to get a new dog even though she's neglecting the one who is already her responsibility? We're supposed to believe she loves the dog, yet she leaves him home alone with just a neighbor checking in on him when she should be helping him overcome his serious injury. They suspect that the motive might be biblical but none of them get a clue from the fact that he's taking a rib from each victim? Even if Adam hadn't been part of the title, I would have figured that out before the author revealed the killer's motives. Who hasn't heard of Adam's Rib? The main male character is leaving himself wide open to claims of sexual harassment in the work place. His constant leering at every female he encounters was disgusting. The sexy secretary is such a cliche! Somebody needs to report her to HR! The only smart character in the whole book was the blood hound. UNBELIEVABLE!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2020
4.5 stars
If you love suspense and edge of your seat stories with a lot of romantic elements and a happily ever after this book is definitely for you and will tick off all your favourite boxes.
I’ve become a big fan of the author and every story that she’s writing becomes a favourite one.
Give it a try and you’ll understand why. I honestly cannot recommend it enough.
If you love suspense and edge of your seat stories with a lot of romantic elements and a happily ever after this book is definitely for you and will tick off all your favourite boxes.
I’ve become a big fan of the author and every story that she’s writing becomes a favourite one.
Give it a try and you’ll understand why. I honestly cannot recommend it enough.
April 1, 2021
1.5 stars
I almost liked it.
Hero who has wondering eyes, heroine who constantly doubts herself and wants everyone’s approval, side characters that say the same thing in every appearance.
The only reason it’s not 1 star is because Kendra’s actions throughout the book were admirable. Her thoughts, not so much. And I detested absolutely everyone else, except the dogs, of course. Btw the dogs feature in a couple action scenes and then just appear as regular dogs otherwise.
I almost liked it.
Hero who has wondering eyes, heroine who constantly doubts herself and wants everyone’s approval, side characters that say the same thing in every appearance.
The only reason it’s not 1 star is because Kendra’s actions throughout the book were admirable. Her thoughts, not so much. And I detested absolutely everyone else, except the dogs, of course. Btw the dogs feature in a couple action scenes and then just appear as regular dogs otherwise.
March 28, 2020
I love a good suspenseful romance. And thus one hooks you right from the beginning. You have a kick ass female FBI agent, kendra who feels she has to prove herself in a man's world. Last year there was chemistry with FBI agent Rick but since he is assigned to another city and dealing with his own personal issues, they never move past the flirting. Now that she may be the only person who can help find the serial murder he has been chasing across the States, they are working closely together and the tension keeps building. Add in man's best friend and you have a great book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 27, 2020
Could not put it down
This book had me hooked from the beginning. What a pleasure to meet Kendra, Rick, Cameron, Clay and Baxter. As they work on the case of a serial killer you can feel their frustration when they have no leads to go on. Then as they finally get a break in the case, the adrenaline just builds. A great FBI kin one book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. What a pleasure to meet Kendra, Rick, Cameron, Clay and Baxter. As they work on the case of a serial killer you can feel their frustration when they have no leads to go on. Then as they finally get a break in the case, the adrenaline just builds. A great FBI kin one book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 9, 2023
Loved the first book in the series. Kendra and Rick worked well together. I am looking forward to reading more in this series and getting to know others in the K9 unit.
July 5, 2025
I enjoyed the book well enough. The romantic aspects were lost on me. There was enough dog to be ok. No excerpts I want to share other than the typical 'There has been another murder.' Killer was motivated by the usual thing. Trophy item from the killing most of us understand the reference right away but I don't remember any discussion prior to solving it. This book sets up a new dog for the rest of the series. Sorry I can't put my finger on why it was just ok for me.
June 1, 2021
Avenging Adam, Book 1 in the FBI-K9 Series reunited me with two of my favorite Jodi characters, Special Agent Kendra Dean and her K-9 partner Baxter. Ever since I first encountered them in Danger In The Hills, Book 3 in the Flint River Series, I’ve been dying, no pun intended, to find out what happened to them. Like with all of Jodi’s thrillers, Avenging Adam opens with an action that grabs the reader by the throat and holds him or her captive until the very end.
Special Agent Rick Sanchez, who we also met in Danger In The Hills, is working a serial killer case out of Chicago when he hears of the attacks in Denver and is sent there to investigate. That’s when he hears that Kendra was attacked by the serial killer and her dog Baxter shot. Kendra recovers completely from the attack, suffering nothing more than a severe concussion while her K-9 partner, Baxter, loses a front leg to his wounds.
Sparks begin to fly between Dean and Sanchez when she is temporarily assigned to his team while awaiting a K-9 partner. Sparks fly because they fall in love, yet both have baggage from their pasts that keeps them from surrendering to their growing feelings. More sparks fly what Sanchez feels the killer is zeroing in on Dean and he tries to keep her out of the investigation. His gut feelings were right and Dean gets abducted by the serial killer. In the end, Dean… well you just have to read this exceptional thriller to find out how the story ends for everyone. With that said, I’m off to read Book 2 in the K-9 Series Body Count. See you there!
Special Agent Rick Sanchez, who we also met in Danger In The Hills, is working a serial killer case out of Chicago when he hears of the attacks in Denver and is sent there to investigate. That’s when he hears that Kendra was attacked by the serial killer and her dog Baxter shot. Kendra recovers completely from the attack, suffering nothing more than a severe concussion while her K-9 partner, Baxter, loses a front leg to his wounds.
Sparks begin to fly between Dean and Sanchez when she is temporarily assigned to his team while awaiting a K-9 partner. Sparks fly because they fall in love, yet both have baggage from their pasts that keeps them from surrendering to their growing feelings. More sparks fly what Sanchez feels the killer is zeroing in on Dean and he tries to keep her out of the investigation. His gut feelings were right and Dean gets abducted by the serial killer. In the end, Dean… well you just have to read this exceptional thriller to find out how the story ends for everyone. With that said, I’m off to read Book 2 in the K-9 Series Body Count. See you there!
December 25, 2022
This book hooks you right in from the beginning of the story. The main character, a kick ass female FBI agent, Kendra who feels like she has to prove herself everyday in a man's world. Last year there was chemistry with FBI agent, Rick but since he is assigned to another city and dealing with his own personal issues, they never move past the slight flirting. Now with them back on the case, she may be the only person who can help find the serial killer. He has been chasing this killer across the States, they are working closely together and the tension keeps building. Add in man's best friend and you have a great book.
I love a good suspenseful romance. This book contained everything that I love in a great book. I'm a sucker for a great K-9 FBI book. Even though it could use more plot twists and on the edge of your seat moments, this was a great read! Looking forward to next book and all of her other books! I would recommend this book series and author!
I love a good suspenseful romance. This book contained everything that I love in a great book. I'm a sucker for a great K-9 FBI book. Even though it could use more plot twists and on the edge of your seat moments, this was a great read! Looking forward to next book and all of her other books! I would recommend this book series and author!
May 6, 2021
Found another favorite author!
This contained everything that I love in a great book. I'm a sucker for a great K-9 FBI book. It had suspense and a great romance. Even though it could use more plot twists and on the edge of your seat moments,this was a great read! I'm so glad I didn't get rid of Kindle Unlimited yet! Looking forward to next book and all of her other books! I wish they offered the free listen to app like some other books do. The migraines don't allow me to read as quickly or as often. Either way, I would recommend this book and author!
This contained everything that I love in a great book. I'm a sucker for a great K-9 FBI book. It had suspense and a great romance. Even though it could use more plot twists and on the edge of your seat moments,this was a great read! I'm so glad I didn't get rid of Kindle Unlimited yet! Looking forward to next book and all of her other books! I wish they offered the free listen to app like some other books do. The migraines don't allow me to read as quickly or as often. Either way, I would recommend this book and author!
April 25, 2021
Great story
What a great story! This kept me guessing the whole way through. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
What a great story! This kept me guessing the whole way through. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
September 30, 2023
Interesting serial killer mystery. Lots of sexual innuendo. Hate when dogs get hurt. Narrator is fine. 3⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 8, 2021
Avenging Adam (FBI-K9 #1), was my second read from author Jodi Burnett, an author I'd wanted to read for some time yet never got around to, until reading Mile High Mayhem (FBI-K9, #4). December seemed to be my month for new authors, January continued the trend, and now February. A well-written, entertaining read, with intriguing, well-developed characters that I read in a single setting. Another excellent read, enjoyable and captivating in its detail and development. When I got the chance to review the authors direct audiobook I jumped at the chance, well worth the reread. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I look forward to more from this author and in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 15, 2021
Ugh
This is more romance, then it is action. And unfortunately it’s very poorly written. The dialogue in this book is just terrible. I like my female police officers to be strong and not wimpy and whiny. This book spends more time talking about what to agents think about each other than really what goes on in the crime scene. The tension in the book isn’t bad, but it’s not very good. Even dealing with the dogs is a huge disappointment. The canine in this book is a sniffer and that’s a rule that dogs play but I miss the macho brave dogs of other K-9 books. I really can’t recommend this book at all.
This is more romance, then it is action. And unfortunately it’s very poorly written. The dialogue in this book is just terrible. I like my female police officers to be strong and not wimpy and whiny. This book spends more time talking about what to agents think about each other than really what goes on in the crime scene. The tension in the book isn’t bad, but it’s not very good. Even dealing with the dogs is a huge disappointment. The canine in this book is a sniffer and that’s a rule that dogs play but I miss the macho brave dogs of other K-9 books. I really can’t recommend this book at all.
December 18, 2022
Much more romance than police procedural. A lot of come-here-come-here-get-away-get-away gratuitous chemistry between two homicide detectives who join to solve the mystery of a serial killer. Too much damsel in distress for what should be a really strong female lead. Strong in one chapter, weak in the knees in the next. Not many police K-9 duties.
Looking for a good police procedural/mystery series - this ain't it.
Written by Jodi Burnett, narrated by Janine Granda in unabridged audiobook format, released in January 2021 by SDG Publishing, LLC (Only books by Jodi Burnett, so self-published?)
Readable - but...not what I'd hoped. Won't be going to Book 2
Looking for a good police procedural/mystery series - this ain't it.
Written by Jodi Burnett, narrated by Janine Granda in unabridged audiobook format, released in January 2021 by SDG Publishing, LLC (Only books by Jodi Burnett, so self-published?)
Readable - but...not what I'd hoped. Won't be going to Book 2
March 17, 2021
I thought the actual story was interesting, but I felt there was a little too much emphasis on the "chemistry" going on between Kendra and Rick. You could read pages of emotional reactions because of a look or an accidental brush of hands. Some of that's fine, but I was more interested in catching the killer. Plus I felt badly when Baxter was left alone some so much after his injury. I have the second book on my wish list, but I'll have to think about it. I know I'm in the minority here and I really hate to give only 3 stars.
June 29, 2023
Ok
I felt like this book spent more time going on and on about their insecurities and not enough with the plot. She was a pain in the butt to work with, threw temper tantrums, and defied authority. These things would have never been put up with In the FBI. Neither would her boss treating her with kid gloves. The plot could have been good but was just thrown in there to work off of. There were to many stupid actions that a person who was not with the FBI would have thought of. As far as a k9 book, I wouldn't call this book one of them.
I felt like this book spent more time going on and on about their insecurities and not enough with the plot. She was a pain in the butt to work with, threw temper tantrums, and defied authority. These things would have never been put up with In the FBI. Neither would her boss treating her with kid gloves. The plot could have been good but was just thrown in there to work off of. There were to many stupid actions that a person who was not with the FBI would have thought of. As far as a k9 book, I wouldn't call this book one of them.
September 27, 2021
If you’re looking for a real K9 book like Alex Kava’s Creed series or Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek series, don’t read this. It’s maybe 5% K9, 25% FBI and the rest is daft will they/won’t they relationship. An easy read but not really my thing. I am glad that I finished it as the last 15% of the book was fast paced and very good.
October 9, 2020
Avenging Adam was a wonderful mix of intrigue, adventure and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I highly recommend Avenging Adam to anyone who loves to lose themselves in the excitement that is contained within the pages of Jodi Burnett's stories.
August 24, 2020
Avenging Adam review
Avenging Adam is the first exciting romantic suspense book in the F. B. I. K9 series written by author Jodi Burnett.
Avenging Adam is the first exciting romantic suspense book in the F. B. I. K9 series written by author Jodi Burnett.
July 29, 2021
Two-haiku review:
FBI K-9
Finds body in wilderness
Killer targets her
Nice Denver setting
A little on the short side
Plenty of romance
FBI K-9
Finds body in wilderness
Killer targets her
Nice Denver setting
A little on the short side
Plenty of romance
December 9, 2020
Revenge and love
Kendra is a canine officer I ran into a serial killer. As a result of that running she joined forces with Rick who came from Chicago. They work together to solve the case and fell in love. The book has a good plat and I found a very interesting read and it read very quickly.
Kendra is a canine officer I ran into a serial killer. As a result of that running she joined forces with Rick who came from Chicago. They work together to solve the case and fell in love. The book has a good plat and I found a very interesting read and it read very quickly.
March 6, 2026
Avenging Adam
It was one of the best FBI K9 books I have read!
Lots happening but some a little too predictable ( rib) right from when I read that I knew it was religious!
It was one of the best FBI K9 books I have read!
Lots happening but some a little too predictable ( rib) right from when I read that I knew it was religious!
December 7, 2020
Book 2
I choose this book because I love k9 dogs the story had adventure romance and certainly kept me up all night could not put it down can't wait to read book 2
I choose this book because I love k9 dogs the story had adventure romance and certainly kept me up all night could not put it down can't wait to read book 2
December 17, 2020
Super good read
I loved everything about this book. It was all that you hope for in a good read. Kudos to the author!
I loved everything about this book. It was all that you hope for in a good read. Kudos to the author!
March 27, 2020
I was introduced to this author through Hidden Gems when I received this ARC in exchange for this review. It will definitely not be the last book I read by her. Really enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read her prior series, which is on KU!!! This book is the start of the new FBI K-9 series, but both characters appeared in the last book of this author’s prior series.
When the book opens, we meet Agent Kendra Dean who is out on a hike with her K-9 partner Baxter and they stumble upon the body of a dead woman in the woods. She is then assaulted, and her partner is injured. When she wakes up in the hospital, Agent Rick Sanchez is in her room. He is hunting a multi-state killing spree by a serial killer and the body she found is the latest victim. They had met on a previous case and there was a spark, but now they need to navigate working together where he is her boss. Their relationship starts to intensify but they each have things to work out and their work situation adds some challenges.
The investigation begins to heat up as the killer stays in the Denver area and continues with his ritualistic killing. As they look at the crime scenes, they try to figure out the way the killer is selecting victims and why he leaves them the way he does. I kept waiting for them to call the BAU and Dr Spencer Reid to come out and help them with a profile! As they examine these crimes, it also appears that he might be targeting Kendra.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the dynamics between Kendra and Rick. I also found it interesting to learn about the K-9 program and dogs they chose. I really like the romantic suspense genre and this story having the FBI component made it more interesting to me. My only issue was the work being done to track this killer seemed a little lacking, considering how many women he had killed before arriving in Denver. Then again, maybe I watch too much Criminal Minds!
When the book opens, we meet Agent Kendra Dean who is out on a hike with her K-9 partner Baxter and they stumble upon the body of a dead woman in the woods. She is then assaulted, and her partner is injured. When she wakes up in the hospital, Agent Rick Sanchez is in her room. He is hunting a multi-state killing spree by a serial killer and the body she found is the latest victim. They had met on a previous case and there was a spark, but now they need to navigate working together where he is her boss. Their relationship starts to intensify but they each have things to work out and their work situation adds some challenges.
The investigation begins to heat up as the killer stays in the Denver area and continues with his ritualistic killing. As they look at the crime scenes, they try to figure out the way the killer is selecting victims and why he leaves them the way he does. I kept waiting for them to call the BAU and Dr Spencer Reid to come out and help them with a profile! As they examine these crimes, it also appears that he might be targeting Kendra.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the dynamics between Kendra and Rick. I also found it interesting to learn about the K-9 program and dogs they chose. I really like the romantic suspense genre and this story having the FBI component made it more interesting to me. My only issue was the work being done to track this killer seemed a little lacking, considering how many women he had killed before arriving in Denver. Then again, maybe I watch too much Criminal Minds!
October 4, 2020
Avenging Adam
The serial killer was really sick! He was quoting the Bible but it was backwards. Kendra was right about that. Kathleen Ryan
The serial killer was really sick! He was quoting the Bible but it was backwards. Kendra was right about that. Kathleen Ryan
March 12, 2020
Adams's Rib
FBI K9 handler Kendra Dean finds herself on the wrong end of an investigation. She and her K9 partner Baxter are attacked and left for dead after finding a body in the woods. This brings her back into Special Agent Ricardo Sanchez's world. Ric is hunting a serial killer who strangles women and then takes a rib as some sort of trophy. As Kendra and Ric strive to catch the killer they also struggle with the blossoming attraction they feel and their own natures. Can an overprotective alpha who has already failed one woman have a forever love with another who needs no ones help and protection. To get her HEA Kendra needs to stay alive when the killers attention turns to her and maybe with a little compromise by both her and Ric they can make things work. I really enjoyed this FBI serial killer romance but if steamy scenes are your thing this book is not for you.
FBI K9 handler Kendra Dean finds herself on the wrong end of an investigation. She and her K9 partner Baxter are attacked and left for dead after finding a body in the woods. This brings her back into Special Agent Ricardo Sanchez's world. Ric is hunting a serial killer who strangles women and then takes a rib as some sort of trophy. As Kendra and Ric strive to catch the killer they also struggle with the blossoming attraction they feel and their own natures. Can an overprotective alpha who has already failed one woman have a forever love with another who needs no ones help and protection. To get her HEA Kendra needs to stay alive when the killers attention turns to her and maybe with a little compromise by both her and Ric they can make things work. I really enjoyed this FBI serial killer romance but if steamy scenes are your thing this book is not for you.
August 29, 2020
3.50 Stars. I am a fan of FBI themed romantic suspense books. This time I got two agents- Rick Sanchez and Kendra Dean. It appears these two met in the Flint River Series by this author. They had a mutual attraction for each other but nothing ever developed. Now Rick is in Kendra’s territory (Colorado) following leads in a serial killer case that has eluded him. This case brings Kendra and Rick to the same team.
Their relationship has trouble taking off. Rick has guilt issues he needs to work through and Kendra is extra sensitive to how others view her as an agent. One thing Kendra is sure of, is her loving bond with Baxter, her K9 partner. Dogs always add to a storyline.
There is tension from both the case and their relationship. I did question the investigation work. I would of thought the FBI would have pulled the surveillance videos from the supermarket to see if the suspect was caught on tape. Hence a 3.5 rating.
Their relationship has trouble taking off. Rick has guilt issues he needs to work through and Kendra is extra sensitive to how others view her as an agent. One thing Kendra is sure of, is her loving bond with Baxter, her K9 partner. Dogs always add to a storyline.
There is tension from both the case and their relationship. I did question the investigation work. I would of thought the FBI would have pulled the surveillance videos from the supermarket to see if the suspect was caught on tape. Hence a 3.5 rating.
September 20, 2020
Fantastic start to a new series by Jodi Burnett. I have not read her previous books, but I can tell you I will be reading them. Just what I need, another new author, sigh. This thriller had a creepy psycho, I mean creepy! I love any book with dogs and this starts a series with them, yeah! Besides the creepy psycho we have the hot and cold between Kendra and Sanchez, but Kendra is a pretty straight shooter and lays it all out, yes for Kendra. She has her own issues to contend with, her extra sensitivity on being female in a male dominated job. Sanchez was a tad jerky but when it went into why, I felt for him. And Baxter,her K9, rocked my world. The author also threw in a moment or two of chuckles and smiles, which I appreciated. I am thrilled I took a chance on this series and if you like thrillers I recommend this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews