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Operation K-9 Brothers #2
Keeping Guard
Finding the future they deserve will mean leaving the past behind...
Navy SEAL Noah Alba is on extended leave after a terrible mistake resulted in the loss of his K-9 partner. He arrives in Asheville, North Carolina, hoping to get his head on straight before he returns overseas. When an old friend recruits him to train service dogs for veterans, he doesn't feel ready. Still, rambunctious rescue dog Lucky is awfully hard to resist--as is the drop-dead stunning bride Noah encounters while hiking.
When she finds out her fianc� is only marrying her to gain control of her family's brewery, Peyton Sutton's I do turns into a hard pass real quick. But Peyton's father and now-jilted ex are determined to force the match at any cost. Running away can only get her so far, until Noah--and his adorably fierce canine companion--step in as an unlikely protector.
Guarding a runaway bride in the close quarters of her downtown loft is no way to avoid a simmering attraction. But Peyton can't outrun her ex, and Noah can't outrun his past; they'll have to find a way to move forward together, or risk making another terrible mistake.
Operation K-9 Brothers
Book 1: Operation K-9 Brothers
Book 2: Keeping Guard
Navy SEAL Noah Alba is on extended leave after a terrible mistake resulted in the loss of his K-9 partner. He arrives in Asheville, North Carolina, hoping to get his head on straight before he returns overseas. When an old friend recruits him to train service dogs for veterans, he doesn't feel ready. Still, rambunctious rescue dog Lucky is awfully hard to resist--as is the drop-dead stunning bride Noah encounters while hiking.
When she finds out her fianc� is only marrying her to gain control of her family's brewery, Peyton Sutton's I do turns into a hard pass real quick. But Peyton's father and now-jilted ex are determined to force the match at any cost. Running away can only get her so far, until Noah--and his adorably fierce canine companion--step in as an unlikely protector.
Guarding a runaway bride in the close quarters of her downtown loft is no way to avoid a simmering attraction. But Peyton can't outrun her ex, and Noah can't outrun his past; they'll have to find a way to move forward together, or risk making another terrible mistake.
Operation K-9 Brothers
Book 1: Operation K-9 Brothers
Book 2: Keeping Guard
Audio CD
First published May 11, 2021
346 people are currently reading
282 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 152 reviews
February 17, 2024
At it's heart this book is about second chances. Each character has one and uses it to good advantage.
June 9, 2021
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I'm having a really tough time getting past the angst and self-flagellation of the hero in this book. Yeah, bad things happen in war. Yeah, mistakes can be made that result in the death of others. Yeah, survivors suffer too. But, do I have to be beat over the head every five pages with it? I have some problems with the heroine too, but not nearly what I have with the hero. Overall, I feel like I've read this book before, like the last book Sandra Owens wrote. Must be her formula and I didn't care for it last time either.
When Navy SEAL Noah Alba lands in Asheville, North Carolina he is a mess and suffering from PTSD over a mistake that took the life of his translator and the team dog. This is just one more tragedy in a life marked from a young age. His friend , Jack, trains service dogs and Jack hopes to help Noah through this really tough time. Jack has just the dog for Noah, but Noah wants nothing to do with the dog.
Peyton Sutton's wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but the reality is so not. Her father and fiancé have controlled every aspect of it right down to the gown she is wearing. When she overhears a conversation, she realizes that this wedding is going to be a no go and she runs. Peyton ends up at on a trail at the waterfall and she proceeds to toast her escape with a bottle of champagne. When Noah comes upon her, he isn't sure just what is going on, but the sight of Peyton is enough to take his breath away.
But, Peyton's jilted fiancé is not taking "no" for an answer and is determined to take and marry Peyton. Not on Noah's watch and Peyton is fast becoming addicted to the "tingles" Noah kisses give her.
I'm having a really tough time getting past the angst and self-flagellation of the hero in this book. Yeah, bad things happen in war. Yeah, mistakes can be made that result in the death of others. Yeah, survivors suffer too. But, do I have to be beat over the head every five pages with it? I have some problems with the heroine too, but not nearly what I have with the hero. Overall, I feel like I've read this book before, like the last book Sandra Owens wrote. Must be her formula and I didn't care for it last time either.
When Navy SEAL Noah Alba lands in Asheville, North Carolina he is a mess and suffering from PTSD over a mistake that took the life of his translator and the team dog. This is just one more tragedy in a life marked from a young age. His friend , Jack, trains service dogs and Jack hopes to help Noah through this really tough time. Jack has just the dog for Noah, but Noah wants nothing to do with the dog.
Peyton Sutton's wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but the reality is so not. Her father and fiancé have controlled every aspect of it right down to the gown she is wearing. When she overhears a conversation, she realizes that this wedding is going to be a no go and she runs. Peyton ends up at on a trail at the waterfall and she proceeds to toast her escape with a bottle of champagne. When Noah comes upon her, he isn't sure just what is going on, but the sight of Peyton is enough to take his breath away.
But, Peyton's jilted fiancé is not taking "no" for an answer and is determined to take and marry Peyton. Not on Noah's watch and Peyton is fast becoming addicted to the "tingles" Noah kisses give her.
October 15, 2022
4 stars. this was good but I honestly felt like the middle to the end was better than the beginning. It was borderline cheesy and cringy but definitely got better
January 7, 2024
I liked this one SO much better than the first one! I'm glad I continued with the series. Peyton and Noah were terrific together. Yeppers, a good one. ;)
February 28, 2022
3 stars. A book where the psycho ex is the heroine's ex, instead of the hero's... a nice change of pace, imo.
Overall, this is a good story, but probably my least favorite of the series because of the hero's issues. He just takes too long to figure out his problems for me and it became irritating.
Safe; heroine runs away from her own wedding when she meets the hero, no cheating, the ex fiance causes problems but not in a way that the heroine ever considers getting back together with him. She wasn't really in love with her ex, but was with him because she wanted to make her father happy. No scenes with OM/OW, hero celibate, separation w/o other partners.
TW: Cancer (side character), emotional neglect
Overall, this is a good story, but probably my least favorite of the series because of the hero's issues. He just takes too long to figure out his problems for me and it became irritating.
Safe; heroine runs away from her own wedding when she meets the hero, no cheating, the ex fiance causes problems but not in a way that the heroine ever considers getting back together with him. She wasn't really in love with her ex, but was with him because she wanted to make her father happy. No scenes with OM/OW, hero celibate, separation w/o other partners.
TW: Cancer (side character), emotional neglect
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2021
I’m always on the lookout for a new to me romantic suspense author and this book sounded perfect, especially with the dogs.
I really liked Peyton and Noah. She’s smart and independent. He’s stoic and hurting. Together they have instant attraction and a slow, seemingly organic progression of a relationship. I loved Jack and Nichole and the dogs.
Plot wise, it was okay. I wanted a lot more of everything: the suspense was low, the tension was non-existent, and seriously, a few open conversations about the future wouldn’t have killed anyone. The inevitable break up didn’t last long (and was tempered with a fun scene between Peyton and Nichole) and the resolution was immediate.
At times, the writing felt clunky to me. There were odd word choices and repetitive phrases and (maybe it’s just a regional thing), it took me out of the story.
Overall, it was easy to root for these characters and I might go back to see if Jack and Nichole are in a previous book.
FYI: on the page scenes of violence against women
**Huge thanks to Carina Press for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Peyton and Noah. She’s smart and independent. He’s stoic and hurting. Together they have instant attraction and a slow, seemingly organic progression of a relationship. I loved Jack and Nichole and the dogs.
Plot wise, it was okay. I wanted a lot more of everything: the suspense was low, the tension was non-existent, and seriously, a few open conversations about the future wouldn’t have killed anyone. The inevitable break up didn’t last long (and was tempered with a fun scene between Peyton and Nichole) and the resolution was immediate.
At times, the writing felt clunky to me. There were odd word choices and repetitive phrases and (maybe it’s just a regional thing), it took me out of the story.
Overall, it was easy to root for these characters and I might go back to see if Jack and Nichole are in a previous book.
FYI: on the page scenes of violence against women
**Huge thanks to Carina Press for providing the arc free of charge**
January 15, 2023
I found myself laughing at the start of this one. It was just as crazy as the last one and I liked that. I felt for Peyton in what she learned, but was glad she didn't go ahead and get married. I liked that Noah went with the flow with Peyton and how he named her former groom, DG.
I felt for Noah and how he was at a cross roads in his life. That survivor's guilt eating him up, yet he didn't realize it to do something about it. He was so surly at the start, he needed the non-sense that Peyton brought with her.
It nice, in a way, how they both lived in the moment, it allowed them to start something, but it also hurt both of them when Noah had to go. I was only glad that things were settled in Peyton's life and that Jack gave Noah another option. Of course Noah picked #2! It was great how he let Peyton know his choice, fitting for them both.
I felt for Noah and how he was at a cross roads in his life. That survivor's guilt eating him up, yet he didn't realize it to do something about it. He was so surly at the start, he needed the non-sense that Peyton brought with her.
It nice, in a way, how they both lived in the moment, it allowed them to start something, but it also hurt both of them when Noah had to go. I was only glad that things were settled in Peyton's life and that Jack gave Noah another option. Of course Noah picked #2! It was great how he let Peyton know his choice, fitting for them both.
September 19, 2024
Lots of witty banter and a well-paced plot made this a fun read for a stressful week.
May 17, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
Amusing, sexy and featuring very interesting, troubled characters, particularly a broken, grumpy hero, “Keeping Guard”, by Sandra Owens (HARLEQUIN – Carina Press), maintains a perfect balance between humor and depth.
This was just a joy, a pleasure to read – the characters, the dialogue, the dogs, the setting (Asheville), everything is delightful and well written.
Noah and Peyton are both very decent people: Noah with his wounded soul (tortured, yet so smitten with the heroine and deep down such a gentle man), Peyton with her enormous, impulsive heart and that cute tendency to ramble.
I found the hero’s internal musings very well done, showing the psychological scars (with suggestive imagery of mental trauma) and baggage but also the ability to care and love, and all wrapped up in a light, dry humor.
Peyton is a great character, too, a vibrant woman, genuine and mature but still with an adorable youthfulness.
I liked that besides the physical attraction there’s a strong emotional connection between Noah and Peyton.
Funny and sweet, the story also has some heart-breaking moments and depth, and addresses serious issues like PTSD and domestic violence. Sandra Owens does a great job of conveying Noah’s guilt and that it doesn’t disappear with the love of a good woman… And even the therapy sessions were lively and interesting, with lots of showing.
I liked the brotherhood, the friendships that developed, and loved Noah’s gift (and how Owens intertwines it into the plot so very cleverly and economically).
Amusing, sexy and featuring very interesting, troubled characters, particularly a broken, grumpy hero, “Keeping Guard”, by Sandra Owens (HARLEQUIN – Carina Press), maintains a perfect balance between humor and depth.
This was just a joy, a pleasure to read – the characters, the dialogue, the dogs, the setting (Asheville), everything is delightful and well written.
Noah and Peyton are both very decent people: Noah with his wounded soul (tortured, yet so smitten with the heroine and deep down such a gentle man), Peyton with her enormous, impulsive heart and that cute tendency to ramble.
I found the hero’s internal musings very well done, showing the psychological scars (with suggestive imagery of mental trauma) and baggage but also the ability to care and love, and all wrapped up in a light, dry humor.
Peyton is a great character, too, a vibrant woman, genuine and mature but still with an adorable youthfulness.
I liked that besides the physical attraction there’s a strong emotional connection between Noah and Peyton.
Funny and sweet, the story also has some heart-breaking moments and depth, and addresses serious issues like PTSD and domestic violence. Sandra Owens does a great job of conveying Noah’s guilt and that it doesn’t disappear with the love of a good woman… And even the therapy sessions were lively and interesting, with lots of showing.
I liked the brotherhood, the friendships that developed, and loved Noah’s gift (and how Owens intertwines it into the plot so very cleverly and economically).
April 7, 2021
Good book, a few lulls but an amazing story with fantastic characters and I love the humor in this book that is so serious a topic. Right from the beginning it grabs you and keeps you there right until the end.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
I didn't know if I would like the second book to the series as well as I did the first, but I thought it was absolutely as good as the first one! I love the humor, the song references, and the raw emotions they feel...i also like that she tell the story from both sides, so you know the struggles that complicate a relationship.
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May 1, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance
Miniseries
Operation K-9 Brothers (Book #2)
Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance
Miniseries
Operation K-9 Brothers (Book #2)
April 16, 2023
Very very good book !!
August 2, 2023
This book's book's storyline was okay. I liked the parts about the canines. I liked Noah's character. I felt sorry for Noah. Peyton's character was okay. I liked the ending.
June 1, 2021
Incredible.
Sandra Owens is an incredible writer. Her characters and her plots are realistic and keep the reader glued to her writing.
I’m so looking forward to #3 in this series.
Sandra Owens is an incredible writer. Her characters and her plots are realistic and keep the reader glued to her writing.
I’m so looking forward to #3 in this series.
December 30, 2023
This is the second book in the Operation K-9 Brothers series. There was a bit less angst in this one than the first one. I enjoyed the couple immensely,. I also loved how Noah slowly gained his confidence with dog training again. I'm really loving this series.
May 19, 2021
Keeping Guard
Sandra Owens
May 25, 2021
Owen’s latest, Keeping Guard is the second of her Operation K-9 Brothers series. This romantic suspense has it all. Noah Alba, Navy Seal on an extended leave to receive some much needed counseling. He’s been told to take time with his Seal Brother, Jack Daniels - aka Whiskey to work with his dogs that become therapy guides for retired Seals. When Noah arrived in Asheville, North Carolina he wanted anything but help. His constant battle with anger and pain was his problem and he could deal with it. After checking in with Whiskey at the kennels he was told to drop his gear off at the small efficiency apartment the Navy booked for him. He was given a map to a local park and waterfall. Jack felt that if he chilled out from the flight he might be able to get something to eat and then sleep. His first day at the K-9 facility was scheduled for tomorrow. Neither thought he would be any good if he couldn’t relax.
In the interim, Peyton Sutton was dressing for her wedding but she overheard Dalton discussing the marriage to his best man. He only planned to marry her to gain her father’s trust along with his gift of shares in his business. The prospective groom, Dalton, was financed to the hilt with shady loans and his game was to inherit Sutton’s millions.
Operation K-9 Brothers is a great series. It has fun yet lures the reader in with suspense. When Noah discovers Peyton at the waterfall stripped of her bridal gown sitting on a boulder drinking champagne; his journey opens up and the story becomes an incredibly good read.
Keeping Guard by Sandra Owens will be published by Carina Press of Harlequin Digital Sales on May 25, 2021. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this latest Owen’s novel via Netgalley. It gives us a view of the need for dogs in the military as well as for the retired brothers and sisters who suffer PTSD. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey of Noah and Peyton. Do pick this one up, a great beach read. Enjoy!
Sandra Owens
May 25, 2021
Owen’s latest, Keeping Guard is the second of her Operation K-9 Brothers series. This romantic suspense has it all. Noah Alba, Navy Seal on an extended leave to receive some much needed counseling. He’s been told to take time with his Seal Brother, Jack Daniels - aka Whiskey to work with his dogs that become therapy guides for retired Seals. When Noah arrived in Asheville, North Carolina he wanted anything but help. His constant battle with anger and pain was his problem and he could deal with it. After checking in with Whiskey at the kennels he was told to drop his gear off at the small efficiency apartment the Navy booked for him. He was given a map to a local park and waterfall. Jack felt that if he chilled out from the flight he might be able to get something to eat and then sleep. His first day at the K-9 facility was scheduled for tomorrow. Neither thought he would be any good if he couldn’t relax.
In the interim, Peyton Sutton was dressing for her wedding but she overheard Dalton discussing the marriage to his best man. He only planned to marry her to gain her father’s trust along with his gift of shares in his business. The prospective groom, Dalton, was financed to the hilt with shady loans and his game was to inherit Sutton’s millions.
Operation K-9 Brothers is a great series. It has fun yet lures the reader in with suspense. When Noah discovers Peyton at the waterfall stripped of her bridal gown sitting on a boulder drinking champagne; his journey opens up and the story becomes an incredibly good read.
Keeping Guard by Sandra Owens will be published by Carina Press of Harlequin Digital Sales on May 25, 2021. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this latest Owen’s novel via Netgalley. It gives us a view of the need for dogs in the military as well as for the retired brothers and sisters who suffer PTSD. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey of Noah and Peyton. Do pick this one up, a great beach read. Enjoy!
June 1, 2024
I love this book!💖💜💖
“Take my hand, princess. Take my whole life, too.” He needed to touch her, needed his mouth on hers... Hopefully, she’d allow that. “I’m mad at you.” “Figured you would be.” “You could have texted me at least once, letting me know you’d arrived safely.” “I should have, and I’m sorry. If you’ll come up here, I’ll tell you everything.” She put her hand in his, and if he’d been standing, the happiness roaring through him like a tsunami would have brought him to his knees. He helped her onto the rock, pulling her next to him. “Hey, you,” he murmured, keeping her hand in his. “Hi.” Her smile was both shy and beautiful, and it about melted his heart. “You came back.” “I did.” “For how long?” He heard the tremor in her voice, knew she thought he would leave again. “For as long as you’ll have me.” “Do you mean that?” “Yes.” He rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand. “I’m opting out of the navy.” “I would never ask you to do that.” “It’s time. For several reasons.” He reached behind him and picked up the champagne bottle he’d already uncorked. “I have a lot to tell you. The first time I met you, we shared your champagne. Thought we could re-create that day a little.” He waggled his eyebrows. “If you want to really reenact that day, feel free to strip down to your underwear.” She punched his arm. “That was a one-time show in public, SEAL boy.” “Pity.” He handed her the bottle, then took his own drink when she gave it back. “I missed you, Peyton. So much.” “If you missed me so much, how come I never heard from you? It hurt, that you could just walk away without a backward look.” “You were in my thoughts every minute of my days.” He brought her hand to his chest, pressing it over his heart. “And here. You’re in my heart. You are my heart. When I left, I thought I had who knows how many deployments ahead of me. I didn’t want that for you. I wanted better for you than a man as messed up as I am.”
“Take my hand, princess. Take my whole life, too.” He needed to touch her, needed his mouth on hers... Hopefully, she’d allow that. “I’m mad at you.” “Figured you would be.” “You could have texted me at least once, letting me know you’d arrived safely.” “I should have, and I’m sorry. If you’ll come up here, I’ll tell you everything.” She put her hand in his, and if he’d been standing, the happiness roaring through him like a tsunami would have brought him to his knees. He helped her onto the rock, pulling her next to him. “Hey, you,” he murmured, keeping her hand in his. “Hi.” Her smile was both shy and beautiful, and it about melted his heart. “You came back.” “I did.” “For how long?” He heard the tremor in her voice, knew she thought he would leave again. “For as long as you’ll have me.” “Do you mean that?” “Yes.” He rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand. “I’m opting out of the navy.” “I would never ask you to do that.” “It’s time. For several reasons.” He reached behind him and picked up the champagne bottle he’d already uncorked. “I have a lot to tell you. The first time I met you, we shared your champagne. Thought we could re-create that day a little.” He waggled his eyebrows. “If you want to really reenact that day, feel free to strip down to your underwear.” She punched his arm. “That was a one-time show in public, SEAL boy.” “Pity.” He handed her the bottle, then took his own drink when she gave it back. “I missed you, Peyton. So much.” “If you missed me so much, how come I never heard from you? It hurt, that you could just walk away without a backward look.” “You were in my thoughts every minute of my days.” He brought her hand to his chest, pressing it over his heart. “And here. You’re in my heart. You are my heart. When I left, I thought I had who knows how many deployments ahead of me. I didn’t want that for you. I wanted better for you than a man as messed up as I am.”
June 13, 2021
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Noah Alba is a Navy Seal who is home after losing some of his men in an operation. He is on medical leave assigned to a K-9 training operation to help him overcome battle fatigue.
The operation is headed up by Jack Daniels, a disabled veteran. He knows that having the men help train the dogs also helps to reduce their PTSD. Hopefully it will work on Noah.
Payton Sutton is a runaway bride. She overhears the groom telling a friend; “the only reason I am marrying her is to get her father’s micro-brewery.” She grabs two bottles of champagne and escapes before the ceremony. The groom, Dalton, is a real piece of work whose first wife died leaving him a small fortune.
Fate has Noah meeting Peyton down near a river where she is enjoying the champagne and being thankful for realizing the situation in time. Dalton is not so easily put off, however, and intends to complete the marriage no matter what! He doesn’t care that Payton has become a Master Brewer.
Recognizing the bullying tactics of Dalton and Payton’s father, Noah steps in to help her. She is enamored with his physical prowess and like any white knight, he is not about to allow the situation to proceed. Sandra Owens keeps a very energetic dialogue going between herself and this seasoned veteran. Noah is not looking for a relationship but circumstances dictate otherwise.
I found this read very entertaining; the storyline didn’t lag. I suggest it to any one who wants an fun, enjoyable romantic read. 5 stars - CE Williams
Noah Alba is a Navy Seal who is home after losing some of his men in an operation. He is on medical leave assigned to a K-9 training operation to help him overcome battle fatigue.
The operation is headed up by Jack Daniels, a disabled veteran. He knows that having the men help train the dogs also helps to reduce their PTSD. Hopefully it will work on Noah.
Payton Sutton is a runaway bride. She overhears the groom telling a friend; “the only reason I am marrying her is to get her father’s micro-brewery.” She grabs two bottles of champagne and escapes before the ceremony. The groom, Dalton, is a real piece of work whose first wife died leaving him a small fortune.
Fate has Noah meeting Peyton down near a river where she is enjoying the champagne and being thankful for realizing the situation in time. Dalton is not so easily put off, however, and intends to complete the marriage no matter what! He doesn’t care that Payton has become a Master Brewer.
Recognizing the bullying tactics of Dalton and Payton’s father, Noah steps in to help her. She is enamored with his physical prowess and like any white knight, he is not about to allow the situation to proceed. Sandra Owens keeps a very energetic dialogue going between herself and this seasoned veteran. Noah is not looking for a relationship but circumstances dictate otherwise.
I found this read very entertaining; the storyline didn’t lag. I suggest it to any one who wants an fun, enjoyable romantic read. 5 stars - CE Williams
April 19, 2021
If you like stories about dogs and Navy SEALS and that have elements of romantic suspense - you have hit the jackpot with this book and this series. Noah is a SEAL on leave to work on his mental health after a series of events left him with PTSD and a crushing amount of guilt. He's in Asheville to work with his friend and former teammate who now runs a program training service dogs for veterans. Noah wants nothing to do with any of it and is only there because he was directly ordered there by his commanding officer. Noah meets Peyton shortly after she ran away from her wedding. Dressed in nothing but the underthings she had on under her wedding dress and drinking champagne, Peyton is definitely a sight.
Peyton found out, minutes before her wedding, that her fiancé was only marrying her to gain control of her family's brewery. Her now ex-fiancé is definitely not who she thought he was and as it turns out - she doesn't really know her father all that well either. With her life turned upside down - she and Noah connect and he helps her through. That quickly turns into protection as Peyton's ex
I loved Peyton - she was smart, fun, and an overall amazing person. Her commitment to Noah was something I wish was present in more books - she didn't let him push her away and stayed patient with him as he worked through things. Noah is really one of the good ones. He did not have an easy life - even before the military - and his experiences there have amplified his PTSD to a very serious degree. One of the best parts of this book is that it focuses on Noah getting therapy - not just relying on love to help him.
Overall - I have really been enjoying this series and can't wait for more!
Content warnings -
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Peyton found out, minutes before her wedding, that her fiancé was only marrying her to gain control of her family's brewery. Her now ex-fiancé is definitely not who she thought he was and as it turns out - she doesn't really know her father all that well either. With her life turned upside down - she and Noah connect and he helps her through. That quickly turns into protection as Peyton's ex
I loved Peyton - she was smart, fun, and an overall amazing person. Her commitment to Noah was something I wish was present in more books - she didn't let him push her away and stayed patient with him as he worked through things. Noah is really one of the good ones. He did not have an easy life - even before the military - and his experiences there have amplified his PTSD to a very serious degree. One of the best parts of this book is that it focuses on Noah getting therapy - not just relying on love to help him.
Overall - I have really been enjoying this series and can't wait for more!
Content warnings -
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
June 2, 2021
Highly recommended!
The K-9 Brothers series has just turned up the heat another notch with book 2. Keeping Guard was amazing on so many levels. Noah can’t live with himself after a fatal mistake. It was heartbreaking reading his inner thoughts, hearing about his tormenting nightmares and the dreaded biting ants. The way Sandra was able to convey Noah’s turmoil was incredible and stirred up a lot of emotion.
Sandra certainly knows how to make us fall in love with her heroes. Noah is one hot, tough guy with a heart of gold. He was very shut off until he accidentally met runaway bride Peyton. I loved the way he could put aside his own turmoil to be there for Peyton in any way she needed him. Peyton is like a ray of sunshine to his moody persona. I loved her character because she is talented, fun loving and doesn’t take any of Noah’s BS. They are so good together.
Sandra’s sense of humour is on point as always and balanced perfectly throughout the story. I love the lighthearted banter in their heads and with each other.
The reluctant relationship Noah has with Lucky was brilliantly handled. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the change from the initial moments when he wouldn’t acknowledge Lucky to the point where he realised Lucky was a firm part of his life.
All of the supporting characters shine and the beautiful dogs a highlight.
Overall a brilliant story and highly recommended. I can’t wait to read book 3 and Dallas’s story.
The K-9 Brothers series has just turned up the heat another notch with book 2. Keeping Guard was amazing on so many levels. Noah can’t live with himself after a fatal mistake. It was heartbreaking reading his inner thoughts, hearing about his tormenting nightmares and the dreaded biting ants. The way Sandra was able to convey Noah’s turmoil was incredible and stirred up a lot of emotion.
Sandra certainly knows how to make us fall in love with her heroes. Noah is one hot, tough guy with a heart of gold. He was very shut off until he accidentally met runaway bride Peyton. I loved the way he could put aside his own turmoil to be there for Peyton in any way she needed him. Peyton is like a ray of sunshine to his moody persona. I loved her character because she is talented, fun loving and doesn’t take any of Noah’s BS. They are so good together.
Sandra’s sense of humour is on point as always and balanced perfectly throughout the story. I love the lighthearted banter in their heads and with each other.
The reluctant relationship Noah has with Lucky was brilliantly handled. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the change from the initial moments when he wouldn’t acknowledge Lucky to the point where he realised Lucky was a firm part of his life.
All of the supporting characters shine and the beautiful dogs a highlight.
Overall a brilliant story and highly recommended. I can’t wait to read book 3 and Dallas’s story.
December 3, 2025
4.75 Stars
I started this series over a year ago with Jack's book, which was good, but not as good as his buddy Noah's story. I took a break and sort of forgot about the series, then decided to restart it, and I'm so glad I did. Noah and Payton's romance checked all the boxes for me:
Intriguing hero with demons
Spunky and lovable heroine
Great romantic chemistry between the two leads
A dash of doggy love
Grin-worthy moments (the good kind)
A little action
The story was a nice blend of all the things I gravitate toward. Although some of the situations are probably in the unrealistic category, I just didn't care. Noah and Payton were so damn cute with each other that those somewhat unrealistic things didn't matter.
This is also a damsel in distress sort of story, which was a nice change from the plethora of "women don't need or want heroes" stories saturating the market these days. Don't get me wrong, Payton is a strong and independent woman who proves she can take care of herself, but she also doesn't mind and isn't afraid to ask for a hero in her life either.
Jack and Nicole also have cameos in the book. Jack was a great leading man in his own book and a great support character in this one. His dynamic with Noah was grin-worthy. Nicole had more opportunity to shine in Jack's story, but she played the "new female friend" card to Payton as you'd expect it.
If you're in the mood to smile and grin for a couple of hours, this series is a great for making your cheeks hurt.
I started this series over a year ago with Jack's book, which was good, but not as good as his buddy Noah's story. I took a break and sort of forgot about the series, then decided to restart it, and I'm so glad I did. Noah and Payton's romance checked all the boxes for me:
Intriguing hero with demons
Spunky and lovable heroine
Great romantic chemistry between the two leads
A dash of doggy love
Grin-worthy moments (the good kind)
A little action
The story was a nice blend of all the things I gravitate toward. Although some of the situations are probably in the unrealistic category, I just didn't care. Noah and Payton were so damn cute with each other that those somewhat unrealistic things didn't matter.
This is also a damsel in distress sort of story, which was a nice change from the plethora of "women don't need or want heroes" stories saturating the market these days. Don't get me wrong, Payton is a strong and independent woman who proves she can take care of herself, but she also doesn't mind and isn't afraid to ask for a hero in her life either.
Jack and Nicole also have cameos in the book. Jack was a great leading man in his own book and a great support character in this one. His dynamic with Noah was grin-worthy. Nicole had more opportunity to shine in Jack's story, but she played the "new female friend" card to Payton as you'd expect it.
If you're in the mood to smile and grin for a couple of hours, this series is a great for making your cheeks hurt.
April 17, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While this is a part of a series, you do not have to read the prior story to thoroughly enjoy this one.
This author definitely knows how to stick a knife in my heart and twist it. My heart was in despair at one point. I truly felt for both of the characters. In fact, they seemed more human to me than characters of a book. I think that was due in part to the dual POV format. Reading the characters thoughts really helped to make them more human and easily understandable in a given scene.
I so fell in love with Noah. He is a true warrior and protector at heart. He comes across Peyton at a waterfall. She is a runaway bride. Shortly before her wedding, she hears her intended telling his best man that he was only marrying her for her shares of her dad’s brewery. Noel and Peyton have a lot of hurdles to contend with to get to their HEA. A spurred fiancé bent on revenge, Noah’s demons, Peyton’s dad possible illness and Noah’s return to his Navy SEAL life. Yep this author threw the book at these two.
This is a sexy read. I would highly recommend this to someone over the age of 18. If you love a sexy Navy SEAL, a runaway bride and a lovable dog, then you MUST read this!!! This book does give a glimpse into the hero of the next book. Holey hot cakes Batman!
While this is a part of a series, you do not have to read the prior story to thoroughly enjoy this one.
This author definitely knows how to stick a knife in my heart and twist it. My heart was in despair at one point. I truly felt for both of the characters. In fact, they seemed more human to me than characters of a book. I think that was due in part to the dual POV format. Reading the characters thoughts really helped to make them more human and easily understandable in a given scene.
I so fell in love with Noah. He is a true warrior and protector at heart. He comes across Peyton at a waterfall. She is a runaway bride. Shortly before her wedding, she hears her intended telling his best man that he was only marrying her for her shares of her dad’s brewery. Noel and Peyton have a lot of hurdles to contend with to get to their HEA. A spurred fiancé bent on revenge, Noah’s demons, Peyton’s dad possible illness and Noah’s return to his Navy SEAL life. Yep this author threw the book at these two.
This is a sexy read. I would highly recommend this to someone over the age of 18. If you love a sexy Navy SEAL, a runaway bride and a lovable dog, then you MUST read this!!! This book does give a glimpse into the hero of the next book. Holey hot cakes Batman!
June 1, 2021
This is book two of the K9 Brothers Series but it completely stands alone. Reading book one gives you a little more background on the dog training center came to be, but it is not required reading to enjoy this one.
Ms. Owens has a real way with writing stories that are serious and deal with difficult topics, but are still light-hearted and a feel-good kind of read. That she can balance the angst and sadness with so much goodness and humor is a real skill that not all romantic suspense/mystery authors have.
Noah is such a great hero because he's struggling and imperfect, but he's trying his best to deal with the hardships life has dealt him, which I really appreciate in a romance hero. He's not too perfect, but he's also not a total jerk. Noah's recovery and his many slowly-developing relationships were wonderful. Ms. Owens writes strong, self-rescuing heroines, and Peyton is my favorite of all of them. Peyton might have gotten herself into a bad situation to start with, but she takes no crap from anyone, and while she lets Noah help her, she she doesn't *need* rescuing, she handles herself like a boss. If you like strong, sassy heroines, Peyton is your girl.
I highly recommend this book (and this series) to anyone who enjoys a well-written love story between two really great characters. You cannot go wrong with a Sandra Owens story.
Ms. Owens has a real way with writing stories that are serious and deal with difficult topics, but are still light-hearted and a feel-good kind of read. That she can balance the angst and sadness with so much goodness and humor is a real skill that not all romantic suspense/mystery authors have.
Noah is such a great hero because he's struggling and imperfect, but he's trying his best to deal with the hardships life has dealt him, which I really appreciate in a romance hero. He's not too perfect, but he's also not a total jerk. Noah's recovery and his many slowly-developing relationships were wonderful. Ms. Owens writes strong, self-rescuing heroines, and Peyton is my favorite of all of them. Peyton might have gotten herself into a bad situation to start with, but she takes no crap from anyone, and while she lets Noah help her, she she doesn't *need* rescuing, she handles herself like a boss. If you like strong, sassy heroines, Peyton is your girl.
I highly recommend this book (and this series) to anyone who enjoys a well-written love story between two really great characters. You cannot go wrong with a Sandra Owens story.
July 13, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love K-9 stories and really enjoyed the first book in this Operation K-9 Brothers series. I requested Keeping Guard right away. Somehow it fell off my radar and I missed getting it reviewed when it released and I hate that. I have improved my radar system.
The guys are Navy SEALs in both cases so far, transitioning to civilian life due to injuries. The setting is Asheville, North Carolina which isn't too far from me. Jack, from the first story, has set up a facility to train companion and therapy dogs. Both books are a romantic suspense drama where the woman are facing stalkers, which rouses the SEAL protective instincts.
Noah is not interested in having a dog or having a relationship, but after an injury he was sent to work with Jack. A runaway bride stumbles upon him and they help each other. He protects her and she makes him laugh. They are kind to each other and build a good relationship. Noah makes progress on his issues and Peyton learns to fight for what she wants and value her own worth.
There are plenty of dogs in the story but mostly as companions, rather than doing much work. We don't get to see a lot of the training. There is some but I always would like more. In the beginning, Noah has a tendency to not take his dog, Lucky with him. By the time he is deployed again, he'd like to keep the dog and stay in Asheville. But what can he do outside of the military and in Asheville? He really doesn't want to train dogs.
I love how Noah supports Peyton in resolving her problems and she lets him work through what he wants. We are getting quite the circle of friends and comradery of a support group. The next book, Mountain Rescue, has a short excerpt at the end and it looks like we have another SEAL visiting NC to get his head on straight and protect a woman in trouble.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love K-9 stories and really enjoyed the first book in this Operation K-9 Brothers series. I requested Keeping Guard right away. Somehow it fell off my radar and I missed getting it reviewed when it released and I hate that. I have improved my radar system.
The guys are Navy SEALs in both cases so far, transitioning to civilian life due to injuries. The setting is Asheville, North Carolina which isn't too far from me. Jack, from the first story, has set up a facility to train companion and therapy dogs. Both books are a romantic suspense drama where the woman are facing stalkers, which rouses the SEAL protective instincts.
Noah is not interested in having a dog or having a relationship, but after an injury he was sent to work with Jack. A runaway bride stumbles upon him and they help each other. He protects her and she makes him laugh. They are kind to each other and build a good relationship. Noah makes progress on his issues and Peyton learns to fight for what she wants and value her own worth.
There are plenty of dogs in the story but mostly as companions, rather than doing much work. We don't get to see a lot of the training. There is some but I always would like more. In the beginning, Noah has a tendency to not take his dog, Lucky with him. By the time he is deployed again, he'd like to keep the dog and stay in Asheville. But what can he do outside of the military and in Asheville? He really doesn't want to train dogs.
I love how Noah supports Peyton in resolving her problems and she lets him work through what he wants. We are getting quite the circle of friends and comradery of a support group. The next book, Mountain Rescue, has a short excerpt at the end and it looks like we have another SEAL visiting NC to get his head on straight and protect a woman in trouble.
June 15, 2021
Keeping Guard by Sandra Owen is book two in the Operation K9 series. It reads well by itself but I am going back to find book one. I am a new fan of Sandra Owens. The book was well written with great dialogue between the two main characters and between Noah and his friend.
There were some hilarious scenes between Noah and Peyton starting with the scene where they meet each other for the first time.
Peyton is a brew master which was a fun occupation and make her an interesting character. Her relationship with her father also added some drama to the book.
Noah was one of my favorite characters. He had a tough background to overcome. In addition he was trying to heal from a mistake that cost someone their life. I felt the author wrote this storyline very well. And Peyton handled Noah’s issues well and didn’t always take things personally.
There were some secondary character that added depth to the story. Overall I would highly recommend.
Language – use of foul language
Sexual Content – there were a few physical scenes and they were describe in some detail. They were not trashy though.
Violence – some threat of violence and flashbacks from war scenes
There were some hilarious scenes between Noah and Peyton starting with the scene where they meet each other for the first time.
Peyton is a brew master which was a fun occupation and make her an interesting character. Her relationship with her father also added some drama to the book.
Noah was one of my favorite characters. He had a tough background to overcome. In addition he was trying to heal from a mistake that cost someone their life. I felt the author wrote this storyline very well. And Peyton handled Noah’s issues well and didn’t always take things personally.
There were some secondary character that added depth to the story. Overall I would highly recommend.
Language – use of foul language
Sexual Content – there were a few physical scenes and they were describe in some detail. They were not trashy though.
Violence – some threat of violence and flashbacks from war scenes
August 11, 2021
Peyton, and Navy SEAL Noah Alba pulled me right into this story. You couldn’t help but love the hero and heroine. The story starts out with Peyton in her wedding gown. Moments before she was supposed to walk down the aisle, she overhears her fiancé Dalton tell his friend he was only marrying her for the shares in the family-owned brewery. Peyton has spent her life learning the business. She was darn good at making beer, and wasn’t about to let one man take her dreams away from her. She snatched two bottles of champaign and headed out the back door. She ended up siting on a rock near a waterfall. That’s where Noah found her. Peyton took his breathe away. He had no idea what was going on, but here is a beautiful lady stripped down to her bra and underwear, with her wedding gown floating in a stream below. Have to say I love Peyton’s spunk.
Loved the suspense of this story. Dalton was trying to force Peyton into the marriage. Glad she had a hot, sexy Navy seal to protect her from her crazy ex. Not that she really needed his protection. Peyton had a backbone made of steel. This was a fun story to read. I really enjoyed it!
Loved the suspense of this story. Dalton was trying to force Peyton into the marriage. Glad she had a hot, sexy Navy seal to protect her from her crazy ex. Not that she really needed his protection. Peyton had a backbone made of steel. This was a fun story to read. I really enjoyed it!
July 11, 2022
I did not like the heroine. She is a doormat who lets everyone walk all over her.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Her dad promised her shares in the brewery he owns. He wanted her to marry the CFO of the brewery. She didn't love him but thought it would work out. She overhears the day of her wedding that her dad promised the share instead to her fiance. So her dad is a big liar.
She runs away from her wedding in her fiance's car wearing her wedding dress. Hero runs into her at a waterfall after she's thrown away her wedding dress into the water and is wearing her wedding corset and underwear. He gives her his t shirt.
Fiance is angry and gives her bruises after breaking down her door. She calls the hero to rescue her but DOES NOT PRESS CHARGES OR CALL THE POLICE.
Then she asks him to move into her spare bedroom while she figures things out. She keeps cooking for her and trying to get him to stay.
She confronts her father and asks if he ever loved her and he doesn't answer her. She tries to look for a new job but no brewery will hire her in the town. She thinks she'll start her own brewery.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Her dad promised her shares in the brewery he owns. He wanted her to marry the CFO of the brewery. She didn't love him but thought it would work out. She overhears the day of her wedding that her dad promised the share instead to her fiance. So her dad is a big liar.
She runs away from her wedding in her fiance's car wearing her wedding dress. Hero runs into her at a waterfall after she's thrown away her wedding dress into the water and is wearing her wedding corset and underwear. He gives her his t shirt.
Fiance is angry and gives her bruises after breaking down her door. She calls the hero to rescue her but DOES NOT PRESS CHARGES OR CALL THE POLICE.
Then she asks him to move into her spare bedroom while she figures things out. She keeps cooking for her and trying to get him to stay.
She confronts her father and asks if he ever loved her and he doesn't answer her. She tries to look for a new job but no brewery will hire her in the town. She thinks she'll start her own brewery.
May 27, 2021
Sandra Owens has become a top five author of mine. This series is going to be a favorite for certain. KEEPING GUARD was funny, sweet, intense, suspenseful, and satisfying. I didn't want to put it down. The romance was perfect. Peyton was super funny, kind, intelligent, and a rambler. I truly loved her character! And Noah was just perfect for her. He was charming, attentive, and protective. The way he shut down her rambling made me smile. I loved how he comes up with song titles to hum at different situations. My heart broke for each of them, but neither allowed their childhoods to totally dictate their futures. I hope to see more of them in the future. Seeing Jack and Nicole from book one was wonderful! And I loved the new character Joseph. He made my heart fill with gratitude. Will we get to see him again? This is a great standalone, but I can't imagine not picking up book one as well. Beautifully written book.
Patrick Zeller did a good job narrating once again! He has a great voice that's easy to listen to for longer periods of time.
Thank you Netgalley, Carina Press, and Sandra Owen for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I bought the audiobook from Audible.
Patrick Zeller did a good job narrating once again! He has a great voice that's easy to listen to for longer periods of time.
Thank you Netgalley, Carina Press, and Sandra Owen for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I bought the audiobook from Audible.
June 8, 2021
Peyton is a runaway bride finding out that her fiancé was only into her because her fathers promise that he'll get part of her family business shares. Noah is dealing with PSTD and trying to move forward wen he finds Peyton in rough shape after leaving her wedding. Sensing that she needs a bit of help he gets her out of a tight situation but when its clear that her ex-fiancé isn't getting the hint he sticks around longer to be of assistance.
I enjoyed this book. I loved seeing the connection between Peyton and Noah, they were there at the right moment to be what each others needs. I mean Peyton's ex just wasn't taking no for answer and was getting progressively worse and I was curious just how far he would go. Then there was that simmering attraction between Peyton and Noah and you can't help but root for them. I was curious to see what would become of things between the two especially since Noah was around for a reason, he had his demons he's working though. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this book. I loved seeing the connection between Peyton and Noah, they were there at the right moment to be what each others needs. I mean Peyton's ex just wasn't taking no for answer and was getting progressively worse and I was curious just how far he would go. Then there was that simmering attraction between Peyton and Noah and you can't help but root for them. I was curious to see what would become of things between the two especially since Noah was around for a reason, he had his demons he's working though. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.
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