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Cerberus Tactical K9: Team Alpha #1
Survival Instinct
All Major Dani Addams wanted when she started up the mountain trail was to mourn and honor her fallen friend. She had no way of knowing the weather was about to turn on her in the worst possible way—or that she was about to meet a man who would change her entire life.
Ex-SEAL Trip Williams and his K-9, Valor, were brought in to rescue a film crew that got caught in the storm. He wasn't expecting Dani. But once he found her, he would keep her safe…even if he had to disobey direct orders and fight Mother Nature herself.
All Dani and Trip had to do to get to happily-ever-after was weather the storm. Simple, right? If only…
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Ex-SEAL Trip Williams and his K-9, Valor, were brought in to rescue a film crew that got caught in the storm. He wasn't expecting Dani. But once he found her, he would keep her safe…even if he had to disobey direct orders and fight Mother Nature herself.
All Dani and Trip had to do to get to happily-ever-after was weather the storm. Simple, right? If only…
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 12, 2020
2039 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Quinn
80 books511 followersFiona Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author, a Kindle Scout winner, and an Amazon All-Star.
Quinn writes action-adventure romance in her Iniquus World of books including Lynx, Strike Force, Uncommon Enemies, Kate Hamilton Mysteries, FBI Joint Task Force, Cerberus Tactical K9 Team Alpha, and Delta Force Echo series.
She writes urban fantasy as Fiona Angelica Quinn for her Elemental Witches Series.
And, just for fun, she writes the Badge Bunny Booze Mystery Collection with her dear friend Tina Glasneck under the pen name Quinn Glasneck.
Canadian born, Fiona Quinn is now rooted in the Old Dominion where she lives with her husband. There, she pops chocolates, devours books, and taps continuously on her laptop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
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July 29, 2023DNF made it to 6% and then skimmed. This was a disaster! The writing was abysmal and amateurish. I felt like I was reading a military log and instructional manual at the same time and could not have been less engaged with the story. Also skimmed further and this book is about suicide but has no trigger warnings. I was looking for a light read, not a story about a woman going in to the forest to end her life… yay, he saves her with his wonder dog but yikes, this is not romance. Nope. I could not have been less interested in a book if it was written completely in Latin.
I feel duped by this cover. This book should have the grim reaper on the cover, not this cute pupper. Gah. Avoid.
I feel duped by this cover. This book should have the grim reaper on the cover, not this cute pupper. Gah. Avoid.
February 22, 2021
Ooph. What an underwhelming hodgepodge of word vomit. Clunkily written. Insatiably draggy scenes without payoffs. Uncompelling character histories and developments. Excessive use of overly expositional dialogue, often laughably so. I was looking forward to starting a new series with soldiers and military dogs and whatnot, but if they're all like THIS entry? No thanks. Forgive the rant-like quality of this review. I can't help myself.
This is obviously the first entry of the series by this author, but based on my research, this isn't the first book written by her. So why does it feel so...amateurish? Her books are all so highly rated, so I'm willing to believe this is my own nitpickiness at play here. Perhaps this particular form of writing style just isn't my cup of tea. Some scenes were nicely described, but overall, the detail was lacking. Dialogue was way too exaggerated that it felt totally unnatural and exhausting to read. And ...UGH. Whyyyyyy do people insist on having their characters OVERLY use each other's names for every other sentence? I can't be the only one bothered by stuff like this:
Why say her name twice in the same sentence? This is just one example of a very COMMON theme. When I get SICK of people's names in the books I read, you're using them too much. The majority of this book has literally just the two main characters interacting, and a dog. I don't need their names uttered every other frickin' word. It's just annoying. So, so annoying.
To make matters worse, the overall plot was just painfully, PAINFULLY predictable. I put it together remarkably easy, as the story progressed, that Dani's friend was the suicidal one. Frankly, it legit pissed me off that Dani never even realized that herself until way, WAY later. Is she stupid? Trip too, didn't even realize. Two seemingly perfect intelligent people who can't put two and two together and would rather jabber on and on and on and on and ONNNNNNNNNNN about nonsensical things. Are they that self-involved? Of course they are. This is proven again and again by the incessant amount of dialogue exchanged between the two.
I'm normally such a dialogue fan in books, but given that these characters have a hard time shutting up, I'm making an exception this once. The dialogue SUCKED. Both Trip and Dani speak paragraph by paragraph by paragraph, dumping some historical events onto the plate of the other in painful detail that I can't relate to. I understand the need to connect two characters so they can magically love one another, but for me, this did not work and just served as a blasted nuisance.
Character developments were just ridiculously subpar. Nothing suggested to me that Trip or Dani would fall for each other, other than they're both hot and possess opposite genitals and they both like dogs. Worse yet, nothing even suggested to me that Dani and Tiana were as close as the author wanted me to believe. Even if they WEREN'T close, my feeling is the same. There was minimal interaction between the two, and when a true test came to prove their loyalty to their friendship, Dani leaves the scene when any real friend, once realizing that the other is out of commission, would have stayed.
As if that fact alone isn't bothersome enough, I then had to wrestle with the fact that events leading up to her rescue were rushed, tacky, and oh so nonchalant. It was sloppily thrown together, almost as if the author wanted to have one last hurrah of thrills before closing out the story. Dani's overall attitude towards Tania felt like a blatant dismissal at the end of it all, even when she discovered she was fine. No, better to have a roll in the sack with a hot guy than make it a point to go to her friend at all. I'm supposed to believe those two were friends? Even casual ones? Give me a break.
This was just a huge miss for me. Which is a pity, because it started out pretty strongly. I loved the dogs, of course; they're the only reason I had any interest in trying this book out, and why I wanted to continue the series. But given what I've learned and hated and dreaded, I refuse to continue on. There's far better books and stories out there are also better written.
This is obviously the first entry of the series by this author, but based on my research, this isn't the first book written by her. So why does it feel so...amateurish? Her books are all so highly rated, so I'm willing to believe this is my own nitpickiness at play here. Perhaps this particular form of writing style just isn't my cup of tea. Some scenes were nicely described, but overall, the detail was lacking. Dialogue was way too exaggerated that it felt totally unnatural and exhausting to read. And ...UGH. Whyyyyyy do people insist on having their characters OVERLY use each other's names for every other sentence? I can't be the only one bothered by stuff like this:
The longer he talked to Dani, the less concerned he was that Dani was a danger to herself.
Why say her name twice in the same sentence? This is just one example of a very COMMON theme. When I get SICK of people's names in the books I read, you're using them too much. The majority of this book has literally just the two main characters interacting, and a dog. I don't need their names uttered every other frickin' word. It's just annoying. So, so annoying.
To make matters worse, the overall plot was just painfully, PAINFULLY predictable. I put it together remarkably easy, as the story progressed, that Dani's friend was the suicidal one. Frankly, it legit pissed me off that Dani never even realized that herself until way, WAY later. Is she stupid? Trip too, didn't even realize. Two seemingly perfect intelligent people who can't put two and two together and would rather jabber on and on and on and on and ONNNNNNNNNNN about nonsensical things. Are they that self-involved? Of course they are. This is proven again and again by the incessant amount of dialogue exchanged between the two.
I'm normally such a dialogue fan in books, but given that these characters have a hard time shutting up, I'm making an exception this once. The dialogue SUCKED. Both Trip and Dani speak paragraph by paragraph by paragraph, dumping some historical events onto the plate of the other in painful detail that I can't relate to. I understand the need to connect two characters so they can magically love one another, but for me, this did not work and just served as a blasted nuisance.
Character developments were just ridiculously subpar. Nothing suggested to me that Trip or Dani would fall for each other, other than they're both hot and possess opposite genitals and they both like dogs. Worse yet, nothing even suggested to me that Dani and Tiana were as close as the author wanted me to believe. Even if they WEREN'T close, my feeling is the same. There was minimal interaction between the two, and when a true test came to prove their loyalty to their friendship, Dani leaves the scene when any real friend, once realizing that the other is out of commission, would have stayed.
As if that fact alone isn't bothersome enough, I then had to wrestle with the fact that events leading up to her rescue were rushed, tacky, and oh so nonchalant. It was sloppily thrown together, almost as if the author wanted to have one last hurrah of thrills before closing out the story. Dani's overall attitude towards Tania felt like a blatant dismissal at the end of it all, even when she discovered she was fine. No, better to have a roll in the sack with a hot guy than make it a point to go to her friend at all. I'm supposed to believe those two were friends? Even casual ones? Give me a break.
This was just a huge miss for me. Which is a pity, because it started out pretty strongly. I loved the dogs, of course; they're the only reason I had any interest in trying this book out, and why I wanted to continue the series. But given what I've learned and hated and dreaded, I refuse to continue on. There's far better books and stories out there are also better written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2020
This story is outstanding. The title, Survival Instinct, says it, but into the mix of cyclones, snow and wind put intense romance and emotional angst, and you have a winner. On leave from the battlefields of Afghanistan, US Army veterinarian surgeon Dani Addams goes missing, is feared suicidal, and her plight tugs at your heart from the beginning. Former SEAL Tripwire, AKA Trip, sets out to find Dani with the help of his dog named Valor, AKA Big Mama.
I couldn’t stop reading this beautiful, exciting book. Although other members of the Iniquus Security Search and Rescue team are involved, this is really the story of two people who thought love had passed them by. The dog Valor is a stunner in her own right. If you love adventure, romance, animals, and deep emotion, you won’t be able to put this book down. Although Book 9 in the Cerberus Tactical K9 series, this story also reads just fine as a standalone. What a ride! Five stars!
I couldn’t stop reading this beautiful, exciting book. Although other members of the Iniquus Security Search and Rescue team are involved, this is really the story of two people who thought love had passed them by. The dog Valor is a stunner in her own right. If you love adventure, romance, animals, and deep emotion, you won’t be able to put this book down. Although Book 9 in the Cerberus Tactical K9 series, this story also reads just fine as a standalone. What a ride! Five stars!
July 17, 2020
Hate books written in this form. Too much backstory and repetitive talking.
October 1, 2021
DNF
Holy sh!t. What a waste of my time. Over 20% into the book and the couple hasn’t even met yet. There is so much filler of military buzzwords and BS.
There was a moment, 60% through the book (yes. SIXTY!) the love interests have barely said 5 sentences to each other and she thinks “I’m Falling in love” ? No, don’t read this. Don’t do it.
Holy sh!t. What a waste of my time. Over 20% into the book and the couple hasn’t even met yet. There is so much filler of military buzzwords and BS.
There was a moment, 60% through the book (yes. SIXTY!) the love interests have barely said 5 sentences to each other and she thinks “I’m Falling in love” ? No, don’t read this. Don’t do it.
did-not-finish
June 14, 2022There’s foreshadowing and description. And then there’s FORESHADOWING AND DESCRIPTION.
I don’t like having it shoved down my throat. I really wanted to like this book but there is soooo much being set up and you can see it a mile away.
Plus, the narrator is soooo slow so it draws out the torture.
I don’t like having it shoved down my throat. I really wanted to like this book but there is soooo much being set up and you can see it a mile away.
Plus, the narrator is soooo slow so it draws out the torture.
Read
September 19, 2021DNF- 40% I was so excited to listen to these since I love Romantic Suspense with K9 units, but this was not for me. It was dry, disjointed, and I didn't care for choppy structure or characters.
October 26, 2021
I've given this a C+ for narration and a D for content at AudioGals
In one of our recent Currently Playing chats behind the scenes at AudioGals, I mentioned that I’d just listened to Fiona Quinn’s Survival Instinct and what a disappointment it was. My fellow reviewer Kaetrin responded that she’d listened to it as well and had enjoyed it – and as life would be very boring if we all liked the same things, I suggested we expand my initial review to include her thoughts and comments, as her views might resonate with some listeners and mine with others. So here’s our first ever joint review!
I’m sorry if I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but Fiona Quinn’s Survival Instinct – book one in her Cerberus Tactical K9 series – turned out to be yet another in a sadly long line of romantic suspense stories that are neither romantic nor suspenseful. I’ve listened to and enjoyed a few books by this author, but basing my decision to pick this one upon past listens was a bad one in this instance, because after a strong start, it went rapidly downhill and never recovered.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals.
In one of our recent Currently Playing chats behind the scenes at AudioGals, I mentioned that I’d just listened to Fiona Quinn’s Survival Instinct and what a disappointment it was. My fellow reviewer Kaetrin responded that she’d listened to it as well and had enjoyed it – and as life would be very boring if we all liked the same things, I suggested we expand my initial review to include her thoughts and comments, as her views might resonate with some listeners and mine with others. So here’s our first ever joint review!
I’m sorry if I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but Fiona Quinn’s Survival Instinct – book one in her Cerberus Tactical K9 series – turned out to be yet another in a sadly long line of romantic suspense stories that are neither romantic nor suspenseful. I’ve listened to and enjoyed a few books by this author, but basing my decision to pick this one upon past listens was a bad one in this instance, because after a strong start, it went rapidly downhill and never recovered.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals.
January 21, 2022
Okay. I mostly started this book because I enjoy romantic suspense, love working dogs, and it was a prime read that I could explore for free. I was a little apprehensive because of the cover (I think we are not supposed to judge a book by that…but I’m always guilty). I’ve never been into raunchy reads (although I’ve found myself trapped in some occasionally). The cover read “raunchy” to me.
This was far from! It involved hiking, dangerous weather, amazing dogs, and just enough romance to pull both storylines together and give chemistry and development. It was a book that kept me engaged until the end. (I looked at my reader and suddenly I was at 80%….?)
Nevertheless, here I come rest of the K9 series. Because DOGS. DOGS THAT SAVE PEOPLE.
This was far from! It involved hiking, dangerous weather, amazing dogs, and just enough romance to pull both storylines together and give chemistry and development. It was a book that kept me engaged until the end. (I looked at my reader and suddenly I was at 80%….?)
Nevertheless, here I come rest of the K9 series. Because DOGS. DOGS THAT SAVE PEOPLE.
June 17, 2022
Unusual plot. Kept me interested .. loved Valor and all the working dog parts best.
September 3, 2021
Survival Instinct: Cerberus Tactical K9 Book I is written by Fiona Quinn. This book is about the K9 teams in action. Is is also an adventure story and a romance for Trip and Dani. Unexpected weather problems make things even more dire.
Harrison “Trip” Williams and his dog Valor were waiting to skydive. If Val did this, she would be able to join the “big boys” on the rescue squad. As they waited to jump, the plane hit a wind gust and the first couple was thrown out. The second couple was out and hit the wing. Last was Trip and Valor. Trip knew he had to get Rip’s chute opened so dove for it. They made it and trip was down safely. They were told a bad storm was headed their way and arrangements were made to sta at a nearby resort.
Dani Addams was on leave from the army to attend a memorial system for a friend. First, she wanted a hike. Tiana told her to go on as she had a migraine. She headed out not knowing the weather would change.
A group from the hotel were lost and the teams went out to rescue hem. Trip fount Dani and headed her back to the hotel. Later, hearing she was suicidal, e headed back to her only to find her in a rockslide. Could he get her out and with injuries and the storm?
Harrison “Trip” Williams and his dog Valor were waiting to skydive. If Val did this, she would be able to join the “big boys” on the rescue squad. As they waited to jump, the plane hit a wind gust and the first couple was thrown out. The second couple was out and hit the wing. Last was Trip and Valor. Trip knew he had to get Rip’s chute opened so dove for it. They made it and trip was down safely. They were told a bad storm was headed their way and arrangements were made to sta at a nearby resort.
Dani Addams was on leave from the army to attend a memorial system for a friend. First, she wanted a hike. Tiana told her to go on as she had a migraine. She headed out not knowing the weather would change.
A group from the hotel were lost and the teams went out to rescue hem. Trip fount Dani and headed her back to the hotel. Later, hearing she was suicidal, e headed back to her only to find her in a rockslide. Could he get her out and with injuries and the storm?
August 11, 2020
Have your Do Not Disturb sign ready! Because you won't want anyone to bother you once you start!
Fiona Quinn takes you on the journey of Dani, Trip and his K9 Valor. Once you start this book you will find it very hard to put down. This takes you on a journey of friendship, grief, and love.
Dani is on leave to say goodbye and to fulfill a promise made to a friend she looses in Afghanistan. Her promise? To hike the trail her friend loved so much. While on her journey on the trail will her grief get to be too much?
There’s a big storm brewing and it’s a race against time to find some missing people. Cerberus Tactical K9 team Trip and K9 Valor are just one of the teams out there searching. Valor finds Dani first and her response is unusual, her barks alert her handler Trip she’s found someone.
Will they stay together? Will they survive the storm? Will they need help themselves? To find out you’ll need to read it! A book that will make you want to thank all the Search and Rescue teams out there!
If you haven’t read any of Fiona Quinn’s books before I recommend that you read them as you won’t be disappointed. I’ve LOVED every single one and have read them multiple times. Lynx series, Strike Force series, Uncommon Enemies series, FBI Joint Task Force series, Kate Hamilton series and Cerberus Tactical K9 series. You’ll want to read all of them because you won’t be able to get enough of Fiona Quinn books! Can’t wait for the next book in any of these series! Thank you so much Fiona Quinn for truly fantastic books!
Fiona Quinn takes you on the journey of Dani, Trip and his K9 Valor. Once you start this book you will find it very hard to put down. This takes you on a journey of friendship, grief, and love.
Dani is on leave to say goodbye and to fulfill a promise made to a friend she looses in Afghanistan. Her promise? To hike the trail her friend loved so much. While on her journey on the trail will her grief get to be too much?
There’s a big storm brewing and it’s a race against time to find some missing people. Cerberus Tactical K9 team Trip and K9 Valor are just one of the teams out there searching. Valor finds Dani first and her response is unusual, her barks alert her handler Trip she’s found someone.
Will they stay together? Will they survive the storm? Will they need help themselves? To find out you’ll need to read it! A book that will make you want to thank all the Search and Rescue teams out there!
If you haven’t read any of Fiona Quinn’s books before I recommend that you read them as you won’t be disappointed. I’ve LOVED every single one and have read them multiple times. Lynx series, Strike Force series, Uncommon Enemies series, FBI Joint Task Force series, Kate Hamilton series and Cerberus Tactical K9 series. You’ll want to read all of them because you won’t be able to get enough of Fiona Quinn books! Can’t wait for the next book in any of these series! Thank you so much Fiona Quinn for truly fantastic books!
July 18, 2020
This book has left me completely speechless, to the point I don’t even know what to say about it. To simply say I loved it doesn’t feel like enough. The gold-standard of a read for me is if a book can make me laugh or make me feel; and this book did both. The story has tension and suspense and drama and humor and just everything I love in a book. The ending even left me misty-eyed. Dani is fierce and independent, yet vulnerable. She is all the things I like best in a heroine. Trip has the full measure of alpha military protectiveness which made me swoon from the very beginning. We also see a strong nurturing aspect to his personality through his interactions with Valor. And in true Hollywood fashion, Valor proves out the old adage about never working with animals because she took this story in her teeth and completely ran away with it. Now, I’m dying to get my hands on the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
December 4, 2024
A new-to-me author, and I'm glad I tried this new-to-me series. I really enjoyed this one. The dogs (and men!) at Cerberus Tactical K9 have different specialties. But all are rich, well-developed characters. This one was search & rescue.
July 18, 2020
Oh my goodness.
WooHee as Gatorade would say. Absolutely loved this book. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat laughing then crying. What an emotional rollercoaster. I love all of the Iniquus series books so far. I will say I was kind of disappointed that Lynx did not come in to help save the day. I understand though. She can not have all the fun and danger. Can not wait to read the next book. Keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
WooHee as Gatorade would say. Absolutely loved this book. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat laughing then crying. What an emotional rollercoaster. I love all of the Iniquus series books so far. I will say I was kind of disappointed that Lynx did not come in to help save the day. I understand though. She can not have all the fun and danger. Can not wait to read the next book. Keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
August 9, 2020
#IHeartValor
My first Fiona book.
It will definitely not be my last!
I'm hooked!
I enjoyed Dani, Trip and Valor's "on the edge trauma!"
When you meet the one you're suppose to ride that long haul with... it is such a joy, especially with your adult brain!!
Read this book, grab your Kleenex and read like you are in quarantine...
Thanks Fiona!!
My first Fiona book.
It will definitely not be my last!
I'm hooked!
I enjoyed Dani, Trip and Valor's "on the edge trauma!"
When you meet the one you're suppose to ride that long haul with... it is such a joy, especially with your adult brain!!
Read this book, grab your Kleenex and read like you are in quarantine...
Thanks Fiona!!
July 30, 2020
This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.
It was emotionally charged story from the very beginning. The reader empathizes with the main characters right from the start. We are pulled in to their turmoil and hope for a good outcome for them. The author really put her characters through the wringer in this story.
If you love good, romantic suspense you need to pick up a copy of this book, it is spectacular.
It was emotionally charged story from the very beginning. The reader empathizes with the main characters right from the start. We are pulled in to their turmoil and hope for a good outcome for them. The author really put her characters through the wringer in this story.
If you love good, romantic suspense you need to pick up a copy of this book, it is spectacular.
July 20, 2020
Dani was a Major with the Army. A combat veterinary surgeon who specilized in working with handlers and dogs facing the trauma that would require her skills
An accident in theater would cost the life of her vet tech Lei Ming and Daisey, her support dog.
A trip intended to honor important places to Lei Ming is met with epically horrific weather. Training for the Cerberus team leaves one imperiled dog/ handler team. The remainder of the training teams are ideally placed to assist in a search for folks ill equipped to deal with once in a lifetime awful weather
It might give a mourning combat veterinarian a chance to survive - and maybe a chance for more than survival
Action and drama packed adventure with plot twists galore!
Love this new Iniquus group and happily anticipating more awesome stories!
An accident in theater would cost the life of her vet tech Lei Ming and Daisey, her support dog.
A trip intended to honor important places to Lei Ming is met with epically horrific weather. Training for the Cerberus team leaves one imperiled dog/ handler team. The remainder of the training teams are ideally placed to assist in a search for folks ill equipped to deal with once in a lifetime awful weather
It might give a mourning combat veterinarian a chance to survive - and maybe a chance for more than survival
Action and drama packed adventure with plot twists galore!
Love this new Iniquus group and happily anticipating more awesome stories!
July 26, 2020
Loved It!!!!
I just love this type of book!!! The emotional impact and the heartfelt feelings between Dani and Trip were wonderful. The emotions this story pulled out of me were so touching I was riveted and crying at the same time. Great job Fiona Quinn!!!!
I just love this type of book!!! The emotional impact and the heartfelt feelings between Dani and Trip were wonderful. The emotions this story pulled out of me were so touching I was riveted and crying at the same time. Great job Fiona Quinn!!!!
February 23, 2025
And, if he couldn’t get her out in time, he’d be told to abandon her. No fucking way he’d ever follow through with that order.
Dynamic: Search and Rescue Dog Handler x Missing Person; Navy SEAL Veteran x Military Vet Tech
Tropes: Strangers to lovers, Protective MMC, Forced Proximity, Only one Bed, Banter, Man vs Nature, Survival, Animal Companions
Setting: Contemporary, Rural/Great Outdoors
Genre: (Ex-)Military Romance
Spice: Behind closed doors
TW:
This is 308 pages of two people sharing memories and life lessons, told like a military report. If that's your jam, you'll love it.
Plot
Trip and Dani end up at the same lodge. Dani is there to honor her friend who passed in Afghanistan. Trip is here because he is set up with his search and rescue company to stay here during a storm. Dani goes on a hike on her own and while Trip is trying to find a lost influencer, he ends up finding her instead.
“It’s an awfully small space for the expanse of what I’m feeling. It fit better in the forest.”
Through some unfortunate circumstances they end up having to survive the increasingly bad weather and bond through memories and life lessons.
Characters
Dani worked in Afghanistan on a military base as a vet, taking care of the K9 units. After her friend Lei Ming passed away, she is now out to honor her memory at a lodge Lei Ming used to always stay at.
Dani has a lot of feelings about Lei Ming’s passing, to a point where I wondered if they had a thing.
For a pretty long time her only real personality trait is grief. It makes sense, grief is all encompassing, it swallows up every facet of life.
Then when she meets Trip and has someone to talk to beside herself, she is witty, has banter and is a lot more engaging and mulitfaceted.
Hated her tendency to talk to herself though.
Dani was not in as good a shape as she wanted him to believe.
She was being a good soldier, but not a great injured rescue.
Harrison “Tripwire” Williams was once a Navy SEAL, then changed careers to be a the handler of a search and rescue dog. He is a good guy, all around. Emotionally intelligent, heroic, protective, educated, a dog person, raised to be a good boyfriend but just never found a good partner. I like him as a guy... He is pretty boring for a main character. His biggest flaw is like... "too good of a heart."
When the plot and writing places such an emphasis on fleshing out the characters and their backstories maybe their personalities should have been a bit more flawed. Just saying.
“Lone ranger type?”
“In the K-9 world, we say lone wolf.”
Dani laughed. “Cute.”
Relationship
The main characters don’t actually meet until into the book, which is 2 hours in the audiobook. This is a standalone, 300 word book. If it was a slow burn series, fine. But it’s not… So, this was an odd choice.
“Your face is so familiar to me. I feel like we’ve met. I’m trying to remember how I would know you, though. I feel certain that if we had met, I couldn’t have forgotten you.”
The relationship is very insta love once they do meet, but Trip is holding back because of a bit of a moral dilemma. I was glad this topic was adressed fairly quick because I could practically see it devolving into an annoying miscommunication thing, so I was glad when it didn't.
He just needed to keep his head right. Both heads.
Once they then actually begin to connect, they do get to know each other very well. Swapping stories, surviving together, bonding. If it didn't go on for so painfully long I would've liked that. But atp this was a biography for the characters.
“Don’t let me hurt you, Dani,” he whispered between kisses that trailed down her neck. “I’d never want to hurt you.”
Despite the insta love these two characters fit. I can genuinely believe they're good for each other, and they have good chemistry. That's... all I can really say. They had basically no interpersonal conflict once
"You go first.”
“So you can catch me when I fall? That’s not a good idea. You’ve got Valor.”
“No, you’re going first so I can watch your ass as you climb the stairs.”
The good, the bad, the in-between
✔️ Romance: I already explained my thoughts on this. They're... cute and fit together.
✔️ Writing: Ironically, the writing is in the bad, the good, and the in-between for me, for different reasons each. While the characters were actually active and doing something, it was fairly enjoyable to read. From the 40% mark to 60% the book was actually fun and kept me hooked.
〰️ Writing: Very matter of fact. Not much artistic play with the words, or many metaphors, which I am a big fan of. This was very… factual. I liked some of it, like when Trip pauses to anticipate what he is going to do, and going through the possibilities. It makes sense for a trained soldier to plan ahead. But damn, it got tiring when there is a hypothetical being planned out twice or three times per chapter.
〰️ ✖️ Infodumping: The author seems to assume the reader is quite dumb/forgetful. Explanations of military terminology is explained in excrutiating detail, and then shortly repeated every time the term is used.
I get it, when you do all that research you want it to be used too. But I don’t need every single facet of mountain rescue, walking and survival strategies explained that thoroughly.
The only reason it’s semi okay is because a lot of the info was fairly interesting for me, but to anyone else it'll feel like a military, survival and psychology textbook reworked to be a bit more engaging.
✖️ Writing: A lot of telling, not showing. Like, every single metaphor, lesson, detail... spelled out in excrutiating level, repeated several tme throughout the book. Maybe the author assumes the reader is stupid
✖️ Pacing: This could've been a novella. So much yapping. Drawn out scenes, conversations that added nothing, like entire mission debriefs, and interviews that were in no way relevant to the plot. It doesnn't even offer insight in the way of havin the main characters react to it, as Trip merely passively observes. It's written like a protocol, neutral and without judgement or internal monologue.
Main couple doesn't even meet until
The audiobook was a saving grace here because I honestly zoned out, and if I had been reading I might’ve not continued.
✖️ Ending: This is the biggest one. There is some plottwist that I vagely saw from a mile coming, except not in its entirety because it is... so stupid? Maybe I just didn't really get it, because frankly by the end I didn't care all that much, but
Conclusion
If this was a debut novel, I would rate it much higher. Sometimes you can just write indirect speech and summarise entire conversations into the most vital information. The writing itself was actually enjoyable.
About halfway through I had fun. I was engaged, when The book could have been cut to novella length without negatively impacting the plot.
Not sure if I'll give this author another chance, which is kind of a pity because she has some interesting premises.
July 13, 2020
Survival Instinct drew me in from the start. Trip and Valor and their aborted exercise had me thinking. Right from the first couple of chapters, I was invested in knowing how things ended up for the Team. Enter Dani. Seemingly far from crossing paths, but I wanted Trip and Dani to find their way to each other.
I have not often been this invested in the romance aspect of a book. The conflicts and struggles encountered here, however, lend a feeling of “will they make it” which is something Quinn does masterfully.
Survival Instinct is certainly a story of two people. Though they are surrounded by the rest of the Cerberus Team, this is about them. How their paths cross almost as if they were predestined. Can they, will they survive challenges and almost insurmountable odds?
Quinn writes a gripping story. Well plotted, it’s easy to see the research that has gone into the work. Survival Instinct is no holds barred, I simply couldn’t stop reading it. I felt a bit bereft when it was over. I wasn’t quite ready to let go.
[I was offered a copy of this book pre-publication and invited to Beta read for the author. I was not in any way expected to give a review. I am doing so freely and all of the opinions expressed herein are my own.]
I have not often been this invested in the romance aspect of a book. The conflicts and struggles encountered here, however, lend a feeling of “will they make it” which is something Quinn does masterfully.
Survival Instinct is certainly a story of two people. Though they are surrounded by the rest of the Cerberus Team, this is about them. How their paths cross almost as if they were predestined. Can they, will they survive challenges and almost insurmountable odds?
Quinn writes a gripping story. Well plotted, it’s easy to see the research that has gone into the work. Survival Instinct is no holds barred, I simply couldn’t stop reading it. I felt a bit bereft when it was over. I wasn’t quite ready to let go.
[I was offered a copy of this book pre-publication and invited to Beta read for the author. I was not in any way expected to give a review. I am doing so freely and all of the opinions expressed herein are my own.]
July 17, 2020
I stayed up waaaay past my bedtime to finish Survival Instinct. I honestly was just going to read a few chapters and then finish it the next day. I actually lost track of time I was so involved in the story. Fiona's new members of Iniquus are K-9 search and rescue teams. Tripwire and his K-9 Valor (aka Little Mama) are training with teams from all over the world when trouble begins. A bomb cyclone weather pattern is fast approaching so they all seek shelter at a nearby lodge before the storm approaches. A missing photography group and a lone hiker become their current mission before the weather turns for the worst. Can they rescue everyone in time? And what is really up with Dani, the lone hiker, who is there in memoriam for her best friend. Read and find out. You're gonna love this book!!
July 14, 2020
What a brilliant start to a new spin-off in my favorite iniquuis world...
k9’s and Ex-special forces unite to bring us a new unit within iniquuis, which is one of my favorite book worlds.
What I loved most about this book was the k9 characters they are all amazing and I am looking forward to getting to know them all in this series but this book was all about Valor and she is amazing, I love how her mothering instincts click into her training to make her more of a challenge for Trip her handler and I love how Trip has taken the time to really get to know and bond with his partner.
The story was amazing in that it hit so many of my emotions, loss, grief, love, anger, happiness but it didn’t;t feel like a roller coaster, each paged flowed seamlessly to bring this story together for me with and ending that left me with a smile for days.
Dani and Trip amazing on their own even more amazing together add in li’l momma and you have one very special family in the making.
I am seriously excited for the next book in this series.
k9’s and Ex-special forces unite to bring us a new unit within iniquuis, which is one of my favorite book worlds.
What I loved most about this book was the k9 characters they are all amazing and I am looking forward to getting to know them all in this series but this book was all about Valor and she is amazing, I love how her mothering instincts click into her training to make her more of a challenge for Trip her handler and I love how Trip has taken the time to really get to know and bond with his partner.
The story was amazing in that it hit so many of my emotions, loss, grief, love, anger, happiness but it didn’t;t feel like a roller coaster, each paged flowed seamlessly to bring this story together for me with and ending that left me with a smile for days.
Dani and Trip amazing on their own even more amazing together add in li’l momma and you have one very special family in the making.
I am seriously excited for the next book in this series.
July 14, 2020
Another 5⭐ read by Fiona Quinn
Dani and Tiana are on leave from the Army to fulfill a promise to a fallen friend. Trip and his k9 Valor are on training duty when an accident and an incoming snow storm force them to a mountain retreat. They end up tracking a missing group and Trip encounters Dani on his search. When the missing group is found, Trip and Valor are tasks with finding Dani. This is a fast book filled with loss and finding your way through the grief. Trip must follow his instincts and training and trust that he and Valor will be able to find Dani in time. Once you start this book you will not be able to put it down! Once you read a Fiona Quinn book, you will want to read all her books. I love the tribute to Little Bear!!!
Dani and Tiana are on leave from the Army to fulfill a promise to a fallen friend. Trip and his k9 Valor are on training duty when an accident and an incoming snow storm force them to a mountain retreat. They end up tracking a missing group and Trip encounters Dani on his search. When the missing group is found, Trip and Valor are tasks with finding Dani. This is a fast book filled with loss and finding your way through the grief. Trip must follow his instincts and training and trust that he and Valor will be able to find Dani in time. Once you start this book you will not be able to put it down! Once you read a Fiona Quinn book, you will want to read all her books. I love the tribute to Little Bear!!!
July 13, 2020
Ms Quinn has written another great book. Survival Instinct is the first book in her new Cerberus Tactical K9 Series. I started reading this one just to see what it was about and had planned to put it down and finish it tomorrow. Well 8 or so hours later I am an emotional, happy mess. This book grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go. Tripwire and K9 Valor, aka Little Mama, are the focus of this book as they are sent to rescue Dani, an Army Major and veterinarian surgeon, who is reported suicidal and caught up on a mountain trail with a bomb cyclone headed their way. We have a hunky special ops guy, his opinionated and lovable K9, a woman grieving the loss of her best friend and her dog, a snowpocalypse and a connection between two people who thought love had passed them by. Will they survive? Dive in and find out.
August 25, 2021
This was a find! First in a trilogy by a reasonably prolific writer, this absolutely can be read as a standalone. But beware! You won't be able to stop!
Tripwire and his SAR K-9 Valor are training in West Virginia when a bomb cyclone warning sends their team to ride out the storm at a nearby luxury wilderness lodge. Dani, a military veterinarian on leave from Afghanistan, also is headed to the wilderness lodge with a military friend; their plans are to hike some trails to fulfill pormises made to a fallen team member. Ultimately, Dani and Tripwire (that's his code name btw) meet on the trails, there is rescue and sheltering from the initial storm front, and an ending I only pieced together about the same time the characters did. There is romance but it's secondary and handled really well. Valor is a full character and the plot nicely complex with some serious notes.
Tripwire and his SAR K-9 Valor are training in West Virginia when a bomb cyclone warning sends their team to ride out the storm at a nearby luxury wilderness lodge. Dani, a military veterinarian on leave from Afghanistan, also is headed to the wilderness lodge with a military friend; their plans are to hike some trails to fulfill pormises made to a fallen team member. Ultimately, Dani and Tripwire (that's his code name btw) meet on the trails, there is rescue and sheltering from the initial storm front, and an ending I only pieced together about the same time the characters did. There is romance but it's secondary and handled really well. Valor is a full character and the plot nicely complex with some serious notes.
August 7, 2021
On leave from a stint in A-stan, Army veterinarian Major Dani Addams uses time to honor a fallen comrade and her personal canine companion, at a preselected spot in the Appalachian’s. Iniquus Tactical K9 team Harrison ‘Tripwire’ Williams & German Shepherd partner Valor aka Lilttle Mama run across Dani while searching for a big group, Dani and Valor become fast friends.
With Trip’s warning of an unexpected incoming storm Dani begins to hurry down to the lodge and Trip moves on to his next search point where he gets an emergency message questioning Dani’s situation. Trip’s instructed to specifically locate Dani and get her to the lodge immediately. Meanwhile, Dani has trouble on the way down as the storm grows fierce around her.
Rating:3.75stars
With Trip’s warning of an unexpected incoming storm Dani begins to hurry down to the lodge and Trip moves on to his next search point where he gets an emergency message questioning Dani’s situation. Trip’s instructed to specifically locate Dani and get her to the lodge immediately. Meanwhile, Dani has trouble on the way down as the storm grows fierce around her.
Rating:3.75stars
November 9, 2022
I will read ANYTHING written by Ms Quinn ~ especially revolving around Iniquus Security ! These stories are soooo engrossing ~ and I'm constantly amazed by how incredibly well she weaves characters we know with new people, in totally fantastic ways! Valor and Dani's connection was inexplicable, until they figured it out. These what-are-the-odds-?-yeah-right moments DO happen in real life ~ truth is stranger than fiction ! I can't WAIT for more of these Cerberus Tactical K9 adventures! I just wish they could happen sooner, but I don't want to rush Ms Quinn ~ they might not be as good! So, in her own time ~ I'm sooooo looking forward to the next one!
January 20, 2021
This book tells the story of Trip, a former SEAL, and Valor, his search and rescue dog. They are members of Iniquus Security's search and rescue teams, and this is the story of their search and rescue of Dani, a veterinarian, during a huge wind and snow event in the mountains. I love the characters that we come to know through this story. I enjoyed all the parts about Valor, how search dogs train and work, and how dogs love. I love the depth in the characters. This is an exciting, lovely book! I look forward to more in the Cerberus Tactical K9 series!!!
October 12, 2020
Survival Instinct
Iniquus K-9 series Book 1
Fiona Quinn, author
Action packed Romantic Suspense storyline. A well written story that began with a most excillerating opening and didn't stop until the end. Finally a story about some of the most loyal and fearsome soldiers, the K9's.
Intense, gripping and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this story to everyone. I received an advanced reader copy. I leave this review of my own volition.
Iniquus K-9 series Book 1
Fiona Quinn, author
Action packed Romantic Suspense storyline. A well written story that began with a most excillerating opening and didn't stop until the end. Finally a story about some of the most loyal and fearsome soldiers, the K9's.
Intense, gripping and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this story to everyone. I received an advanced reader copy. I leave this review of my own volition.
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