Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Duty Before Devotion

Rate this book
I’m no damsel in distress.

I’m one of the guys and always have been. Working on the K-9 unit with the boys requires that.

But of course I’m catching the feels in the middle of a case for my partner.

Hiding my feelings from him hasn’t been hard for the last ten years, but hiding it from myself – impossible.

He’s got a crush on me too. I can feel it.

But there’s no time for romance in the middle of the battlefield.

A fellow cop is our target and he’s not the type of guy I’d ever image would break the law.

Focus is the key word, because my heart is ready to burst and my body is tired of pretending.

I want what I want, but the reminder is clear – duty before devotion.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2022

9 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

Lexy Parker

13 books33 followers
There is more than one author on Goodreads with this name.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
73 (81%)
4 stars
13 (14%)
3 stars
4 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
9,377 reviews140 followers
March 21, 2022
The author brings it all in this one! It's action packed with tons of emotion. She pulled me in with the danger and mystery , secrets and twists as well as the sexual tension with them fighting their feelings. It has strong characters in Garrett and Victoria who are officers and partners in the K-9 unit along with their dogs Elvis and Pepper. It's the third book in the series and brings a friends to lovers romance. It's well written , moves fluidly and is a great addition to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
2,637 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2022
This is an action packed story with plenty of steam and danger to keep you glued until the end of the story. Frank (Victoria) and Garrett are thrown together on a case. Along with canine partners, they find a lot of trouble. Both of them have been attracted to the other but never took beyond friends. Will be close together in all the danger bring these two together?
Profile Image for Denise .
932 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2022
4.5
“Duty Before Devotion” is the third book in the ‘K-9 Protection Romance’ series from Lexy Parker, and it’s a well-written friends-to-lovers story. It’s written in such a way that it can be enjoyed as a standalone story. Be aware though, there are two story arcs in the book. The individual story features Victoria Franklin (nicknamed Frank) and Garrett Wilson. There is also a broader story about a criminal case that starts in the first book, expands in the second book, and is also part of this story.

Frank and Wilson have been friends since they were in the police academy together. They have been working as partners within the K-9 unit for years. As time has gone by, each has developed much more than a friendly interest in the other, although neither ever speaks of it. Both believe the other sees them as just a friend. They’re assigned a sensitive case concerning another officer they know from long ago who might not still be one of the good guys. Frank ends up in a dangerous situation and their secrets can no longer be kept.

This is another entertaining story in an enjoyable series. Frank and Wilson are both personable characters, as are their canine partners, Pepper and Elvis, respectively. If you’ve read the other books in this series it’s fun to see the lead characters in those books make appearances in this one. The chemistry between the lead characters is intense, the dialogue between them is nicely done, and the tension in the story builds well. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with the big plot and the next featured officer in the fourth book of this series!

I read an advance copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving my review. I also purchased a copy on Amazon.
Profile Image for Terri Eaches.
571 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2022
Frank and Wilson...More Than Just Partners at Work🔥⭐⭐⭐🔥

Loving the K-9 Protection series!!! Victoria "Frank" Franklin and Garrett Wilson went through academy together and are now partners along with their K-9 dogs. Frank has black lab Pepper and Wilson has a bloodhound named Elvis. Each are crushing on the other but afraid of risk to not only their partnership but friendship too. Now they are on a case they can't say anything about...a rogue cop they trained with. Frank is adamant Owen Winch is not dirty but just too deep in his undercover case. When Frank goes to meet Winch without letting Wilson know things go totally off the rails. It's a damn good thing Wilson followed her to the cop bar. Now with three assault charges against officers, Elvis getting stitched up and Frank drugged, Wilson isn't going to go easy on Winch. Blame it in the adrenaline or maybe it's just time to act on their attraction but whatever it is, once isn't enough. Wilson and Frank have a bumpy way to go between the case and their new found relationship. But this case is deep and possibly tied to their last case. Can they tread through both and come out intact?? So glad Frank gets her story. Great characters, has/her POV, no cheating, no cliffhanger and a HEA. Great to visit with previous characters. I highly recommend this MUST READ. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and happily purchased a copy for my favorites collection. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
2,604 reviews26 followers
March 21, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "DUTY BEFORE DEVOTION" This was such a terrific non stop action intense suspense filled drama, full of mystery, betrayal, dirty cop, steam, angst, danger, humor, secrets, twists that made for real page turner you couldn't put down until finished.
Officer Garrett Wilson & Officer Victoria Franklin have been partners for 10yrs they work in K-9 Unit their dogs Elvis & Pepper a great part to the story they bring humor.
Wilson & Frank are called into Captain Prince Office being ordered to bring in Undercover Cop Owen Winch who's gone rogue, he's a dirty cop he went through the academy with them, Frank wants to believe he's still good but Wilson thinks otherwise.
While Wilson & Frank are working the case the feelings they've been avoiding they finally act on in the middle of this case Winch being involved with The Sling an underground Underworld that's extremely dangerous involving some pretty higher ups.
I definitely recommend to get this nonstop intense action packed mystery that has you on the edge of your seat, will Wilson & Frank become more than just partners & friend will they get their HEA & catch the dirty cop in process you must get this book to see how it turns out.
I'm so looking forward to next book still so many unanswered questions about the case need to know more can't wait to have more with Wilson & Frank.
85 reviews
March 21, 2022
I really like these books about the K-9 units. And meeting all of the different people who are a part of a great team.

Garrett and Victoria have been partners for almost 9 years. Not only have they been partners for almost 9 years, they went through the academy together. To say they know each other well is an understatement.

But there is something that Garett does not know, and that is how Victoria feels about him. She has had a crush on Garrett for years. But she can't let him know because she doesn't know if he feels the same. And being partners where they spend a lot of time together, if he didn't it would just make things awkward.

But then they are put on a case that has them dealing with a former friend\police\academy partner that rumor has it, has gone bad.

Garrett is worried because Victoria had feelings for this guy, and doesn't know if she can keep her feelings out of this.

What happens is great and exciting and head scratching. You get to know these 2 very well and are hoping that everything works out.

A must read. Can't wait to see where this goes.

Ciao
3,733 reviews42 followers
March 20, 2022
This is book three in The K-9 Protection Romance Series and it is Garrett and Victoria's story. Garrett and Victoria have been friend's for years and partners for the last ten years and they have had feelings for each other for quite a while but neither have said anything about it as there friendship was so important to both of them and they didn't want to loose that and they also worked so well together with there K-9 dogs Elvis and Pepper. When they have to work on a secret and dangerous case involving a cop that has gone rogue everything changes but will the truth of there feelings for each other distract them or make them stronger. I absolutely love this series and each book gets better and better and this one is my favourite so far and I couldn't put it down and with the twists and turns along the way it made this book a real page turner and so addictive and I can't wait to read more books in this amazing series.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
March 19, 2022
I was a lot more invested in this book from the beginning than I expected to be. Rules are in place to keep people safe, and watching Victoria go a little rogue in the previous book left me on uncertain footing with her. It was so much easier for me to fall instantly in love with Garrett. I’ve always been a sucker for a country boy. Give him a canine partner and a badge and I’m head over heels. This story leads them through questionable loyalties and the murky waters of shifting allegiances while trying to discover if an old friend is a dirty cop or just in over his head. The dangers the pair face force them to confront their feelings for one another and brings their partnership closer – in every way. I’ve only just finished this book and already I’m dying to find out what this K-9 unit will discover next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,322 reviews48 followers
March 21, 2022
This is part of the K-9 Protection Romance Series and can be read as a standalone but I recommend that you start with the first book for more enjoyment. If you've read any of the other books you'll recognize some of the inter-connecting characters. You'll love Victoria Franklin/Frank and Garrett Wilson as they step up their friendship and fall in love. It was fun watching their slow burn romance. Well written with a strong, engaging story line and well developed characters. Their friendship began in the police academy and grew as they worked together on cases. Their canine partners, Pepper and Elvis are adorable and will win your heart. This has been a great series so far. I read an advance copy of this book via the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review. I also purchased a copy on Amazon.
Profile Image for Sheila Fowler.
Author 50 books550 followers
March 22, 2022
K-9 Romance

What happens when you have feelings for your partner? What would happen if he reciprocated? And then some.

Frank (Victoria Franklin) and Wilson (Garret Wilson) have been great friends since police training. They are put on a case where they have to find a friend of theirs from their academy days - Winch. Frank tries her best to not think the worst of Winch. She wants to find him and prove that he's not the dirty cop the department thinks he is. That means meeting him on her own. Yeah, that doesn't turn out well when he drugs her. Thank God Wilson followed her. Elvis (his adorable Bloodhound) attaches to Winch before getting stabbed by him.

This sets up the ever-growing attraction between Frank and Wilson.
This is a great friends-to-lovers romance that will give you all the feels!
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,416 reviews27 followers
March 21, 2022
Duty Before Devotion, book three in the K-9 Protection series follows Officer's Garrett Wilson and Victoria Franklin, or Frank, and their K-9 partners, a bloodhound named Elvis and a lab named Pepper. Frank and Garrett have known each other since they were in the police training academy, and have been partners for almost a decade. While both have, at one time or another, had feelings that were more then merely friendship, neither have acted on those feelings. While working a case to bring in their former friend, turned 'dirty cop', Owen Winch, something happens that opens Wilson's eyes to the possibility of his feelings being less then 'friendly' thoughts. Can Frank and Wilson keep their personal feelings separate from how they feel about each other at work?
1,804 reviews6 followers
March 23, 2022
This is the third book in the series and it doesn't disappoint.
Victoria Franklin (Frank) and Garrett Wilson have been friends and work partners for nearly a decade but have also secretly had feelings for each other.
They are pulled onto a secret case that involves someone from their past but will they be able to solve it before anyone else gets hurt.
When Frank is hospital after a meeting with the rogue cop Wilson realises his feelings for her are more than just friendship.
The case pulls them in deeper as they get closer but can they solve it before anything else happens.
A must read with plenty of drama and suspense but will they get their HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Donita Jones.
1,315 reviews12 followers
March 18, 2022
DUTY BEFORE DEVOTION (K-9 Protection Romance #3) by Lexy Parker

This is the 3rd book in this series, a friends to lovers trope, and in my opinion, it is the best yet. This is an ongoing series and I am anxious to get to the 4th book. Garrett Wilson (handler to Elvis the Bloodhound) & Victoria Frank (handler to Pepper the Lab) have been partners for years. They have been silently attracted to each other for a long time, but have not mentioned it to the other. They are given a secret case to investigate about a rogue cop. This brings suspense, mystery, witty banter, and chemistry. This is 5 stars.
Profile Image for Ally Doby (Schleicher).
1,126 reviews12 followers
March 21, 2022
I am voluntarily leaving this review. I am loving this series more with each book! I was on the edge of my seat from page one. The suspense, banter, love, loyalty and devotion was great.

Victoria and Garrett have been best friends and partners for years. Victoria always held a secret flame for Garrett and vice versa. Although it took Garrett a lot longer and the threat of danger to Victoria before he finally realized his feelings.

I cannot wait for the next book. Although each book can be read as a standalone, I’m seeing a bigger picture that is unfolding through each book. I am so excited to see who is next and how this mystery will come to an end.
2,371 reviews13 followers
March 22, 2022
5 Stars
I received a free copy of the steamy Portland, Oregon Police Department set Duty Before Devotion: K-9 Protection Romance Series: Book 3: “Frank” and by Garret by Lexy Parker, and this review was given freely.
Some suspense, danger, and a difference of opinion are combined with an optimistic police officer, her comedic partner, and a corrupt officer in this office romance which was years in the making.
Three weeks after esteemed Seattle police detective Owen Winch goes missing, Officers Victoria “Frank” Franklin, Garrett Wilson, and their K-9 partners are assigned to locate and investigate their former academy mate.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
March 22, 2022
Turned the K-9 division upside down

Victoria, an officer in the K-9 unit, and Garett, the K-9 unit, have been partners ever since they graduated from the academy together. As the story progresses they land a big case, she is their surprise ace, and if they don’t tread lightly they may end up a disgrace. Lexy Parker turned the K-9 division upside down in Duty Before Devotion. As the reader gets further drawn in to the lives and loves of the Portland PD K-9 unit, I dare them not to fall in love with the series.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
748 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2022
I really want to know how this all shakes out

K-9 handlers Victoria (Frank) and Garrett (Wilson) have been partners for almost a decade. They work well together, maybe too well. When they’re given a case with the possibility of one of their academy classmates being dirty, Frank can’t believe it and Wilson can. He’s also troubled by the feelings he’s having. Feelings of jealousy.

When Frank goes to meet their former classmate, Wilson follows without her knowledge, fortunately. Frank gets drugged and Wilson rescues her and arrests their suspect. But things run much deeper than they ever imagined. Both their emotions and the case. Will they come out the other side intact?
Profile Image for Janet Simmons.
734 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2022
Officer Garrett Wilson is laid back and calm just like his (bloodhound)7 uhcanine Elvis. They are the perfect match. Officer Frank (Victoria Franklin) and her (lab) k-9 Pepper are more energetic, nervous, easily excited. Frank and Wilson have been partners for ten years and complement each other with their working styles. This book is filled with drama, excitement, sexual tension and much more. Once I started reading I couldn't stop so read it in one sitting. Can be read as a standalone but don't recommend it as each book the story links on to the next. I recommend you read books 1 & 2 first then this one. I love this series and I love this book.
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,910 reviews20 followers
March 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this story and fell a little in love with the characters who were so well-drawn, I especially loved Pepper and Elvis their K9 partners and would love to take them home! Garrett and Victoria are friends as well as partners but both were hiding the attraction they feel for each other. Because they valued what they had and didn't want to lose that if changing the dynamics of their relationship didn't work out. Although everyone around them knew about their feelings and waited to see when they would realise that the feelings they had were mutual.

I loved this book and would recommend it to all fans of romance.
126 reviews
March 23, 2022
Rules are in place to keep people safe, and watching Victoria go a little rogue in the previous book left me on uncertain footing with her. It was so much easier for me to fall instantly in love with Garrett. I’ve always been a sucker for a country boy. Give him a canine partner and a badge and I’m head over heels. This story leads them through questionable loyalties and the murky waters of shifting allegiances while trying to discover if an old friend is a dirty cop or just in over his head. The dangers the pair face force them to confront their feelings for one another and brings their partnership closer – in every way.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,289 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2022
This is the 3rd book in the K-9 Protection series. This story revolves around K-9 handlers Victoria (Frank) and Garrett (Wilson). This couple has been partners for almost a decade. They receive a case on which they are on opposing sides - this one includes the possibility that one of their own, an academy classmate might actually be dirty, Frank can’t believe it and Wilson can. Wilson secretly follows - good thing - when Frank goes to meet their former classmate. Wilson is able to rescue Frank (Victoria) when the classmate drugs her and takes their suspect down. But this case is more complicated then anyone realized.
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,991 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2022
Partners to lovers. Garret and Victoria aka Wilson and Frank attended the police academy together and have been partners for nearly a decade. Frank had crushed on him for years but never said anything. Now they've been assigned to a top secret case to find a dirty cop, also an old friend. Winch tries to convince them to stay away from him but they don't listen. Meanwhile, Frank ends up in the hospital and Wilson realizes how much she means to him. And romance blooms. Great story with some details from previous books and I would expect to hear more about this case in future books. Great characters. Great read!
1,328 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2022
Frank, Garrett, and Victoria
The story grabbed my attention in the very beginning, kept it throughout, and left me disappointed there wasn’t more when I reached the end. Victoria and Garrett are the handlers for Frank the super savvy police dog. As in the previous books the storyline is absolutely compelling with dangerous situation they face that is quite complicated.
If you enjoy action stories and dogs you’re bound to love this one!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
205 reviews
March 21, 2022
Officer Garrett Wilson and Officer Victoria "Frank" Franklin went to the Police Academy and then became partners in the K-9 Protection division for the past ten years. They were handed a sensitive case investigating a former friend from the Academy. Many twists and turns for this investigation that also involves Wilson and Franklin's super sexy charged make out sessions. Could this lead them into a real relationship? Stay tuned in to this revelation and other mysteries solved. Great book from Lexy Parker that keeps you riveted to the pages.

Diane W.
Profile Image for Lyne Carroll.
783 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2022
Wonderful engaging and flowing story centering on 2 long time work partners that have to find an old coworker who got himself in deep trouble.

It's very well written and it's full of action, suspense and with a very nice dose of steam. It also has strong characters that are devoted to their work, mutual friendship and they also discover a sizzling chemistry that will soon burst lolllllll

Congrats to the authors for a job well done !
Can't wait to read the next book in the series :)

I received a free copy of this book from the author and I vonratily choose to review it.
616 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2022
Partners for years but partners for real? Great book. I love this series. The criminal element of it continues through each book. As you read it, more and more characters, criminals, action, drama, love swirl into the story. Victoria and Garrett, or Frank and Wilson, going by their last names as police officers, have each had a crush on the other for years, but didn’t pursue it. Now it’s front and center and they can’t get enough of each other. But they’ve got to solve the case first. Can’t wait for the next book to see what happens in the police department. Really, really great.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,944 reviews22 followers
March 27, 2022
This is the third book in the K-9 Protection Romance series. I love this series. Frank (Victoria) and Wilson (Garrett)'s story is emotional and entertaining. The storyline is filled with drama, mystery, humor, danger, and twists and turns. I liked their trained K-9 dogs Pepper and Elvis. The supporting characters are great. I loved to see again the characters from the previous books. This is a great friends-to-lovers and slow burn romance and I enjoyed it. Looking forward for more in the series.
2,653 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2022
Officer Wilson and Officer Franklin have been partners for almost a decade. Officer Garrett Wilson has his K-9 Elvis who is a bloodhound and Officer Victoria Franklin has her K-9 Pepper won is a black lab. Undercover Officer Owen Winch has gone rogue, now Wilson and Franklin have been ordered to find him. I was drawn into the storyline and I'm still trying to figure out who is all involved with The Sling. Each book in this series is intriguing, well written and the characters are amazing.
Profile Image for Jodi.
835 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2022
Loved it!

Oh my goodness I just loved Garrett (Wilson) and Victoria (Frank) and I can't leave out their K-9 partners Pepper and Elvis. They were friends and partners first and they both liked each other and wouldn't tell the other thinking the other didn't feel that way but the funny thing is that everyone around them knew but them!! I absolutely loved this book and I would recommend this book to everyone!
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,282 reviews46 followers
March 21, 2022
Loved this story! Victoria and Garrett have been partners for a long time, so they have a great connection, and a strong friendship that has built over the years. I loved that pull, the loyalty, and that spark that they have. The story has some great intensity swirled within, keeping me on my toes. The characters are great, the K9s are perfect, I smiled, laughed and bit my nails. A great read in this great series!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.