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Alaska K-9 Unit #8
Blizzard Showdown
From New York Times Bestselling Author Shirlee McCoy
A missing-person case…
turns into a rescue operation.
After months of searching for Violet James, Gabriel Runyon and his K-9 partner finally track her down—just in time to rescue her from her ex-fiancé. Now they must safeguard the single mother and her newborn daughter. Leaving Violet’s Alaskan hideout is the safest option, but with a winter storm rolling in, it’s not just a murderer they have to escape…
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Alaska K-9 Unit
Book 1: Alaskan Rescue by Terri Reed
Book 2: Wilderness Defender by Maggie K. Black
Book 3: Undercover Mission by Sharon Dunn
Book 4: Tracking Stolen Secrets by Laura Scott
Book 5: Deadly Cargo by Jodie Bailey
Book 6: Arctic Witness by Heather Woodhaven
Book 7: Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink
Book 8: Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy
A missing-person case…
turns into a rescue operation.
After months of searching for Violet James, Gabriel Runyon and his K-9 partner finally track her down—just in time to rescue her from her ex-fiancé. Now they must safeguard the single mother and her newborn daughter. Leaving Violet’s Alaskan hideout is the safest option, but with a winter storm rolling in, it’s not just a murderer they have to escape…
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Alaska K-9 Unit
Book 1: Alaskan Rescue by Terri Reed
Book 2: Wilderness Defender by Maggie K. Black
Book 3: Undercover Mission by Sharon Dunn
Book 4: Tracking Stolen Secrets by Laura Scott
Book 5: Deadly Cargo by Jodie Bailey
Book 6: Arctic Witness by Heather Woodhaven
Book 7: Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink
Book 8: Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
103 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 14, 2021
"He'd never been a baby kind of person. He preferred puppies." (p 78) Bwahahahaha! And we're off and running with the last Alaska K-9 Unit novel! McCoy has crafted a stunner of a series conclusion, with lots of cameos from some of our favourite K-9s and their handlers.
Speaking of which, that's Bear on the cover. He's my first St. Bernard hero -- what a big lug of a fur ball! His specialty is finding people in the snow with a sideline in bowling people over. :-) Which comes in handy during the course of this story.
This is the culmination of the series' over-arcing suspense plot and it's a page-turner. Oh -- and can easily be read as a standalone if you haven't dived into any of the other books yet. There's wilderness trekking and plenty of action with a diabolical killer in hot pursuit of Violet and her adorable little Ava. They are admirably protected by Gabe and Bear which leads to romance, of course, 'cause this is a Love Inspired Suspense book after all. And ends with the best Thanksgiving epilogue ever!
Speaking of which, that's Bear on the cover. He's my first St. Bernard hero -- what a big lug of a fur ball! His specialty is finding people in the snow with a sideline in bowling people over. :-) Which comes in handy during the course of this story.
This is the culmination of the series' over-arcing suspense plot and it's a page-turner. Oh -- and can easily be read as a standalone if you haven't dived into any of the other books yet. There's wilderness trekking and plenty of action with a diabolical killer in hot pursuit of Violet and her adorable little Ava. They are admirably protected by Gabe and Bear which leads to romance, of course, 'cause this is a Love Inspired Suspense book after all. And ends with the best Thanksgiving epilogue ever!
November 30, 2021
'She was cold. She was scared. She was alone.'
This has been a wonderful series, this K-9 one. The entire series has been spent searching for one woman, Violet James, thought to be a participant in violent crimes. However, law enforcement now know her to be innocent, but she is running from her ex-fiancé, the one who is really guilty. Only now she has a newborn with her. So not only does she need to keep herself and her infant daughter safe from this vicious criminal, she must stay safe in the Alaskan wilderness with a huge winter storm on the horizon.
The best was definitely saved for the last! Shirlee McCoy brings it here and I loved every single minute. She has crafted a decidedly dastardly bad guy, totally without remorse and any sense of right and wrong. I couldn't stand him! And Bear! This dog wormed his way into my heart. Of course, being a dog lover, he didn't even have to try to do that, but he was a great character in this book. I highly recommend this one. Absolute perfection!
This has been a wonderful series, this K-9 one. The entire series has been spent searching for one woman, Violet James, thought to be a participant in violent crimes. However, law enforcement now know her to be innocent, but she is running from her ex-fiancé, the one who is really guilty. Only now she has a newborn with her. So not only does she need to keep herself and her infant daughter safe from this vicious criminal, she must stay safe in the Alaskan wilderness with a huge winter storm on the horizon.
The best was definitely saved for the last! Shirlee McCoy brings it here and I loved every single minute. She has crafted a decidedly dastardly bad guy, totally without remorse and any sense of right and wrong. I couldn't stand him! And Bear! This dog wormed his way into my heart. Of course, being a dog lover, he didn't even have to try to do that, but he was a great character in this book. I highly recommend this one. Absolute perfection!
December 8, 2021
4 stelle e mezza
Bel finale per una buona serie. Devo dire che mi piacciono sempre di più queste serie multi-autori con delle unità cinofile come protagoniste.
Bel finale per una buona serie. Devo dire che mi piacciono sempre di più queste serie multi-autori con delle unità cinofile come protagoniste.
November 12, 2024
DNF at 75% so bored. Do not recommend. This is 2/2 available mystery audiobooks available on Libby that end up being more of a boring romance with light hearted vibes 😔 drop any Libby audiobook recs below I BEG OF YOU
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November 1, 2021Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Alaska K-9 Unit (Book #8)
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Alaska K-9 Unit (Book #8)
July 3, 2022
Which is safer for Violet James' newborn? Being in a bunker with a survivalist family? Being in a cabin with Alaskan State Trooper Gabe Runyon and a gigantic dog named Bear? Or fleeing from a murderous ex-fiancee? Oh, I forgot - the last one was a given. (After all, this is a Love Inspired Suspense novel.)
Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy is the conclusion of an exciting and well written eight part series Alaska K-9 Unit. The first novel introduced you to pregnant Violet James fleeing the scene of a crime where a guide is shot, her best friend is left hanging off a cliff, and her fiancee and his buddy claim Violet was responsible. Additionally, the tech guru is trying to make his dying godmother's wish come true by reuniting her to her survivalist son, and the unit chief's assistant is dealing with stolen reindeer on her aunt's farm. The third of the stories was resolved in the seventh installment. The other two issues find their resolution in this novel. Is that a spoiler? Not really - you expect a happy ending in this series to each installment, let alone the full series. But have I told you how we reach that happy ending?
Another spoiler. Lance Wells, the fiance claiming Violet attacked him and the guide? He's lying. And if you had been reading the series, you'd be aware of that. But if you read the description on the back cover of this book, you'd have known that already.
I have currently read 53 Love Inspired Suspense novels. Out of those, there are only a few villains that stood above the rest, having a personality as well as being an evil, determined killer, and Lance Wells is in that category. I also found it easy to care for Violet James, as well as Gabe. And Bear? That St. Bernard is adorable.
I enjoyed all eight of the stories in this series. This one ended on a very strong note. One slight quibble is that the final "curtain call" where you're reintroduced to the main characters of the other stories seems artificial. But that's no reason to pass this octet of thrilling stories by an octet of great writers. I highly recommend this book and the full series.
Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy is the conclusion of an exciting and well written eight part series Alaska K-9 Unit. The first novel introduced you to pregnant Violet James fleeing the scene of a crime where a guide is shot, her best friend is left hanging off a cliff, and her fiancee and his buddy claim Violet was responsible. Additionally, the tech guru is trying to make his dying godmother's wish come true by reuniting her to her survivalist son, and the unit chief's assistant is dealing with stolen reindeer on her aunt's farm. The third of the stories was resolved in the seventh installment. The other two issues find their resolution in this novel. Is that a spoiler? Not really - you expect a happy ending in this series to each installment, let alone the full series. But have I told you how we reach that happy ending?
Another spoiler. Lance Wells, the fiance claiming Violet attacked him and the guide? He's lying. And if you had been reading the series, you'd be aware of that. But if you read the description on the back cover of this book, you'd have known that already.
I have currently read 53 Love Inspired Suspense novels. Out of those, there are only a few villains that stood above the rest, having a personality as well as being an evil, determined killer, and Lance Wells is in that category. I also found it easy to care for Violet James, as well as Gabe. And Bear? That St. Bernard is adorable.
I enjoyed all eight of the stories in this series. This one ended on a very strong note. One slight quibble is that the final "curtain call" where you're reintroduced to the main characters of the other stories seems artificial. But that's no reason to pass this octet of thrilling stories by an octet of great writers. I highly recommend this book and the full series.
December 3, 2021
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Blizzard Showdown. This is book eight in the continuity series Alaska K-9 Unit. The is the awesome conclusion of the series. It's well-written, action-packed, and full of suspense. You are going t love it.
Violet James is the bride in the first book of the series. She takes her maid of honor, her groom, and his best man on a hike up the mountains. On the way up the mountain, her groom and his best man shoot the guide and push the maid of honor off the mountain. She runs! They set it up to look like she's the killer. So the Troopers are out looking for her. Soon they figure out she didn't do it but are unable to find her. They know she is expecting.
Alaska State Trooper Gabriel Runyon and his K-9 partner finally track Violet down right after she gives birth. They must go on the run through the mountains in a raging blizzard. Can he keep them safe?
A terrifying journey through mountains in a blizzard with a newborn. God has a plan for these two, a good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
Violet James is the bride in the first book of the series. She takes her maid of honor, her groom, and his best man on a hike up the mountains. On the way up the mountain, her groom and his best man shoot the guide and push the maid of honor off the mountain. She runs! They set it up to look like she's the killer. So the Troopers are out looking for her. Soon they figure out she didn't do it but are unable to find her. They know she is expecting.
Alaska State Trooper Gabriel Runyon and his K-9 partner finally track Violet down right after she gives birth. They must go on the run through the mountains in a raging blizzard. Can he keep them safe?
A terrifying journey through mountains in a blizzard with a newborn. God has a plan for these two, a good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
May 22, 2022
Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy is an inspirational romance and mystery novel that plays out in Alaska. Violet, is a rich woman who falls for a man determined to kill her for her money. When she escapes from him, he convinces police she is the villain so she hides out with a family off the grid in the Alaskan wilderness. She is on the run for seven months until she is found because she must come out of hiding to have his baby in a hospital. Alaskan State Policeman Gabriel Runyon and his K-9 find her first amidst a horrendous blizzard. He is convinced she is innocent and he is determined to protect her and her new baby from the frigid Alaskan weather and from the wrath of Lance, the real murderer. Lance makes several failed attempts to kill her, escaping police to try again. Then at the onset of another blizzard it seems like Lance will finally succeed. This is a fairly straightforward plot; a pleasant story of one misfortune after another and a blossoming love affair.
April 11, 2025
This series isn't bad or I wouldn't have read so many of the books but neither was it great.
Bear is a St. Bernard and he is, appropriately, a search dog. His handler is Gabriel Runyon. The books in this series all include working dogs, more or less, but too often it is less than I had hoped for.
Similar to Tracking Stolen Secrets, a baby gets unnecessarily lugged around the wilderness on the run from the bad guys. I even wondered about the diaper shortage.
Page 130: I fear that Violet is an idiot. Page 136: Violet admits that she is an idiot.
Page 156: The FBI gives Violet back her phone so she can call people. Not even a burner phone from Walmart. Her own phone. "Hi! No, I'm not home yet, I'm still in hiding."
Bear is a St. Bernard and he is, appropriately, a search dog. His handler is Gabriel Runyon. The books in this series all include working dogs, more or less, but too often it is less than I had hoped for.
Similar to Tracking Stolen Secrets, a baby gets unnecessarily lugged around the wilderness on the run from the bad guys. I even wondered about the diaper shortage.
Page 130: I fear that Violet is an idiot. Page 136: Violet admits that she is an idiot.
Page 156: The FBI gives Violet back her phone so she can call people. Not even a burner phone from Walmart. Her own phone. "Hi! No, I'm not home yet, I'm still in hiding."
February 8, 2022
What an exciting finish to wrap up the “Alaska K-9 Unit” series! Shirlee McCoy has a well written story full of action, suspense, an adorable dog, and a precious infant.
This story can be read as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and read the entire series!
The entire series has been based on finding Violet James. She has been wanted for questioning in a murder ever since the first book in the series. Is she a murderer, or witness? Gabriel Runyon and his K-9 partner, Bear, a St. Bernard, rescue Violet from her ex-fiancé in the middle of a winter storm. Can Gabe, a confirmed bachelor, who knows puppies, but not babies, keep Violet and her infant daughter safe? Can he keep his heart safe? Together will they learn that “ home isn’t a house. It’s a place in our hearts where the people we love live?”
This story can be read as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and read the entire series!
The entire series has been based on finding Violet James. She has been wanted for questioning in a murder ever since the first book in the series. Is she a murderer, or witness? Gabriel Runyon and his K-9 partner, Bear, a St. Bernard, rescue Violet from her ex-fiancé in the middle of a winter storm. Can Gabe, a confirmed bachelor, who knows puppies, but not babies, keep Violet and her infant daughter safe? Can he keep his heart safe? Together will they learn that “ home isn’t a house. It’s a place in our hearts where the people we love live?”
February 24, 2022
This K-9 series is awesome! If you have been following along this series, you know the K-9 unit has been searching for a missing bride, Violet James, for the past 7 books. In this book they finally locate Violet. Her crazy ex has been trying to locate her and kill her for months. Now she also has a baby to protect. This is a satisfying conclusion to this series. It is jam packed with action from the first chapter. The characters in this book and this entire series are special. There is mystery and suspense as well as romance in this book. It is a good clean mystery. I suggest that you start from the beginning of this series so you will fully understand the back stories. There are seven books before this one. As always I am more than satisfied with my purchase of another Love Inspired book by Shirlee McCoy.
December 3, 2021
Satisfying ending to this series
With 2 Christmas novellas as a bonus for after! Violet has been on the run from her murderous fiancee Lance for 7 months and now she has her baby to protect. When Lance spots her leaving a maternity clinic, he gives chase, so Violet runs into the national park. She goes to an abandoned cabin where K-9 officer Gabe and his partner Bear find her. Can Gabe keep her and Ava safe?
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some kissing but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. As I stated earlier, this is the finale for the major mystery in the series and it fulfills the hype set up by the previous stories. Read these in order and enjoy!
With 2 Christmas novellas as a bonus for after! Violet has been on the run from her murderous fiancee Lance for 7 months and now she has her baby to protect. When Lance spots her leaving a maternity clinic, he gives chase, so Violet runs into the national park. She goes to an abandoned cabin where K-9 officer Gabe and his partner Bear find her. Can Gabe keep her and Ava safe?
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some kissing but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. As I stated earlier, this is the finale for the major mystery in the series and it fulfills the hype set up by the previous stories. Read these in order and enjoy!
April 4, 2022
Blizzard Showdown: Christmas K9 Protector: Alaska K9 Unit. Is by Shirlee McCoy.
Violet James has had her baby early so has to have her in the Seavers’ bunker where she has been hiding. Dana attended her and all turned out right. Although not the birthing she anticipated, Violet’s daughter, Ava, was born healthy. The next day, Violet took her daughter to the medical clinic to be checked out. On her way back to the bunker, Lance found her as did Alaska K9 Trooper Gabriel Runyun and his dog Bear. Fortunately for her, she lost Lance and ended up in a cabin with Gabe. Her freedom was over. Hopefully she was in good hands
Violet James has had her baby early so has to have her in the Seavers’ bunker where she has been hiding. Dana attended her and all turned out right. Although not the birthing she anticipated, Violet’s daughter, Ava, was born healthy. The next day, Violet took her daughter to the medical clinic to be checked out. On her way back to the bunker, Lance found her as did Alaska K9 Trooper Gabriel Runyun and his dog Bear. Fortunately for her, she lost Lance and ended up in a cabin with Gabe. Her freedom was over. Hopefully she was in good hands
April 25, 2022
4.5 stars. Though I love it when the hero and heroine get together without having to read every possible sexual positioning, the underlying plot line fizzled. Lance should have taken (SPOILER ALERT!) Baby Ava because he was technically her father, thus deserving funds. If he was truly that psychotic but stable, he would have known that. But the finality of this read gave this book a 4.5 stars. Sorry but Anchorage DOES have a mud season. It's right after the leaving of trees. Did this author even been to Anchorage??
October 24, 2022
Gabriel Runyon and his K-9 partner bear are searching for Violet James and have finally tracked her down. They are just in time to save her from her ex-fiance who she is running from. Now Gabe and Bear must keep Violet and her baby safe from Lance but they are trapped in an Alaskan snowstorm. Will he be able to keep her safe and get her back to civilization so his team can help? Will they finally get the information they need to put Lance in jail and let Violet return to her life?
An enjoyable read. Quite a bit of action.
An enjoyable read. Quite a bit of action.
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July 25, 2024This has been one of the best Love Inspired series I have read. Each book has built on the previous one and the final book brought everything together.
In this book, from the description:
After months of searching for Violet James, Gabe Runyon and his partner track her down - just in time to rescue her from her ex-fiance. Now they must safeguard the single mother and her newborn daughter. Leaving Violet's Alaskan hideout is the safest option, but with a winter storm rolling in, it's not just a murderer they have to escape...
In this book, from the description:
After months of searching for Violet James, Gabe Runyon and his partner track her down - just in time to rescue her from her ex-fiance. Now they must safeguard the single mother and her newborn daughter. Leaving Violet's Alaskan hideout is the safest option, but with a winter storm rolling in, it's not just a murderer they have to escape...
July 11, 2022
Fantastic Read! Everything you could put in one book!
Violet thought she was marrying the right man. Wow how wrong was she! Lance her ex , made her like a living (hexx) ! He was so mean, violent killer, etc. She wished she had never met him. Sometimes bad things happen that make good things happen.
So God helped her find a Great man, that belonged to a wonderful group of people. The K-9 PATROL helped Violet our of a bad situation. Great books!
Violet thought she was marrying the right man. Wow how wrong was she! Lance her ex , made her like a living (hexx) ! He was so mean, violent killer, etc. She wished she had never met him. Sometimes bad things happen that make good things happen.
So God helped her find a Great man, that belonged to a wonderful group of people. The K-9 PATROL helped Violet our of a bad situation. Great books!
March 10, 2023
The rest of the story…suspense and romance
This is the story of Violet James, and the resolution to Book 1 Alaskan Rescue! Terri Reed wrote book 1 and this one was by Shirlee McCoy. Both excellent authors and books! Loved all the interactions with the dogs in the K-9 Unit in Anchorage. Lots of suspense and of course romance and faith! You can read this as a stand-alone…it brings you up-to-date with the backstory.
This is the story of Violet James, and the resolution to Book 1 Alaskan Rescue! Terri Reed wrote book 1 and this one was by Shirlee McCoy. Both excellent authors and books! Loved all the interactions with the dogs in the K-9 Unit in Anchorage. Lots of suspense and of course romance and faith! You can read this as a stand-alone…it brings you up-to-date with the backstory.
December 2, 2021
Very great book!
This definitely makes it a 5. But I would give it a 10 if I could . Beautiful love story tragic love story it has it all. A lot of gun fights and intriguing story line. I am happy to say I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 15. Shirlee McCoy is my new favorite author. Love this book.
This definitely makes it a 5. But I would give it a 10 if I could . Beautiful love story tragic love story it has it all. A lot of gun fights and intriguing story line. I am happy to say I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 15. Shirlee McCoy is my new favorite author. Love this book.
March 1, 2022
I really loved the whole series and how the authors made the dogs real characters in the books. I was just a little disappointed in the motivation for the Lance character. I had something else in mind that made more sense to me but I was not the author. I was wondering if Ms. McCoy was able to make that choice or if was chosen by the group as a whole.
December 13, 2021
This book's storyline was okay. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian theme in this story. I liked Violet's character. I liked Gabriel's character. I loved ❤ Ava. I loved ❤ Bear 🐕. I liked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2022
Great ending to the series!
Even though written by different writers these books seem to have a complete consistency of constantly moving and Staying alive. I love the Ability to blend love dogs And excitement Into such stirring stories.
Even though written by different writers these books seem to have a complete consistency of constantly moving and Staying alive. I love the Ability to blend love dogs And excitement Into such stirring stories.
January 10, 2023
The overarching storyline of the Alaska K-9 Unit series is wrapped up in this 8th book satisfactorily. The writing in this one is better than some of the books were. Fascinating look at life in modern day Alaska as well as a close look at K-9 dogs and their handlers.
November 7, 2023
My favorite of them all!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and kept reading til I got thru this one! All open cases tied up, A great ending. There were a couple books that were good, not great, but this was the best!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and kept reading til I got thru this one! All open cases tied up, A great ending. There were a couple books that were good, not great, but this was the best!
February 9, 2025
It was ok. Annoying how Violet’s mother was alive in the earlier part of the series and the team spoke with her and suddenly in this book it was specifically mentioned multiple times that her parents died. The lack of continuity detracted from the quality.
December 3, 2021
Great story!! Loved it!
December 4, 2021
Awesome book
This has been a great series. I have enjoyed every book. Can't wait for the final book in the series. Love all Shirlee. Books.
This has been a great series. I have enjoyed every book. Can't wait for the final book in the series. Love all Shirlee. Books.
January 3, 2022
Awesome
Great read with an entirely new storyline. I couldnt lay it down until the end. I loved the ending, terrific!!
Great read with an entirely new storyline. I couldnt lay it down until the end. I loved the ending, terrific!!
January 25, 2022
Shirlee McCoy always delivers a great story!
February 4, 2022
After months of tracking down Violet James, Gabriel and his K-9 partner must rescue her and her newborn from her ex-fiance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews