Sniffing Out Danger

K-9s on Patrol #2

by Elizabeth Heiter

Her first big case…
Could be her last.

When former big-city cop Ava Callan stumbles upon a bomb, she seizes the chance to prove herself. Not only to the small-town police department where she's transitioning to become a K-9 handler…but especially to charming lead investigator Eli Thorne. The only thing more explosive than her chemistry with the out-of-town captain? The danger menacing them at every turn…

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Harlequin

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2022

About the author

Publishers Weekly bestselling author ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range. Her novels have been published in more than a dozen countries and eight languages; they've also been shortlisted for the National Readers' Choice, Daphne Du Maurier and Booksellers' Best awards and won the HOLT Medallion and the RT Reviewers' Choice award.

Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English Literature. She’s a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. You can also find Elizabeth on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elizabeth.heiter.author , on Instagram at www.instagram.com/elizabeth_heiter/ and on Twitter @ElizabethHeiter.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the K-9s on Patrol series. This is all about Ava's drug police K-9 dog finding a bomb, and then they have to find out what was the reason behind the bomb and who put it there. I really love the action, suspense, and romance in this book. I loved the characters in this book, and I really loved the K-9 dog in this book. This book pulled me into the story from the beginning, and I never wanted to put it down. I loved the ending of this book. This book was a great mix of suspense and romance. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (Elizabeth Heiter) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the K-9s on Patrol series. This is all about Ava's drug police K-9 dog finding a bomb, and then they have to find out what was the reason behind the bomb and who put it there. I really love the action, suspense, and romance in this book. I loved the characters in this book, and I really loved the K-9 dog in this book. This book pulled me into the story from the beginning, and I never wanted to put it down. I loved the ending of this book. This book was a great mix of suspense and romance. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. After a personal tragedy back in Chicago, Ava came to Jasper for a new start, but she still feels like an outsider after six months. As the only K-9 handler, she's having trouble connecting with her fellow officers, and the small town also feels closed off. That begins to change when she and her dog Lacey stumble upon a bomb while doing a wellness check.

Jasper doesn't have its own explosives expert, so they request help from a nearby town. Eli Thorne comes to Jasper to take the lead on the investigation. He's wary when Ava is assigned to the team investigating because of her aloofness. He's used to being able to charm anyone he meets into working with him, but Ava seems impervious. As they work together on the investigation, Eli breaks through some of Ava's reserve, and they discover that they work well together.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ava and Eli. Though initially cool to each other, their excellent work rapport quickly thaws the ice between them and exposes a simmering attraction. As much as they like the heated kisses they share, they also realize pursuing their attraction could be a dangerous distraction from their investigation. Ava is cautious because of being burned in a previous relationship with a coworker. I loved how Eli made it clear that he wasn't rejecting what was happening, simply postponing his pursuit until the case was over. I loved seeing them grow closer and Ava becoming comfortable enough to share her past with Eli. I liked how he worked to show her that she belongs in Jasper after an unexpected call from Chicago has her thinking about returning. I especially enjoyed seeing Ava's pleasure when Eli's prediction came true, and she finally started to feel part of the community. I loved the ending and seeing them take a chance on the future.

The suspense of the story was excellent. Eli, Ava, and the rest of the team know that their time is limited if they are going to find the bomber before it's too late. I could feel their frustration at their lack of progress, especially once they identified a person of interest. Matters became complicated as they questioned some of their conclusions following a bombing. An unexpected twist exposed the truth and left Eli and Ava scrambling to stop a potential disaster. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as he raced to defuse a bomb while Ava faced the bomber. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

#netgalley

[Jo-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this small-town romantic suspense.

Ava was new in town and was having a hard time fitting in. Leaving Chicago for the small town of Jasper was a hard adjustment to make. And getting a K-9 for a partner felt like a slap in the face to her. But when her dog alerted to a bomb, she started to have second thoughts about her partner.

Bomb Expert, Eli Thorn was assigned to the case. It was nice that he was able to choose his own team. Well, everyone except Ava, who the Captain pushed on him. They all worked on figuring out who was creating these bombs and who the target was. It became tricky to work together as the attraction between Ava and Eli grew. But they tried to keep their relationship professional until the case was over.

I really liked the action, suspense, and romance in this story.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella storia, che va crescendo. Sono indecisa se dare mezza stella in più, ma resta qualcosina in sospeso alla fine che avrei preferito vedere risolto.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sniffing Out Danger by Elizabeth Heiter is an intriguing romantic suspense set in a small town. Although this release is the second installment in the K-9s on Patrol ­series, the multi author books stand on their own.

K-9 Officer Ava Callan is a Chicago transplant now living in Jasper, Idaho. She does not feel as if she fits in and being assigned a K-9 partner makes her feel isolated from her fellow officers. Ava and police dog Lacey are making a welfare check when they find what appears to be a bomb. The police department does not have an explosives expert so they request the assistance of McCall police department Captain Eli Thorne to assist them. He and Ava work closely with her fellow officers Brady Nichols and Jason Wright to find the bomber before disaster strikes.

After closing a big narcotics case with the Chicago PD, Ava is ready for a change. She has adjusted to the slower pace of life but Ava is finding it difficult to make friends. Ava keeps to herself and she is really enjoying having Lacey with her. She knows she is not Eli’s first choice for the team, so Ava is surprised by how well they work together.

Eli knows time is not on their side as he and the Jasper PD try to find their bomber. Their first person of interest is bartender Jennilyn Sanderson.  She has not been in town long but she is familiar to the police department. While Jennilyn has been in a little bit of trouble because she does not hesitate to jump in the fray when necessary.  Will Ava and Eli locate her before another bomb detonates?

Sniffing Out Danger is the perfect blend of romance and suspense. Ava and Eli are well-drawn, multi-faceted characters. Eli is a bit dismayed that Ava is impervious to his attempts to charm her. Their search for the bomber throws them together which provides them the opportunity to get know each other. Their simmering attraction underlies the fast-paced investigation to catch the bomber. With an unexpectedly dangerous plot twist, Elizabeth Heiter brings this thrilling romantic suspense story to a heartfelt conclusion.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy mysteries and I appreciate that this Harlequin Intrigue book focused on the investigation. The romance portion was important to the plot without overtaking the case. The main characters were both likable and there was a spark between them. The obstacles they faced seemed real and I enjoyed watching them get to know each other while working on the case. I wish the K-9 Lacey would have had an even bigger part, but I liked seeing Ava learn to work with her as well as find confidence in her new job. I have enjoyed reading thrillers by this author and liked this book as well. I would enjoy reading more books with Ava and Eli.

[Julie Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great mystery with plenty of action. Wish it had a little more romance, but the hero/ine were plenty busy trying to track down a serial bomber. Plus, there was the whole police coworkers having to keep their interest in each other on the down-low. I did love the hero's promise to "pursue her with everything I have" once the case was solved. At the end you could see him doing just that.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be exciting, nailing bitting at times, and so much more.
When Ava Callan moved to Jasper she was a loner, and now being part of the part of the police department she still feels like she doesn’t belong. Now she and her K-9 partner, Lacey, who Ava wasn’t sure about teaming up played a big role in the investigation. They found bomb material which lead Captain Eli Thorne to come to Jasper to head a team to investigate more into what Ava, and Lacey found before its escalates to more. Ava has issues with a past that started in Chicago. I liked how Eli kept helping Ava see she was meant to stay in Jasper even though she may not feel that way.
They worked well together, and a growing attraction started.

The only thing I found lacking was what happens with Jennilyn Sanderson? It was like she’s never mentioned after one phone call. So I’d really like to know what happens. The ending was good, but I felt was rushed.

The first in this new series K-9 on Patrol is Decoy Training By Caridad Pineiro

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

The suspense part was fairly well done. The racism/civic divisions was not done well at all.

In a world that tries to divide us at every turn, you have a book that anyone of any color should be able to pick up & enjoy. Why? Because we are more than skin color. We have souls. We fall in love. We make friends. We enjoy eating food. We enjoy reading books. Yet this book was a tabloid text book worthy. If you can’t describe a person by more than their skin color or their ethnicity, what kind of author are you?

The jovial Chief stepped forward with a kind smile to shake her hand, “Welcome to the force Officer Morgan!” Lynn stuck her hand out as she replied with sincerity, “Thanks Chief! I am looking forward to joining you all in action.” Moving states had been a huge step, but Lynn was relived by the Chief’s warm welcome to the division. ~This is an example of writing for anyone to enjoy.

I would give it kudos for keeping it clean though! Very neatly done.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sniffing Out Danger by Elizabeth Heiter, book two in the K-9s on Patrol series is an emotional and suspenseful story of a newcomer finding a new home. When Ava Callan moved to Jasper she was a loner, and although she is part of the police department she still feels like she doesn’t belong. Ava and her K-9 partner, Lacey, find a bomb while doing a wellness check; meaning something awful could is going on in her small town. Captain Eli Thorne to come to Jasper to head up a team to investigate and stop the person behind it before things escalates.

Ms. Heiter wrote an emotional story that was moving, small town, suspenseful romance filled with sizzling chemistry, scary situations, clever banter, and strong characters, as Eli helps Ava stay in Jasper and become part of the community; giving them a chance for a possible future together. I recommend Sniffing Out Danger to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is new on the job and was called for a wellness check and she and her k-9 seemed to have stumbled upon something much more bigger then that. With the help of investigator Eli Thorn they work on figuring out who the person who is creating these bombs and who is the target.

It was such a great ride this book was. I loved the mystery surrounding everything and watching as they pursue leads trying to figure out who is the person behind this. I loved that there was enough suspects that I kept entertaining the idea of who I thought it might be leaving me constantly guessing. Then theres a few close calls leading the investigators closer to their suspect which really kept me on my toes and wondering if everyone was going to come out okay. On top of that there is a bit of simmering attraction between the two which also kept things interesting. Overall this was a great book I really enjoyed it.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sniffing Out Danger by Elizabeth Heiter is the second book in the Harlequin continuity series, K-9s on Patrol. Ava Callahan transfers from a big city police department to the police department of the small town of Jasper, Idaho where she is given a drug sniffing K-9, named Lacey, as her partner. During a wellness visit Lacey sniffs out more than drugs. She finds a bomb in the warehouse behind the house where Ava had her wellness visit. The call goes out to bomb expert Captain Eli Thorne. That's quite the way for the hero and heroine to meet. I really liked these two characters. They are both dedicated and hardworking. I really like Ava's K-9 Lacey. She is a great addition to the storyline of this book. This is a great addition to the series.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite your fingernails ending!

Ava is new to Jasper when her K-9 partner Lacey alerts to a bomb. Jasper police call in nearby local bomb defuser Eli. He is put in charge of looking for the bomber. Ava, Eli and 2 other cops search for clues into what is going on and why. Will they figure it out before something or someone gets blown up? Read this to find out. This is book 2. You don't have to read then in order, but I think things will make more sense if you do!

The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging including the dog Lacey. I totally enjoyed this and am excited to read the next book in this series. Enjoy this action packed adventure that has super character development!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sniffing out Danger by Elizabeth Heiter is the second book in the K9’s on Patrol series. I enjoyed this book, however if this is your first book by Elizabeth I would note that it is not her best work. I felt the lead character acted more of a victim than a hero. Eli was a very good character.

Ava has a k9 trained to find drugs. In this story he was also able to find a bomb. Eli gets called in and ends up leading a team to find the bomber.

It is a good mystery and Eli makes it worth reading.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Chrystal Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when a book grabs your attention in the first pages like this one. Ava was out on a case with her K-9 partner, Lacey, who alerted that she found something. Since her training was in drug detection, Ava was not expecting to find a bomb when she rounded the corner. She also wasn't expecting to find the man of her dreams in the bomb specialist assigned from a neighboring town to help on this case. Relationships and bonds were built and made stronger with each unexpected turn throughout the book. This was a perfect book to make the time spent in airports and on planes seem less daunting.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this clean, intriguing romance. I bought this at a local store and I voluntarily chose to review this story. I've given this a 5* rating. This intriguing romance about the heroine with a K-9 partner was interesting and fun to read about. I don't know how long it takes to train these animals but with their unique personalities, I imagine it must be an interesting job in itself. This story had a lot of action, and pulled me in pretty quickly. It was a real page turner that had me staying up late two nights in a row.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a K-9's on Patrol book Lacey is a German Shepherd dog and when Ava Callan comes to Jasper Idaho from the big city the Police Chief pairs her with Lacey, never being paired with a K-9 partner before Ava isn't sure what to think. But when she stumbles across a bomb and Lacey alerts Ava is put on a small task force led by Bomb Disposal Captain Eli Thorne. Ava sees this as a chance to prove herself to her new team mates and the handsome Captain Thorne...But, can Ava and Eli along with the other team members stop a bomber before the whole small town of Jasper goes up in flames????

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Great character development, Ava Callan moved to Jasper to acclimate herself to being a K-9 officer. Lacey, Ava’s partner, the K-9, is a wonderful character as well. A true friend to Ava. Lacey sniffs out a bomb and Ava finds another good friend, Eli Thorne. A suspenseful, romantic, read. A very compelling read that keeps you on your toes, and guessing, until the end.
Thank you to the author for the book!

[Sheila L. · Rating 1 out of 5]

good grief..

Latinx?? Not one single Latina I know would be caught dead using this progressive term, and once again evil ex-army; this time you had to specify he was white multiple times. This trope is getting tiring.
I am glad you had a black heroine though! It’s about time.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
K-9s on Patrol (Book #2)

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
K-9s on Patrol (Book #2)

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun abd exciting adventure with just enough r romance to not label it a chick flick!!

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved this one but i could not resist crying with what happened to sweet Lacey.
It was great to learn more about Ava, definitively a series to continue

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read

[sandy moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sniffing Out Danger

Great story. A new author to me but I will look forward to reading more from her. Los at action without giving away the villain until almost the end.

[Skadams9038 Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

great ending

I would call this a thriller and a romance. How the police deal with threats every day is beyond thought. Read this book and see what happens.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action packed, engrossing second book in the K-9s on Patrol series. Well done!

[Doris Ware · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. This book wasn't as good as I hoped it would be.

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Heiter is a new-to-me author, but I’m always willing to take a chance on someone I’ve never read before when it comes to romantic suspense books. Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, and this book was a good first read by this author. I’ll definitely be looking for more of her books in the future. Sniffing Out Danger is the second book in the K-9s on Patrol series, but you don’t have to read the first book in order to enjoy this one. There’s action, suspense, danger, explosive scenes, and of course, romance. With major themes of loss, grief, and redemption, the story felt very emotional at times and not simply suspenseful. I was also challenged by attempting to figure out who the real bad guy was and didn’t quite put it all together until the story’s arc (which is a really good thing). There is nothing worse than a suspense book with very little suspense. It takes the fun out of reading it. If you’re like me and love romantic suspense, this should be your next read.