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Operation K-9 Brothers #1
Operation K-9 Brothers
Navy SEAL Jack Daniels (save the jokes, he's heard them all) and his trusty Belgian Malinois sidekick, Dakota, are back home in Asheville, North Carolina, after a bomb left them scarred. Unable to accept that he'll never be able to return to his team, Jack is looking for a miracle. What he isn't looking for is a permanent relationship, though he's open to a no-strings distraction at the magic hands of gorgeous local potter Nichole Masters.
Nichole is on a losing streak with men. Her ex-boyfriend won't stay gone, a competitor is out to ruin her business and even her rescue pup, Rambo, is refusing to get in line. A chance run-in with a navy SEAL turned canine companion trainer might solve the dog problem. The fact Jack is easy on the eyes doesn't hurt, either.
But when Nichole feels like she's being watched, Jack is the only person she can turn to. He's a protector and problem solver by nature and training. Accepting his protection is one thing — Nichole didn't count on falling in love.
Nichole is on a losing streak with men. Her ex-boyfriend won't stay gone, a competitor is out to ruin her business and even her rescue pup, Rambo, is refusing to get in line. A chance run-in with a navy SEAL turned canine companion trainer might solve the dog problem. The fact Jack is easy on the eyes doesn't hurt, either.
But when Nichole feels like she's being watched, Jack is the only person she can turn to. He's a protector and problem solver by nature and training. Accepting his protection is one thing — Nichole didn't count on falling in love.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2021
717 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Owens
46 books981 followersAn award winning author, Sandra Owens lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Her family and friends often question her sanity, but have ceased being surprised by what she might get up to next. She’s jumped out of a plane, flown in an aerobatic plane while the pilot performed thrilling stunts, has flown Air Combat (two fighter planes dogfighting, pretending to shoot at each other with laser guns), and rode a Harley motorcycle for years. She regrets nothing.
Sandra is a 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist for her contemporary romance, CRAZY FOR HER. CRAZY FOR HER is the first book in her bestselling series about the men of K2 Special Services. Book two, SOMEONE LIKE HER, is available now, and book three, FALLING FOR HER, is due out this fall. In addition to contemporary romances, Sandra writes Regency romances.
Learn more about Sandra at www.sandra-owens.com
Sandra is a 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist for her contemporary romance, CRAZY FOR HER. CRAZY FOR HER is the first book in her bestselling series about the men of K2 Special Services. Book two, SOMEONE LIKE HER, is available now, and book three, FALLING FOR HER, is due out this fall. In addition to contemporary romances, Sandra writes Regency romances.
Learn more about Sandra at www.sandra-owens.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
January 5, 2024
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Operation K-9 Brothers series. I really enjoyed the characters in this book, and the storyline in this book was really good. I love the dogs in this book. I cannot wait for the second book in this series to come out. The romance in this book was more then most suspense romance book. I enjoyed the writing in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Carina Press) or author (Sandra Owens) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
October 27, 2024
Romantic suspense at its finest. Characters you care about including the dogs. All wrapped up in a HEA.
May 5, 2022
"I´m thinking you just might be my kind of trouble, Nicole Masters."
This was an fun read, although some things were lacking for me.
Nicole and Jack are enjoyable characters with a nice backstory and we experience the story from both their POVs which are written in third person.
Although who easily carried this book for me was his grandma and the other residents of the retirement home. Not every "grammie" knits her grandson a cock sock and gifts him a Kama Sutra.
But that brings me to another point in this book that was lacking for me: the smut!
We only get two sex scenes that aren´t fade to black and they also aren´t that descriptive. How can grammie talk about spank banks but then you only get half a page fade to black with "He was very busy and his busy was good." I expected more here.
Also for everyone who loves a good slow-burn. This is not it. We have a insta-love with both characters falling for each other over the span of the first 50-70 pages.
I liked the conflict at the end, although Jack could have done a bit more groveling in my eyes.
What I also liked where the plotlines of the side characters, those were well developed.
Overall it was an enjoyable read that just lacked a bit of spice and plot for me. And I have to say I am definitely on team slow-burn instead of team insta-love.
Trigger warnings: physical abuse (not caused by the love interest) and PTSD
This was an fun read, although some things were lacking for me.
Nicole and Jack are enjoyable characters with a nice backstory and we experience the story from both their POVs which are written in third person.
Although who easily carried this book for me was his grandma and the other residents of the retirement home. Not every "grammie" knits her grandson a cock sock and gifts him a Kama Sutra.
But that brings me to another point in this book that was lacking for me: the smut!
We only get two sex scenes that aren´t fade to black and they also aren´t that descriptive. How can grammie talk about spank banks but then you only get half a page fade to black with "He was very busy and his busy was good." I expected more here.
Also for everyone who loves a good slow-burn. This is not it. We have a insta-love with both characters falling for each other over the span of the first 50-70 pages.
I liked the conflict at the end, although Jack could have done a bit more groveling in my eyes.
What I also liked where the plotlines of the side characters, those were well developed.
Overall it was an enjoyable read that just lacked a bit of spice and plot for me. And I have to say I am definitely on team slow-burn instead of team insta-love.
Trigger warnings: physical abuse (not caused by the love interest) and PTSD
October 8, 2022
I liked this but damn that third act breakup kind of made me a little mad. All in all though, still cute and dogs are always a great addition to the story.
February 26, 2021
Another K9 series! This one featured a dog and handler who were injured by an IED in the military and are recuperating. I really enjoyed the dogs and the actual parts of the story which were featuring the dogs and their training / skills. The romance is more typical but still a very good story. I liked and connected with the main characters. The supporting characters were well-developed and fairly authentic. I look forward to reading more in this series.
February 28, 2022
3.5 stars - better than average and generally enjoyable. I just felt like this whole series was missing something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. The romantic suspense aspects of this story were good, and I really liked both of the MCs. However, I was frustrated that the H&h were still fighting each other until the end when it came to their relationship. I really like romantic suspense because of how often the H&h are fighting outside forces to stay together, and that really isn't the case in these books.
Safe; some OM drama from the heroine's ex, no OW drama, hero was celibate from before his last deployment because he was injured and ashamed of his scars. No cheating, separation w/o other partners.
Safe; some OM drama from the heroine's ex, no OW drama, hero was celibate from before his last deployment because he was injured and ashamed of his scars. No cheating, separation w/o other partners.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2021
I’m a sucker for books with a dog on the cover. Especially service dogs. Romantic suspense, one of my favourite genres, and a service dog? That’s my catnip, right there. So I was predisposed to like this going in.
Delightfully, there’s lots of doggy action, as both the hero Jack Daniels (um...right) and the heroine Nichole have dogs. Jack is a SEAL dog handler, and he and his dog Dakota are both recovering from an IED in Afghanistan, one which has seen Dakota invalided out of service and left Jack with serious scars and a lot of recovery still to do. Nichole has pup Rambo, who she picked up hoping he’d become protection against the jerky men who seem magnetically attracted to her, but Rambo needs a lot of training she doesn’t know how to give. Enter Jack.
While this had plenty of great doggy action, it somewhat lacked in suspense, for me. A jerk of an ex and a business rival who keeps coming around don’t really make for great suspenseful action, not when it was obvious from the beginning they were both pitifully outclassed by Jack (never mind Dakota). For a book to be romantic suspense, I think it has to include situations which pose a serious threat to the physical safety of both hero and heroine, and which they then have to overcome together, and this one really missed the mark. I never really even felt like Nichole was in serious danger. This was just a contemporary romance with a Jerk Ex storyline, and as such, I was disappointed.
I actually enjoyed the read - Nichole is no-nonsense, despite previous unfortunate taste in men, and takes no prisoners when Jack has a self-pitying man fail. I like the concept of the series and I loved the dog characters. But the fact that it fails at being a romantic suspense means I cannot give it more than four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Delightfully, there’s lots of doggy action, as both the hero Jack Daniels (um...right) and the heroine Nichole have dogs. Jack is a SEAL dog handler, and he and his dog Dakota are both recovering from an IED in Afghanistan, one which has seen Dakota invalided out of service and left Jack with serious scars and a lot of recovery still to do. Nichole has pup Rambo, who she picked up hoping he’d become protection against the jerky men who seem magnetically attracted to her, but Rambo needs a lot of training she doesn’t know how to give. Enter Jack.
While this had plenty of great doggy action, it somewhat lacked in suspense, for me. A jerk of an ex and a business rival who keeps coming around don’t really make for great suspenseful action, not when it was obvious from the beginning they were both pitifully outclassed by Jack (never mind Dakota). For a book to be romantic suspense, I think it has to include situations which pose a serious threat to the physical safety of both hero and heroine, and which they then have to overcome together, and this one really missed the mark. I never really even felt like Nichole was in serious danger. This was just a contemporary romance with a Jerk Ex storyline, and as such, I was disappointed.
I actually enjoyed the read - Nichole is no-nonsense, despite previous unfortunate taste in men, and takes no prisoners when Jack has a self-pitying man fail. I like the concept of the series and I loved the dog characters. But the fact that it fails at being a romantic suspense means I cannot give it more than four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
January 12, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
3.5 stars.
“Operation K-9 Brothers”, by Sandra Owens (HARLEQUIN - Carina Press), is an enjoyable read with two very likeable main characters, great on their own and when they’re together.
Jack Daniels is an interesting hero, a charming, easy going wounded warrior, not intrinsically tortured but with some scars and need of healing. I loved the way he woos Nichole, how he confesses he wants to romance her, and his decency and determination.
Nichole is a great heroine, full of inner strength and joy, yet not devoid of insecurities and fears.
The playfulness between Jake and Nichole is amusing. I liked the way the author showed they’re both decent, honest people. And they respect each other and communicate, aside some exceptions.
I liked how the author wrote the building of the romance, the attraction and magic of the first times combined with the doubts and fears.
The interaction with the dogs and with the protagonists’ friends is also enjoyable. There are some promising secondary characters, too.
I really liked that Sandra Owens wrote a wounded warrior who isn’t all darkness and despair, and appreciated watching him enthusiastically invest in a new dream. I found his sense of defeat and failure after a certain event is understandable, but a bit overdone. I also didn’t particularly enjoy the boastfulness about SEALs.
3.5 stars.
“Operation K-9 Brothers”, by Sandra Owens (HARLEQUIN - Carina Press), is an enjoyable read with two very likeable main characters, great on their own and when they’re together.
Jack Daniels is an interesting hero, a charming, easy going wounded warrior, not intrinsically tortured but with some scars and need of healing. I loved the way he woos Nichole, how he confesses he wants to romance her, and his decency and determination.
Nichole is a great heroine, full of inner strength and joy, yet not devoid of insecurities and fears.
The playfulness between Jake and Nichole is amusing. I liked the way the author showed they’re both decent, honest people. And they respect each other and communicate, aside some exceptions.
I liked how the author wrote the building of the romance, the attraction and magic of the first times combined with the doubts and fears.
The interaction with the dogs and with the protagonists’ friends is also enjoyable. There are some promising secondary characters, too.
I really liked that Sandra Owens wrote a wounded warrior who isn’t all darkness and despair, and appreciated watching him enthusiastically invest in a new dream. I found his sense of defeat and failure after a certain event is understandable, but a bit overdone. I also didn’t particularly enjoy the boastfulness about SEALs.
March 20, 2021
Nice surprise. Good plot. Carina Press.
Likes: all the dog parts .. and there were many. Jack and Nichole were good H and h.
Secondary characters were good too.
Dislikes: some language and steam level too high for this reader (though thankfully not until second half of book and mainly one scene.)
Will i continue this series ? TBD
1st in the series.
New author to me. Liked best of 3 i read by Carina.
Likes: all the dog parts .. and there were many. Jack and Nichole were good H and h.
Secondary characters were good too.
Dislikes: some language and steam level too high for this reader (though thankfully not until second half of book and mainly one scene.)
Will i continue this series ? TBD
1st in the series.
New author to me. Liked best of 3 i read by Carina.
September 3, 2021
3.75 Stars (nearly 4 Stars) for OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS by Sandra Owens as explained below:
My rating guide: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= I MOSTLY ENJOYED IT; 4= Yes, I LIKED IT A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great!
OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS contained a story that kept my interest; strong, honorable characters that I cared about and could respect with a satisfying HEA ending. OPERATION K-9 just had a tad more angst than I prefer. Readers that enjoy a pull on their emotions as characters work through life problems, deal with somewhat complicated family and Ex issues would probably enjoy those aspects more than I. I did enjoy the reenactment of the potters scene from the movie “Ghost,” the mention of the tango dancing (sexy moments), as well as the many sections including the dog characters. The inclusion of the dogs was very believable and sweet. The information regarding trained therapy and assist dogs was interesting and a strong part of the story as well. Readers who enjoy stories with dogs would probably enjoy OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS.
Jack Daniels/MMC is a trained K-9 dog handler and an injured Navy SEAL returned home to focus on healing and completing his rehab program before returning to active duty overseas. Nicole Masters/FMC is an independent potter businesswoman with family, business, and Ex issues that constantly keep popping up. Her Ex won’t leave her alone and another artist is attempting to steal her customers. Late one evening Nicole, utterly frustrated, angrily calls the wrong guy, chewing him out and calling him names. Awakened from his sleep, Daniels is the recipient of the call. Injured or not he’s a SEAL, and both the words and Nicole’s tears snag his attention. Jack simply must know more about the woman who called him and why.
OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS is book #1 in a SEAL series by Sandra Owens. It has no cliffhanger and can be read as a standalone title. I enjoyed the voice narration by Patrick Zeller and will most likely listen to this audio again in the future.
READER CAUTIONS
VIOLENCE - PG/PG-13. Ex is a stalker-fighter personality type but it isn’t described in a particularly dark or graphic manner.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Sexy talk and on-scene intimacy beginning at 50%, occurring several times.
My rating guide: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= I MOSTLY ENJOYED IT; 4= Yes, I LIKED IT A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great!
OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS contained a story that kept my interest; strong, honorable characters that I cared about and could respect with a satisfying HEA ending. OPERATION K-9 just had a tad more angst than I prefer. Readers that enjoy a pull on their emotions as characters work through life problems, deal with somewhat complicated family and Ex issues would probably enjoy those aspects more than I. I did enjoy the reenactment of the potters scene from the movie “Ghost,” the mention of the tango dancing (sexy moments), as well as the many sections including the dog characters. The inclusion of the dogs was very believable and sweet. The information regarding trained therapy and assist dogs was interesting and a strong part of the story as well. Readers who enjoy stories with dogs would probably enjoy OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS.
Jack Daniels/MMC is a trained K-9 dog handler and an injured Navy SEAL returned home to focus on healing and completing his rehab program before returning to active duty overseas. Nicole Masters/FMC is an independent potter businesswoman with family, business, and Ex issues that constantly keep popping up. Her Ex won’t leave her alone and another artist is attempting to steal her customers. Late one evening Nicole, utterly frustrated, angrily calls the wrong guy, chewing him out and calling him names. Awakened from his sleep, Daniels is the recipient of the call. Injured or not he’s a SEAL, and both the words and Nicole’s tears snag his attention. Jack simply must know more about the woman who called him and why.
OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS is book #1 in a SEAL series by Sandra Owens. It has no cliffhanger and can be read as a standalone title. I enjoyed the voice narration by Patrick Zeller and will most likely listen to this audio again in the future.
READER CAUTIONS
VIOLENCE - PG/PG-13. Ex is a stalker-fighter personality type but it isn’t described in a particularly dark or graphic manner.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Sexy talk and on-scene intimacy beginning at 50%, occurring several times.
August 7, 2021
I really wanted to like OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS so much more, especially because I really liked Jack and Nichole but there were issues with the storytelling that ultimately brought my rating down. I would say some of this is me and my personal preferences for romances so if the book's description sounds interesting to you then you might still want to give it a try. On the positive side, Jack and Nichole were really great together and I loved how playful their relationship was. They joked and teased each other and even role played the infamous pottery wheel scene from the movie GHOST. I liked Nichole more than Jack but I still liked watching Jack find himself again after realizing he wouldn't be returning to his SEAL team.
What tripped me up is that there was a simplicity and a goofiness to the story and characters that didn't work for me. Everything felt a little surface level or too silly and considering some of the themes addressed in this book that didn't sit well. A large part of this is the plot surrounding Nichole's abusive ex-boyfriend who won't leave her alone and is basically stalking her. While I originally thought this would land more suspense romance, I actually feel like it's more contemporary because the tension just wasn't there and it has an overall lighthearted feel. The ex-boyfriend is pretty much just a one dimensional caricature of a bad guy and I don't think this was a good fit for the seriousness of domestic violence.
Overall, not for me but I can see other readers really liking this one especially if they don't want suspense that's too nerve wracking or serious.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Content Warning: Nichole's ex was physically abusive and is now harassing Nichole; Jack and his military working dog were injured in combat by an IED and Jack still struggles with nightmares; references to combat related PTSD and the struggle to reintegrate into society after combat.
What tripped me up is that there was a simplicity and a goofiness to the story and characters that didn't work for me. Everything felt a little surface level or too silly and considering some of the themes addressed in this book that didn't sit well. A large part of this is the plot surrounding Nichole's abusive ex-boyfriend who won't leave her alone and is basically stalking her. While I originally thought this would land more suspense romance, I actually feel like it's more contemporary because the tension just wasn't there and it has an overall lighthearted feel. The ex-boyfriend is pretty much just a one dimensional caricature of a bad guy and I don't think this was a good fit for the seriousness of domestic violence.
Overall, not for me but I can see other readers really liking this one especially if they don't want suspense that's too nerve wracking or serious.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Content Warning: Nichole's ex was physically abusive and is now harassing Nichole; Jack and his military working dog were injured in combat by an IED and Jack still struggles with nightmares; references to combat related PTSD and the struggle to reintegrate into society after combat.
June 3, 2021
This is my first book by this author and it is a romance with suspense overtones, nothing serious, you just don't quite know where the plot is going to take you at times. The characters each have issues they need to work on and they put those behind them to get their HEA.
Jack Daniels, SEAL name Whiskey, is home in Ashville, NC recuperating from an IED explosion that injured his arm and his dog, Dakota. Dakota is medically retired and Jack adopts her. He is determined to rehab his arm and shoulder and get back to his SEAL team. It's the only thing that matters to him. His history with women is of the one and done variety. He is not looking for anything that resembles a relationship.
Nichole Masters, a local potter, has been cheated out of a hefty commission and drunk dials Jack in the middle of the night by mistake. He is intrigued and tracks her down. Her rambunctious puppy, Rambo, makes their meet nice really sweet and Jack is more than intrigued by the beautiful Nichole and offers to help train Rambo.
When Nichole's ex-boyfriend won't take no for an answer, Jack sets him straight and Nichole thinks she may have found a keeper. The only problem with that is Jack is determined to return to his team and he doesn't do long distance. 3 1/2-Stars
Jack Daniels, SEAL name Whiskey, is home in Ashville, NC recuperating from an IED explosion that injured his arm and his dog, Dakota. Dakota is medically retired and Jack adopts her. He is determined to rehab his arm and shoulder and get back to his SEAL team. It's the only thing that matters to him. His history with women is of the one and done variety. He is not looking for anything that resembles a relationship.
Nichole Masters, a local potter, has been cheated out of a hefty commission and drunk dials Jack in the middle of the night by mistake. He is intrigued and tracks her down. Her rambunctious puppy, Rambo, makes their meet nice really sweet and Jack is more than intrigued by the beautiful Nichole and offers to help train Rambo.
When Nichole's ex-boyfriend won't take no for an answer, Jack sets him straight and Nichole thinks she may have found a keeper. The only problem with that is Jack is determined to return to his team and he doesn't do long distance. 3 1/2-Stars
January 27, 2021
Love this new series and cannot wait to read each and every single book.
When Nichole calls Jack in the middle of the night calling him all kinds of names for hurting her; she has his attention. Maybe he just found a new way to keep his mind occupied while he rehabbing and waiting to return to his SEAL team.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Nichole calls Jack in the middle of the night calling him all kinds of names for hurting her; she has his attention. Maybe he just found a new way to keep his mind occupied while he rehabbing and waiting to return to his SEAL team.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2020
Loved this book! This is a great start to a new series that already has me looking forward to the next book in the series. Jack is a SEAL recovering from a debilitating injury when he meets Nichole, a potter and new puppy mom. Her puppy is somewhat behaviorally challenged, and Jacks offers to help when he rescues her from the puppy running circles around her.
I loved how Nichole and Jack's relationship developed - it was sweet, fun, and sexy. Their story was engaging and entertaining. The author tackled a tough topic with sensitivity and respect. I only pray that our injured military get the benefit of the trained K-9s they need.
If you are a fan of the genre, you will love this book. While it is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. The author is on my must read authors' list.
I loved how Nichole and Jack's relationship developed - it was sweet, fun, and sexy. Their story was engaging and entertaining. The author tackled a tough topic with sensitivity and respect. I only pray that our injured military get the benefit of the trained K-9s they need.
If you are a fan of the genre, you will love this book. While it is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. The author is on my must read authors' list.
January 6, 2024
It seemed that every 10 pages or so one would jump the other. Okay then.
January 17, 2021
This is a great start to a new series. Jack Daniels is on medical leave from the Navy thanks to an IED. Nichole Masters is an artist who mistakenly drunk dials Jack at three in the morning. Jack is intrigued by her call and decides t track her down. This leads to a romance between the two as they train Nichole's dog, Rambo. I have to say while I loved Jack and Nichole and their romance, Jack's grandmother and her friend made this book for me. Grammie and Dirty Mary had to be the best secondary characters I have ever read. The humor they brought was perfectly balanced with the romance and suspense scenes. This is absolutely a series I will be continuing.
January 29, 2021
Sandra Owens is a new-to-me author, and Operation K-9 Brothers is the first novel in her new series, and if the upcoming titles are as good as this one, I'll be following this series. This novel gets 4.5 stars from this reader.
Jack Daniels (Whiskey to his SEAL team) is a Navy Seal. He and his K-9 partner, Dakota, were injured when an IED exploded, Dakota pushing Jack back, which saved his life, but left both dog and SEAL badly wounded and burned. He's home on medical leave recuperating, as is Dakota, whom he searched out and brought back home with him. Dakota will be retired, but Jack is trying very hard to get back in shape and return to his team. No matter how hard he pushes himself, his damaged left arm and shoulder are still a problem when he tries to aim and shoot a weapon
Late one night he gets what amounts to a drunken phone call from a woman, who spends a great deal of time verbally abusing him and when he tries to explain that he has no idea who she is, she curses and hangs-up, leaving him rather intrigued. The next day he tracks her down, and learns that she is Nichole Masters, a potter, and she's displaying her work at an arts festival, but her little puppy, Roscoe, is untrained and causing problems. After introducing himself, Jack lets her know that he's experienced at training dogs, and offers to help train her to train Roscoe, and so begins the relationship between Jack and Nichole, and their respective dogs, and that relationship is going to hit a couple of snags.
Jack's only attempt at a physical relationship since returning home ended badly when the woman he was with couldn't deal with the sight of his scars--so he courts Nichole rather slowly, which was really sweet and sexy as all get-out. Nichole has also been having relationship issues, first with a friend and fellow potter who stole her designs and a fat commission for producing all the pottery dinnerware for a new restaurant. As if that wasn't enough, she's being harassed by an old MC boyfriend, Lane, who she sent to jail for physically abusing her--but he's out now, and Jack's involvement with Nichole is making Lane more determined than ever to win her back.
There's so much I liked about this novel it's hard to know where to begin. Each of Ms. Owens' characters is well-drawn and fully realized, even the dogs are endearing and funny, and so is the relationship between Jack and Nichole, who really seem perfect for each other, although their feelings about one another will be tested in more ways than one. There's plenty of emotional angst, and some hilarious moments with Jack's only relative, his aging Grammie, who, along with her friends at the nursing home are an absolute hoot. There's enough suspense to keep you hooked until the very end and all in all, this was one very enjoyable, sweet, sexy, suspenseful read and I'm happy to recommend it. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Jack Daniels (Whiskey to his SEAL team) is a Navy Seal. He and his K-9 partner, Dakota, were injured when an IED exploded, Dakota pushing Jack back, which saved his life, but left both dog and SEAL badly wounded and burned. He's home on medical leave recuperating, as is Dakota, whom he searched out and brought back home with him. Dakota will be retired, but Jack is trying very hard to get back in shape and return to his team. No matter how hard he pushes himself, his damaged left arm and shoulder are still a problem when he tries to aim and shoot a weapon
Late one night he gets what amounts to a drunken phone call from a woman, who spends a great deal of time verbally abusing him and when he tries to explain that he has no idea who she is, she curses and hangs-up, leaving him rather intrigued. The next day he tracks her down, and learns that she is Nichole Masters, a potter, and she's displaying her work at an arts festival, but her little puppy, Roscoe, is untrained and causing problems. After introducing himself, Jack lets her know that he's experienced at training dogs, and offers to help train her to train Roscoe, and so begins the relationship between Jack and Nichole, and their respective dogs, and that relationship is going to hit a couple of snags.
Jack's only attempt at a physical relationship since returning home ended badly when the woman he was with couldn't deal with the sight of his scars--so he courts Nichole rather slowly, which was really sweet and sexy as all get-out. Nichole has also been having relationship issues, first with a friend and fellow potter who stole her designs and a fat commission for producing all the pottery dinnerware for a new restaurant. As if that wasn't enough, she's being harassed by an old MC boyfriend, Lane, who she sent to jail for physically abusing her--but he's out now, and Jack's involvement with Nichole is making Lane more determined than ever to win her back.
There's so much I liked about this novel it's hard to know where to begin. Each of Ms. Owens' characters is well-drawn and fully realized, even the dogs are endearing and funny, and so is the relationship between Jack and Nichole, who really seem perfect for each other, although their feelings about one another will be tested in more ways than one. There's plenty of emotional angst, and some hilarious moments with Jack's only relative, his aging Grammie, who, along with her friends at the nursing home are an absolute hoot. There's enough suspense to keep you hooked until the very end and all in all, this was one very enjoyable, sweet, sexy, suspenseful read and I'm happy to recommend it. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 25, 2022
I'm a sucker for K-9 suspense stories, I love the military brotherhood, I adore passionate, flirty romance, and pets in books just give another element to dote - and Sandra Owens delivers on all these fronts with great flow, flare, and fire that makes an impression!
With lots of delightful humor and banter that made me chuckle out loud, the author entertained and charmed me with her smoothly flowing tale.
The ardent attraction that flared between Jack and Nichole was deliciously appealing and irresistible. The connection between them was real and true, no doubt about that. The deeper feelings developing and the passion igniting, it all made me smile and sigh and swoon, it was so enchanting with a close second the connection between the doggies and their owners.
The threat that was lurking on every corner, the obstacles in Jack's mind that he had to conquer, the challenges Nicole and Jack faced, it all was wrapped around a story that captured my mind.
Operation K-9 Brothers is the first book in the series, that I am looking forward to reading and devouring.
~ Five Spoons
With lots of delightful humor and banter that made me chuckle out loud, the author entertained and charmed me with her smoothly flowing tale.
The ardent attraction that flared between Jack and Nichole was deliciously appealing and irresistible. The connection between them was real and true, no doubt about that. The deeper feelings developing and the passion igniting, it all made me smile and sigh and swoon, it was so enchanting with a close second the connection between the doggies and their owners.
The threat that was lurking on every corner, the obstacles in Jack's mind that he had to conquer, the challenges Nicole and Jack faced, it all was wrapped around a story that captured my mind.
Operation K-9 Brothers is the first book in the series, that I am looking forward to reading and devouring.
~ Five Spoons
February 19, 2021
Check out our full post for OPERATION K-9 BROTHERS on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Stalking
Jack Daniels and Dakota are quite the pair. After being the unlucky victims of an IED, both Jack and Dakota are in need of mending. Being back home, Jack is working hard to get back to his team. And while he knows that Dakota won’t be able to come with him, he’s content to know that she is living her best life.
Nichole is a great artist, but she has been quite unlucky in the love department. I liked her spunky attitude and how she was compassionate without being a pushover. On a drunken night, she drunk dials who she thinks is Trevor, the fellow artist who scooped a commission out from under her with false promises. She ends up dialing Jack instead.
Nichole and Jack, along with their adorable dogs, Rambo and Dakota, start their romance as a friendship. Jack isn’t one to mince words, so he tells Nichole what he can offer and hopes that she’s willing to take a chance with him.
When people from Nichole’s past come back, making her life difficult, both Jack and Dakota will make sure that she is protected. The big question is whether or not Jack can keep her safe from his own demons.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more. I do hope that Grannie makes more appearances. She was hilarious.
Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Watching Jack and Nichole navigate the whole are we/aren't we was nice to see.
Nichole's pottery career is really taking off until a betrayal by a person she thought of as a friend. Ranting and raving one night after drinking a bottle of wine, she dials what she thinks is her former friend’s number and unwittingly gives Jack a piece of her mind. Intrigued, he figures out who she is and strikes up a conversation with her.
Jack's still recovering from an injury he suffered during his time overseas. Determined to rehab his arm and shoulder so that he can return to the SEALs, he knows that anything with Nichole can't last but he can't seem to stay away from her.
I really enjoyed learning about how dogs are trained to be service animals and how the dogs bring a sense of companionship that people dealing with PTSD seem to need.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
February 15, 2021
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Watching Jack and Nichole navigate the whole are we/aren't we was nice to see.
Nichole's pottery career is really taking off until a betrayal by a person she thought of as a friend. Ranting and raving one night after drinking a bottle of wine, she dials what she thinks is her former's friends' number and unwittingly gives Jack a piece of her mind. Intrigued, he figures out who she is and strikes up a conversation with her.
Jack's still recovering from an injury he suffered during his time overseas. Determined to rehab his arm and shoulder so that he can return to the Seals, he knows that anything with Nichole can't last but he can't seem to stay away from her.
I really enjoyed learning about how dogs are trained to be service animals and how the dogs bring a sense of companionship that people dealing with PTSD seem to need.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Watching Jack and Nichole navigate the whole are we/aren't we was nice to see.
Nichole's pottery career is really taking off until a betrayal by a person she thought of as a friend. Ranting and raving one night after drinking a bottle of wine, she dials what she thinks is her former's friends' number and unwittingly gives Jack a piece of her mind. Intrigued, he figures out who she is and strikes up a conversation with her.
Jack's still recovering from an injury he suffered during his time overseas. Determined to rehab his arm and shoulder so that he can return to the Seals, he knows that anything with Nichole can't last but he can't seem to stay away from her.
I really enjoyed learning about how dogs are trained to be service animals and how the dogs bring a sense of companionship that people dealing with PTSD seem to need.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
Read
January 1, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, Military, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance
Miniseries
Operation K-9 Brothers (Book #1)
Contemporary Romance, Military, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance
Miniseries
Operation K-9 Brothers (Book #1)
April 26, 2021
This is a great start to a series. I really enjoyed the connection between the characters and their dogs, it really added some dimension to the story.
July 31, 2023
I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 2 because Jack sounded like a creepy stalker. Nichole sounded just stupid.
January 8, 2021
Nicole Masters is an artist. Her pottery has become very popular around Asheville, NC. She sells her creations at the River Arts District Center. Nicole thought she had a "done deal" with a local restaurant owner to provide a complete set of dishes for his restaurant but her competitor Trevor Allen stole the contract away from her. That upset her so much she imbibed a little too much wine and thought she phoned Trevor Allen and called him several choice names in the middle of the night. She misdialed and actually ended up drunk dialing a stranger who turned out to be Jack Daniels. Not that Nicole knew it was Jack she drunk-dialed when she met Jack. Jack was curious as to who called him at 3:00 am and woke him up to a woman calling him all kinds of names. Nicole was attracted to Jack at their first meeting which, unbeknownst to Nicole, had been contrived by Jack. The bonus to meeting Jack was his agreement to help her train her rambunctious rescue puppy Rambo. Just so happened that Nicole discovered that Jack was not just super talented at training puppies but he was even more talented in the bedroom. How could she not fall for such a sweet, kindhearted sexy man.
Jack Daniels is a Navy SEAL at home in Ashville, NC recuperating from injuries incurred during a bomb blast in Afghanistan. His military bomb-sniffing dog Dakota was also injured in the blast. Dakota's injuries meant she was medically retired from the military. Jack is determined to work through his physical therapy and get back to his SEAL team. He surprised himself when he found he really liked Nicole Masters who had awakened him in the middle of the night by an incorrect drunk-dial call. He needs to concentrate on his rehabilitation and getting back to his team. But there's just something special about Nicole and he can't stop thinking about her. He has explained to Nicole that he plans to go back to his team and this is just a fling. Nicole agreed to that but maybe he is changing his mind.
Operation K-9 Brothers by Sandra Owens is the initial book in her new Operation K-9 Brothers series. I knew I was going to like this story when I read the blurb, but I didn't like it. I loved it! This is a special story of two people who are made for each other falling in love. Nicole and Jack face some serious troubles with Nicole's ex-boyfriend who is stalking Nicole. Jack has to face some hard truths and learn to share the bad times as well as the good times with Nicole. Nicole needs to trust in herself that she doesn't always pick the wrong guys. This book is filled with wonderful characters, lots of fun dialogue and a great resolution to the conflicts in the story. I really liked Ms. Owen's voice in this book. I look forward to the next book in the series, SEAL Kissed.
Jack Daniels is a Navy SEAL at home in Ashville, NC recuperating from injuries incurred during a bomb blast in Afghanistan. His military bomb-sniffing dog Dakota was also injured in the blast. Dakota's injuries meant she was medically retired from the military. Jack is determined to work through his physical therapy and get back to his SEAL team. He surprised himself when he found he really liked Nicole Masters who had awakened him in the middle of the night by an incorrect drunk-dial call. He needs to concentrate on his rehabilitation and getting back to his team. But there's just something special about Nicole and he can't stop thinking about her. He has explained to Nicole that he plans to go back to his team and this is just a fling. Nicole agreed to that but maybe he is changing his mind.
Operation K-9 Brothers by Sandra Owens is the initial book in her new Operation K-9 Brothers series. I knew I was going to like this story when I read the blurb, but I didn't like it. I loved it! This is a special story of two people who are made for each other falling in love. Nicole and Jack face some serious troubles with Nicole's ex-boyfriend who is stalking Nicole. Jack has to face some hard truths and learn to share the bad times as well as the good times with Nicole. Nicole needs to trust in herself that she doesn't always pick the wrong guys. This book is filled with wonderful characters, lots of fun dialogue and a great resolution to the conflicts in the story. I really liked Ms. Owen's voice in this book. I look forward to the next book in the series, SEAL Kissed.
January 3, 2021
This book is definitely a solid 3.5 stars for me. But really - any book that includes dogs (rescue dogs or military dogs being a special bonus - this book has both) gets an automatic 1/2 star bump from me! Jack is a Navy Seal home in Asheville, North Carolina, with his service dog Dakota on medical leave from his SEAL team recovering from a serious injury to both him and Dakota. He's bored and at loose ends when a woman drunk dials him and yells at him for how he did her wrong. Jack effectively stalks the woman to find out who she is and where she works after he sees her picture on social media. He coughs up the truth pretty quickly - but not until they are on their first date and have already connected pretty seriously. Nichole is an artist who has just adopted a rambunctious dog who needs some serious training. She takes Jack up on his offer to help train her pup - even in the face of a slew of bad relationships including one guy who is refusing to let go.
This story takes a lot of turns and twists - a couple of which were left a little bit hanging (the plotline about her lost commission for example, why Jack blacked out after the fight with Nichole's ex, and the fact that her brother just happens to be a video game designer whiz - but never told anyone) - but it definitely kept my interest.
Overall - this is a good read and worth the time especially for dog lovers! I'd recommend this for fans of Susan Stoker.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
This story takes a lot of turns and twists - a couple of which were left a little bit hanging (the plotline about her lost commission for example, why Jack blacked out after the fight with Nichole's ex, and the fact that her brother just happens to be a video game designer whiz - but never told anyone) - but it definitely kept my interest.
Overall - this is a good read and worth the time especially for dog lovers! I'd recommend this for fans of Susan Stoker.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
December 19, 2022
This one was so much better than I expected going in. I liked Jack (laughed at his name!) and how he was curious by his drunk dialed wrong number. Liked that he was instantly smitten with Nichole from a far and close up when he met her. Rambo was a good way in for Jack, glad that Nichole took Jack up on the training.
Both of them seemed so smitten with each other, I loved how both of them went with it and how Jack kept trying to pull back, to be a gentleman because he knew he wasn't going to be around. It was great how after he explained things to Nichole, she didn't care, that she was willing to take the time they had. They were cute together!
I liked that Jack stepped up when Nichole needed help. First from the guy who stole her commission and then with her ex and heck, even her brother. It was great that Jack didn't instantly dismiss the brother, but showed him a better path in life, one that he reached out with happily.
I hated the drama at the end. From Jack pulling a stupid boy move of "you deserve better" to one night of drinking going way out of control. About the only good thing to come out of it was that Jack had to face his real future and he came up with a great plan of how to do that. Once the ambiguousness of his future was gone, all that was left was for Jack to win Nichole back.
This one ended in a great way! Jack and Nichole living their lives happy and a new business starting up!
On a side note...how funny was Jack's Grammie! I loved her and Dirty Mary, the stuff those 2 came up, so funny!
Both of them seemed so smitten with each other, I loved how both of them went with it and how Jack kept trying to pull back, to be a gentleman because he knew he wasn't going to be around. It was great how after he explained things to Nichole, she didn't care, that she was willing to take the time they had. They were cute together!
I liked that Jack stepped up when Nichole needed help. First from the guy who stole her commission and then with her ex and heck, even her brother. It was great that Jack didn't instantly dismiss the brother, but showed him a better path in life, one that he reached out with happily.
I hated the drama at the end. From Jack pulling a stupid boy move of "you deserve better" to one night of drinking going way out of control. About the only good thing to come out of it was that Jack had to face his real future and he came up with a great plan of how to do that. Once the ambiguousness of his future was gone, all that was left was for Jack to win Nichole back.
This one ended in a great way! Jack and Nichole living their lives happy and a new business starting up!
On a side note...how funny was Jack's Grammie! I loved her and Dirty Mary, the stuff those 2 came up, so funny!
January 31, 2021
A Lovely Story
I love this story by Sandra Owens. Operation K-9 Brothers is about Jack Daniels, a Navy SEAL, who is injured in the line of duty. He moves to Ashville, NC to heal along with his team's military dog who was also injured and adopted by Jack. The dog has transitioned into a therapy dog to help Jack with PTSD. While he is in Ashville, he is accidentally drunk dialed by a lady in the middle of the night and he determines to find out who that was. It turns out that it was a potter, Nichole Masters, who thought she was calling another potter who had stolen a job from her. In addition, she has a stalker ex-boyfriend and a brother that needs to grow up which makes this story even more interesting. I really enjoyed this story as there was plenty of romance, some suspense, good humor, and, of course, plenty of 4-legged furry buddies. I thought the characters were real and I loved seeing many of them grow, both 2-legged and 4-legged. I definitely recommend this book.
I love this story by Sandra Owens. Operation K-9 Brothers is about Jack Daniels, a Navy SEAL, who is injured in the line of duty. He moves to Ashville, NC to heal along with his team's military dog who was also injured and adopted by Jack. The dog has transitioned into a therapy dog to help Jack with PTSD. While he is in Ashville, he is accidentally drunk dialed by a lady in the middle of the night and he determines to find out who that was. It turns out that it was a potter, Nichole Masters, who thought she was calling another potter who had stolen a job from her. In addition, she has a stalker ex-boyfriend and a brother that needs to grow up which makes this story even more interesting. I really enjoyed this story as there was plenty of romance, some suspense, good humor, and, of course, plenty of 4-legged furry buddies. I thought the characters were real and I loved seeing many of them grow, both 2-legged and 4-legged. I definitely recommend this book.
February 14, 2021
Operation K-9 Brothers by Sandra Owens
5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Jack Daniels and Dakota are quite the pair. After being the unlucky victims of an IED, both Jack and Dakota are in need of mending. Being back home, Jack is working hard to get back to his team. And, while he knows that Dakota wont’ be able to come with him, he’s content to know that she is living her best life.
Nichole is a great artist, but she has been quite unlucky in the love department. I liked her spunky attitude and how she was compassionate without being a push over. On a drunken night, she drunk dials who she thinks is Trevor, the fellow artist who scooped a commission out from under her with false promises. She ends up dialing Jack instead.
Nichole and Jack, along with their adorable dogs, Rambo and Dakota start their romance as a friendship. Jack isn’t one to mince words, so he tells Nichole what he can offer and hopes that she’s willing to take a chance with him.
When people from Nichole’s past come back, making her life difficult, both Jack and Dakota will make sure that she is protected. The big question is whether or not Jack can keep her safe from his own demons.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more. I do home that Grannie makes more appearances. She was hilarious.
5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Jack Daniels and Dakota are quite the pair. After being the unlucky victims of an IED, both Jack and Dakota are in need of mending. Being back home, Jack is working hard to get back to his team. And, while he knows that Dakota wont’ be able to come with him, he’s content to know that she is living her best life.
Nichole is a great artist, but she has been quite unlucky in the love department. I liked her spunky attitude and how she was compassionate without being a push over. On a drunken night, she drunk dials who she thinks is Trevor, the fellow artist who scooped a commission out from under her with false promises. She ends up dialing Jack instead.
Nichole and Jack, along with their adorable dogs, Rambo and Dakota start their romance as a friendship. Jack isn’t one to mince words, so he tells Nichole what he can offer and hopes that she’s willing to take a chance with him.
When people from Nichole’s past come back, making her life difficult, both Jack and Dakota will make sure that she is protected. The big question is whether or not Jack can keep her safe from his own demons.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more. I do home that Grannie makes more appearances. She was hilarious.
February 27, 2021
Jack Daniels was injured and left on the mead until he can get the clear to go back to his brothers in the SEAL. One day he receives a drunk dial from Nichole by accident he goes searching for her and likes what sees. Nichole has an ex who isn't interested in just being an ex and making sure she knows he's around and doesnt plan on leaving her alone. Jack offers to help train Nicholes puppy problem but if she's around.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that attraction between the two seeing their interaction and seeing how they were falling for eachother. Problem is there is going to be a limit how things works I mean he has every intention of getting back to the SEALs and if he starts a relationship he knows from his brothers how that can turn out. Then there is Nichole who has bad luck with guys and her ex is looking to make things worse because he can't take a hint. I loved seeing how everything played out though because clearly that ex wasn't backing off and the lengths he went though was kinda ridiculous. There was plenty to enjoy about this book and I really enjoyed myself reading it.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that attraction between the two seeing their interaction and seeing how they were falling for eachother. Problem is there is going to be a limit how things works I mean he has every intention of getting back to the SEALs and if he starts a relationship he knows from his brothers how that can turn out. Then there is Nichole who has bad luck with guys and her ex is looking to make things worse because he can't take a hint. I loved seeing how everything played out though because clearly that ex wasn't backing off and the lengths he went though was kinda ridiculous. There was plenty to enjoy about this book and I really enjoyed myself reading it.
January 31, 2021
the extra point was given because i used to have my job working on training therapy dog to autistic people n dementia. it s a very nice thing to see them clam the emotional people down, the big big smile from those who are suffering.
i love them so much, it’s another story with my work history.
Whiskey, a very nice guy, i m sure people in love with dog are not the bad person, dog read people in a good way, they love u unconditionally, whoever u are n how the look are, they treat u the same, of course, Whiskey is a sweet man, a SEAL, a man born to protect, lead n solve.
Nicole, just a lady with her own fire, happy to see they are together.
my place is a place that don’t have soldiers, at least, it’s peaceful n people no need to deploy the other country to fight, kill n survive. Solider is train to kill see the most ugly things in the world, some of them is hero some of them are not.
it’s their job to protect us, even they kill the others. with all my respect to them even sometime they didn’t deserve.
i love them so much, it’s another story with my work history.
Whiskey, a very nice guy, i m sure people in love with dog are not the bad person, dog read people in a good way, they love u unconditionally, whoever u are n how the look are, they treat u the same, of course, Whiskey is a sweet man, a SEAL, a man born to protect, lead n solve.
Nicole, just a lady with her own fire, happy to see they are together.
my place is a place that don’t have soldiers, at least, it’s peaceful n people no need to deploy the other country to fight, kill n survive. Solider is train to kill see the most ugly things in the world, some of them is hero some of them are not.
it’s their job to protect us, even they kill the others. with all my respect to them even sometime they didn’t deserve.
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