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Alaska K-9 Unit #2
Wilderness Defender
Innocent lives are on the line…
Can an officer and her K-9 partner save them?
With murderous poachers targeting rare blue bear cubs, Alaska trooper Poppy Walsh and her K-9 partner, Stormy, will do whatever it takes to stop them. But having to team up with her ex-fiancé, park ranger Lex Fielding, will be Poppy’s biggest test. When the poachers go after Lex’s young son, can Poppy and Lex overcome their unresolved past…and survive a killer’s sights?
Can an officer and her K-9 partner save them?
With murderous poachers targeting rare blue bear cubs, Alaska trooper Poppy Walsh and her K-9 partner, Stormy, will do whatever it takes to stop them. But having to team up with her ex-fiancé, park ranger Lex Fielding, will be Poppy’s biggest test. When the poachers go after Lex’s young son, can Poppy and Lex overcome their unresolved past…and survive a killer’s sights?
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
311 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Maggie K. Black
141 books105 followersMaggie K. Black is an award-winning journalist with a thirst for adventure. She's lived in the American South, Europe and Middle East, and left a piece of her heart in each. She now makes her home in Canada, where she writes stories that make her heart race, chases her dog around the park and shares her adventures with her one true love and and their two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 10, 2022
This is the second of the Alaska K-9 Unit series. In this story, State Troopers Poppy Walsh and Will Stryker, along with her K-9 partner Stormy and his K-9 partner Scout, travel from Anchorage to a small town and state park to investigate a possible poaching of rare blue bear cubs. What Poppy didn't expect was to run into her ex-fiancé Lex Fielding, who is the local park ranger. This is an action-packed story of suspense and danger as the troopers and ranger try to find the poachers and stay safe and keep Lex's family safe too. Complicating the situation is the leftover emotions from the breakup between Poppy and Lex. This is an exciting addition to the series with suspense, healing, and faith. Stormy is great! I have read three of the stories and feel that they can be read as standalones.
June 16, 2021
Eeeeppp -- another K-9 suspense!!! Double eeeeeepppp -- the second in the Alaska K-9 Unit continuity series so there's lots more doggish goodness in store.
First things first, though Wilderness Defender is the second book in this series, it can easily be read as a standalone. There is an over-arcing major crime that the team is working on which will carry on through each story until it's solved at the end of the series BUT each book also has it's own suspense (and romance!) with a complete resolution. And Black did an excellent job of covering the 'continuity' suspense so as to catch new readers up to speed while still making it fresh and exciting for those of us who have read Alaskan Rescue.
One of the things I find really exciting about this series (aside from the Alaskan setting -- eeeeppp) is the wide range of breeds represented in the K-9 officers. Like Stormy the Irish Wolfhound heroine! Ferocious wilderness defender and kitten whisperer. :-) My favourite dog breed ever (my apologies to all the shelties I have known and loved) but Irish Wolfhounds rock!
Stormy's two-legger partner is pretty cool too. Poppy is a dedicated officer with plenty of drive who is bound and determined to approach the unexpected partnership with her park ranger former fiance with professional dignity. Sqqquuueeealll -- cue the Reunion Romance toe curl happy dance!
The rugged Alaskan wilderness provides a breath-taking backdrop and brings a unique angle to the suspense as well as plenty of opportunity for riveting action scenes. Unputdownable pretty much sums it up.
First things first, though Wilderness Defender is the second book in this series, it can easily be read as a standalone. There is an over-arcing major crime that the team is working on which will carry on through each story until it's solved at the end of the series BUT each book also has it's own suspense (and romance!) with a complete resolution. And Black did an excellent job of covering the 'continuity' suspense so as to catch new readers up to speed while still making it fresh and exciting for those of us who have read Alaskan Rescue.
One of the things I find really exciting about this series (aside from the Alaskan setting -- eeeeppp) is the wide range of breeds represented in the K-9 officers. Like Stormy the Irish Wolfhound heroine! Ferocious wilderness defender and kitten whisperer. :-) My favourite dog breed ever (my apologies to all the shelties I have known and loved) but Irish Wolfhounds rock!
Stormy's two-legger partner is pretty cool too. Poppy is a dedicated officer with plenty of drive who is bound and determined to approach the unexpected partnership with her park ranger former fiance with professional dignity. Sqqquuueeealll -- cue the Reunion Romance toe curl happy dance!
The rugged Alaskan wilderness provides a breath-taking backdrop and brings a unique angle to the suspense as well as plenty of opportunity for riveting action scenes. Unputdownable pretty much sums it up.
October 2, 2023
The second in the Alaska K-9 Unit series. This one is my favorite out of the two I have read so far. I loved the second chance romance between Poppy and Lex. It was really adorable. I also enjoyed the msytery as usual. Highly recommend.
June 24, 2021
La storia mi è piaciuta, un po' meno il protagonista maschile. Ho adorato il cane e il gatto...
September 12, 2022
In this second book in the Alaska K-9 Unit series, we get to know Alaska trooper Poppy Walsh and her K-9 partner, Stormy, who we met in the first book. She is on the trail of poachers, working with park ranger Lex Fielding. Poppy and Lex were engaged at one time, but Lex backed out of the wedding. He has since married, had a son and divorced, but there is still chemisty between him and Poppy. Can they find the poachers, keep everyone safe and rekindle the feelings from years ago?
This is a romantic suspense story with faith running through it. There are two blue bear cubs in danger and they have to find the poachers before they get the bears on a ship or in the air. I had never heard of blue bear cubs, so I looked them up to get more information. Poppy and Lex have a lot of chemistry and as they work together, they talk things out and begin to understand what happened years earlier. Will Stryker and his K-9 partner, Scout also help out with the dangerous criminals. Things get a little scary for Lex when his family is also targeted. I was on the edge of my seat at times while reading this action packed story. I am familiar with poaching in Africa, but don't know a lot about it in North America, so this brought this situation to my mind. There is a reference to the missing bride in the first story, but she is still missing by the end of this book. I enjoyed this story a bit more than the first one, perhaps because it seemed more realistic. I am looking forward to continuing to read or listen to this series. Teri Schnaubelt narrated this book and I enjoyed her performance. She is a narrator I am familiar with and her voices, expression and pace bring this book to life. I recommend it in any format.
This is a romantic suspense story with faith running through it. There are two blue bear cubs in danger and they have to find the poachers before they get the bears on a ship or in the air. I had never heard of blue bear cubs, so I looked them up to get more information. Poppy and Lex have a lot of chemistry and as they work together, they talk things out and begin to understand what happened years earlier. Will Stryker and his K-9 partner, Scout also help out with the dangerous criminals. Things get a little scary for Lex when his family is also targeted. I was on the edge of my seat at times while reading this action packed story. I am familiar with poaching in Africa, but don't know a lot about it in North America, so this brought this situation to my mind. There is a reference to the missing bride in the first story, but she is still missing by the end of this book. I enjoyed this story a bit more than the first one, perhaps because it seemed more realistic. I am looking forward to continuing to read or listen to this series. Teri Schnaubelt narrated this book and I enjoyed her performance. She is a narrator I am familiar with and her voices, expression and pace bring this book to life. I recommend it in any format.
August 4, 2023
story was nice, good narrator (Teri Schnaubelt)
January 31, 2022
I have read a lot of Love Inspired Suspense - this was #43. All of them I have enjoyed, but there are a few that rise above the others. This is one of those.
This is the second installment of the eight part Alaska K-9 Unit series. As those who have read these continuation series know, there are some loose ends from book one (Alaskan Rescue by Terri Reed) which won't be tied up till the later books. While it would help to read part one, it's not necessary to enjoy this tale.
First of all, I'm a Stormy fan. There are certain breeds I expect in series like this; an Irish Wolfhound like Stormy is an example. If she's typical of the breed, and I could afford to feed a large dog like that and give her a place to run, I'd want one.
As veteran readers know, though, the dog is always part of the supporting cast. The focus is always on the male and female leads. Poppy and Lex were very enjoyable characters. The plot is also quick paced and full of twists. Then, you have a villain worthy of a good story like this.
The only weakness is that the main characters do a lot of praying. Some reviewers of Part 1 complained it was too Christian, and they'd complain about this one, either unaware or ignoring that Love Inspired Suspense is a Christian fiction series. To me, the feeling I get is that the author needed extra words in their word count and while not preachy, it did distract from the story. My opinion only.
I make a list of favorite novels I've read each year. This is the end of January and I have a lot of reading to go, but this will have to be an out-of-the-world year in stories for this not to make my top ten.
This is the second installment of the eight part Alaska K-9 Unit series. As those who have read these continuation series know, there are some loose ends from book one (Alaskan Rescue by Terri Reed) which won't be tied up till the later books. While it would help to read part one, it's not necessary to enjoy this tale.
First of all, I'm a Stormy fan. There are certain breeds I expect in series like this; an Irish Wolfhound like Stormy is an example. If she's typical of the breed, and I could afford to feed a large dog like that and give her a place to run, I'd want one.
As veteran readers know, though, the dog is always part of the supporting cast. The focus is always on the male and female leads. Poppy and Lex were very enjoyable characters. The plot is also quick paced and full of twists. Then, you have a villain worthy of a good story like this.
The only weakness is that the main characters do a lot of praying. Some reviewers of Part 1 complained it was too Christian, and they'd complain about this one, either unaware or ignoring that Love Inspired Suspense is a Christian fiction series. To me, the feeling I get is that the author needed extra words in their word count and while not preachy, it did distract from the story. My opinion only.
I make a list of favorite novels I've read each year. This is the end of January and I have a lot of reading to go, but this will have to be an out-of-the-world year in stories for this not to make my top ten.
June 21, 2021
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Wilderness Defender. This is book two in the continuity series Alaska K-9 Unit. I'm a fan of Maggie's and was thrilled to receive this book in the mail. It's well-written, action-packed, and full of drama. I know you are going to love it.
Alaska State Trooper Poppy Walsh and her partner Stormy are investigating the death of a poacher. Rumor had it that the poachers had found a cub and are looking for its sibling. This is difficult for her as this is where she was supposed to go on her honeymoon but Lex had broken her heart. They had cleared fifteen cabins when her partner alerted to something was in this cabin, she is attacked. Lex shows up to rescue her.
Park Ranger Lex Fielding is on the way to see the one woman he had truly loved but was afraid to marry. He had left her a week before the wedding. He wanted to make her understand why he had left her. As he approaches the cabin he hears the chaos. As he gets closer he can see it Poppy and two men are carrying her. He rescues her and explained that this bear cub is a rare blue bear. He receives a call saying someone is threatening his son and they are off to rescue him.
A terrifying journey as the poachers go after his son. Can they keep his son alive, find the poachers, stay ahead of the killer, and deal with their past? God has a plan for these three, a plan of hope and for a future. God has a plan for you too; even in this time of chaos. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life. God is so good!
Alaska State Trooper Poppy Walsh and her partner Stormy are investigating the death of a poacher. Rumor had it that the poachers had found a cub and are looking for its sibling. This is difficult for her as this is where she was supposed to go on her honeymoon but Lex had broken her heart. They had cleared fifteen cabins when her partner alerted to something was in this cabin, she is attacked. Lex shows up to rescue her.
Park Ranger Lex Fielding is on the way to see the one woman he had truly loved but was afraid to marry. He had left her a week before the wedding. He wanted to make her understand why he had left her. As he approaches the cabin he hears the chaos. As he gets closer he can see it Poppy and two men are carrying her. He rescues her and explained that this bear cub is a rare blue bear. He receives a call saying someone is threatening his son and they are off to rescue him.
A terrifying journey as the poachers go after his son. Can they keep his son alive, find the poachers, stay ahead of the killer, and deal with their past? God has a plan for these three, a plan of hope and for a future. God has a plan for you too; even in this time of chaos. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life. God is so good!
April 3, 2022
Wilderness Defender Book 2: Alaska K-9 Unit is by Maggie K. Black. Alaska State Trooper and K-9 Handler, Poppy Walsh and her dog, Stormy, were checking out cabins in Glacier National Park looking for bear poachers. She was working with fellow officer Will Stryker who with his dog was talking to people who might know something. He would soon join her on her search. After talking to Will on her phone, Stormy began showing h er someone was there. She entered the cabin and started for the door Stormy was showing her. Instead, someone grabbed her from behind and dragged her out of the cabin slamming the door with Stormy inside. As she struggled and Stormy barked and tried to break the door down, the man kept dragging her to the forest. At that time, a truck drove up with Park Ranger Lex Fielding in it. He saw what was happening and raced to Poppy’s defense. The man got away and ran to his ATV in the woods and fled.
Poppy was not pleased to see Lex. She had been engaged to him and planning their wedding when he got cold feet and dumped her. She had closed in on herself and didn’t let me in. Lex had eventually gotten married and had a child before his ex-wife was killed in a car crash. Currently, Lex and his son, Sonny, lived with his mother in a B&B in town. However, they had to work together on this case. Someone was poaching bear cubs and they needed to be stopped. Can she and Lex work together and keep their feelings out of it?
Poppy was not pleased to see Lex. She had been engaged to him and planning their wedding when he got cold feet and dumped her. She had closed in on herself and didn’t let me in. Lex had eventually gotten married and had a child before his ex-wife was killed in a car crash. Currently, Lex and his son, Sonny, lived with his mother in a B&B in town. However, they had to work together on this case. Someone was poaching bear cubs and they needed to be stopped. Can she and Lex work together and keep their feelings out of it?
May 2, 2022
Book 2 of a Great K-9 Series!
by Barbara Kelley
This is Book 2 of the Alaska K-9 Unit series. Each book in the series is written by a different author of Harlequin Love Inspired fame, this book being written by Maggie K. Black. This volume focuses on Poppy (Alaska Trooper K-9 Division) and Lex (Alaska Park Ranger, as well as Pilot's former fiancee). This entire series has one ongoing mystery, as well as one or two other mysteries. Each book solves at least one mystery, while the ongoing mystery is not solved until the end of the series.The mysteries solved in this episode are "Who killed Lexi's friend and who are the people that are stealing blue bear cubs for an auction sale." I love Stormy, Poppy's Wolfhound K-9 partner, who is described as being the size of a small pony, but gentle around little kids. I also love all of the troopers and their K-9 partners. I gave this book a 5 star rating, and will be reading the next book in the series.
by Barbara Kelley
This is Book 2 of the Alaska K-9 Unit series. Each book in the series is written by a different author of Harlequin Love Inspired fame, this book being written by Maggie K. Black. This volume focuses on Poppy (Alaska Trooper K-9 Division) and Lex (Alaska Park Ranger, as well as Pilot's former fiancee). This entire series has one ongoing mystery, as well as one or two other mysteries. Each book solves at least one mystery, while the ongoing mystery is not solved until the end of the series.The mysteries solved in this episode are "Who killed Lexi's friend and who are the people that are stealing blue bear cubs for an auction sale." I love Stormy, Poppy's Wolfhound K-9 partner, who is described as being the size of a small pony, but gentle around little kids. I also love all of the troopers and their K-9 partners. I gave this book a 5 star rating, and will be reading the next book in the series.
September 10, 2022
Normally I like books by this author, but I hardly wanted to go to 10% (where I quit). The story started with the heroine thinking about how her co-workers treated her as an equal so she was investigating on her own. She didn't properly clear the area around the cabins before searching inside even though they're looking for two armed men who murdered someone. She uselessly struggled against the bad guys who ambushed her and easily trapped her dog inside a cabin. But her long-ago love suddenly showed up and scared them off. She then sent her dog--alone--after the two armed bad guys. I'm thinking (1) don't you care that they could kill your K9 partner? They have a gun. There's two of them against one dog... and (2) how are you going to find your dog now? I read until she got on an ATV to drive alone after her dog, following its trail of broken twigs....like the fleeing humans didn't leave a trail, only the dog. Sigh. The characters also didn't catch my interest.
July 14, 2021
Another great K-9 Unit series
This one is in Alaska and definitely needs to be read in order as book 1 sets the stage for this one and is referenced periodically. Poppy and her K-9 partner are sent to Kenai to try and save some bear cubs from being caught and sold. There she meets with park ranger Lex her former fiancee. There is a lot that happens in this story. They need to find out if they can trust each other for this mission.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has no steam at all. This is a good, clean romantic suspense story. The characters are vivid and engaging. Read these in order and enjoy.
This one is in Alaska and definitely needs to be read in order as book 1 sets the stage for this one and is referenced periodically. Poppy and her K-9 partner are sent to Kenai to try and save some bear cubs from being caught and sold. There she meets with park ranger Lex her former fiancee. There is a lot that happens in this story. They need to find out if they can trust each other for this mission.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has no steam at all. This is a good, clean romantic suspense story. The characters are vivid and engaging. Read these in order and enjoy.
July 10, 2022
Wildlife Poaching in Alaska
This book is the second in a series about the Alaska State Trooper K-9 Unit. The series would be best enjoyed if read in order due to an over-reaching story arc. This episode primarily concerns the poaching of rare Blue Bears from Alaska via auction on the dark web. While there are plenty of deaths and gunfights and wounds, the story is not gory and has an exciting plot. I have been binge-reading this series and really enjoyed it. The dog that is featured in this story is an Irish Wolfhound.
This book is the second in a series about the Alaska State Trooper K-9 Unit. The series would be best enjoyed if read in order due to an over-reaching story arc. This episode primarily concerns the poaching of rare Blue Bears from Alaska via auction on the dark web. While there are plenty of deaths and gunfights and wounds, the story is not gory and has an exciting plot. I have been binge-reading this series and really enjoyed it. The dog that is featured in this story is an Irish Wolfhound.
March 27, 2022
I mainly read this book because I wanted to know what happened to the wedding party in the first book. Really didn’t get that even finished in this story or maybe I missed it since I was bored with this book. I got tired of Poppy and Lex on their breakup and whining about stuff to themselves and each other. Poppy and Lex let the poacher(s) get away five times in this book. Not very good LEOs. I think this will be the last story in the series for me.
July 11, 2024
Bear cubs being captured and sold. The poachers keep one step ahead of the K-9 team trying to stop them. Poppy and her K-9 partner, Stormy, are working with Lex, Poppy's ex-fiancé - Meanwhile another former boyfriend turns up - on the other side of the law - This is a good story but I don't like the big cliff hangers, I get it but as in book 1 of this series, still haven't found the missing bride and a new mystery is added in that is unsolved...
July 15, 2024
From the book description:
Innocent lives are on the line…
Can an officer and her K-9 partner save them?
With murderous poachers targeting rare blue bear cubs, Alaska trooper Poppy Walsh and her K-9 partner, Stormy, will do whatever it takes to stop them. But having to team up with her ex-fiancé, park ranger Lex Fielding, will be Poppy’s biggest test. When the poachers go after Lex’s young son, can Poppy and Lex overcome their unresolved past…and survive a killer’s sights?
Innocent lives are on the line…
Can an officer and her K-9 partner save them?
With murderous poachers targeting rare blue bear cubs, Alaska trooper Poppy Walsh and her K-9 partner, Stormy, will do whatever it takes to stop them. But having to team up with her ex-fiancé, park ranger Lex Fielding, will be Poppy’s biggest test. When the poachers go after Lex’s young son, can Poppy and Lex overcome their unresolved past…and survive a killer’s sights?
July 19, 2021
This is the second book in the Alaska K-9 Init series. This story is about the poaching of rare blue bear cubs and just how dangerous it is to try to stop poachers. Alaska trooper Poppy Walsh and her K-9 partner, Stormy, team up with Poppy’s ex-fiancé, park ranger Lex Fielding to try to stop the sale of the rare cubs. Maggie Black writes a good story full of suspense and action.
May 7, 2022
A great romance
Romance with a lot of danger and adventure. Throw in a K-9 dog and little boy and you have a
good story.
I personally Don't mind that they rely on God for the strength and purpose they need. Our own world could get back to more of that.
The story drags in places but the action is good as well as believable.
Romance with a lot of danger and adventure. Throw in a K-9 dog and little boy and you have a
good story.
I personally Don't mind that they rely on God for the strength and purpose they need. Our own world could get back to more of that.
The story drags in places but the action is good as well as believable.
October 11, 2022
I enjoyed this K-9 Unit Defender and romance. This is a second one in this series and I bought this at a local store. I voluntarily chose to review this also, and I've given it a 5* rating. This one pulled me quickly and it had me turning the pages quickly. It's full of action and I love how the dogs help their partners. Need to see i I can find some more of this series.
November 13, 2022
Exciting read. Someone is trying to poach some rare blue bear clubs from the forest. Alaska Trooper Poppy Walsh and her K-9 Stormy is trying to stop them witht he help of her ex-fiance, park ranger Lex Fielding. Will they find out who is behind this and be able to save the cubs? Also someone is threatening Lex's son. Is it all related?
April 6, 2023
So good
These books are really good. I like how we still get hints about other cases the group is working on, while they work the one featured for the story. This one is about K9 officer Poppy who is in town to stop poachers from trafficking rare bears. An excellent story to pull at every heart string you have.
These books are really good. I like how we still get hints about other cases the group is working on, while they work the one featured for the story. This one is about K9 officer Poppy who is in town to stop poachers from trafficking rare bears. An excellent story to pull at every heart string you have.
January 28, 2025
An absolutely crazy adventure in the wild with lots of exciting dangers to entertain. Poppy & Lex definitely had me wondering when they would just be honest while dodging bullets & rescuing both humans & animals. I continued suspense that keeps you guessing while enjoying the brilliant investigative teamwork & awesome K9s.
April 15, 2025
Each of the books in this series features at least one handler and one K9 working dog. If the handler is male, he is either volunteers or is given an assignment that involve an eligible female, and vice-versa. The books aren't bad or I wouldn't have read so many of them but neither were they great.
The handler in this book is Poppy Walsh
The handler in this book is Poppy Walsh
June 6, 2021
Lovely Story
Another great story in this series. They were all wonderful and the action and adventure parts were exciting. I am looking forward to reading more stories with this theme…..
Another great story in this series. They were all wonderful and the action and adventure parts were exciting. I am looking forward to reading more stories with this theme…..
June 23, 2021
Maggie Black is a gifted writer! Anything she writes will be well worth reading. Add a K-9 wolfhound, a budding romance and a lot of suspense and you have a great book to lose yourself in.
Highly recommend! If you have not read books from this author, I encourage you to read this one!
Highly recommend! If you have not read books from this author, I encourage you to read this one!
November 25, 2021
This book's storyline was okay. I liked the Christian theme in this story. The action in this story was okay. Poppy's character was okay. Lex's character was okay. I loved ❤ Stormy 🐕. The ending was okay.
May 26, 2022
poppy is a trooper that is trying to save 2 little blue bear cubs from being sent to auction, she runs in to rex they used to know each other and now he is a single father and the bad guys are after them. this is a very good story did not know about blue bears.
July 6, 2022
Excellent adventure!
Adventure, drama and inspiring romance with characters that are facing odds with circumstances that seem impossible. A look into the incredible lives of the Alaska K-9 unit with there animal partners and the bond that they have with them.
Adventure, drama and inspiring romance with characters that are facing odds with circumstances that seem impossible. A look into the incredible lives of the Alaska K-9 unit with there animal partners and the bond that they have with them.
March 18, 2023
Book two was as amazing as the first book!
What a great story! Formerly engaged couple, Lex and Poppy meet again when a case brings them together. He now is a single dad raising his son Danny, with his mom's help.
What a great story! Formerly engaged couple, Lex and Poppy meet again when a case brings them together. He now is a single dad raising his son Danny, with his mom's help.
April 30, 2023
Fun and Full of Suspense
I love a sweet love inspired romance. This book definitely held my attention as second chances were found amidst a huge poaching scam. I loved that Lex and Poppy had this amazing God centered journey for second chances.
I love a sweet love inspired romance. This book definitely held my attention as second chances were found amidst a huge poaching scam. I loved that Lex and Poppy had this amazing God centered journey for second chances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews