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Iniquus #28

Rescue Instinct

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His rescue instincts are top notch. But fighting Mother Nature might be tough, even for him…

Dr. Tara Alvarez has spent so much time in her lab that she almost forgets how to interact with humans. But all her sacrifices will be worth it when her experiments succeed, and she’s able to help save the world. Hopefully, an impending hurricane, a dangerous misunderstanding, and the heroic arrival of her childhood crush won’t drag her too far off track...

Ex-Navy SEAL Austin Mace has executed countless missions with his K9 partner, Diesel. But nothing in his training prepared him for rescuing Tara—his best friend’s little sister—or the protective, possessive feelings she stirs in him. Now all he has to do is figure out how to get her to safety before the hurricane destroys everything in its path…including them…

Is happily ever after possible in the eye of a storm?

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2022

958 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Fiona Quinn

84 books511 followers

Fiona 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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5 stars
812 (64%)
4 stars
324 (25%)
3 stars
105 (8%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
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10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Sue .
19 reviews
Read
October 29, 2022
Just ok.

I love these Rescue books with the men and their dog partners. This one seemed like it was more focused on social and earth justice. Oh the poor earth. Hopefully the next one spends more time on storyline and characters.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,248 reviews54 followers
January 5, 2023
'My wood fairy has morphed into a goddess'

A fantastic, fast paced, high danger book that suits both Mace and Diesel perfectly...it also incorporates Tara's inadvertent magnetism to danger beautifully!
I love this series and yes, the dangers may be extreme and almost unbelievable for those of us sitting safely at home, but this is the world they live and work in, allow yourself to enter the danger zone with them and let their adrenaline feed yours.
A great escape for the evening and perfect addition to the series, Diesel is obviously the hero of the day, although Mace is a close second!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,906 reviews27 followers
May 9, 2023
Enjoyed

This one started a little slow. As with all Fiona Quinn books you learn. Some of it was fascinating, some not my thing. The back ground of Mace pulled on the hearts. The love of Tara's family rocked. Together it became and enjoyable story.
72 reviews
October 19, 2022
Boring

After the first three chapters I skipped through it. Her other books are much better. More about the dogs and less about digging worms would be good...
Profile Image for Kim.
508 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2022
Once again, Quinn for the win!

This entire series is, in my opinion, romantic adventure at its finest. In this installment we follow Dr. Tara Alvarez, a dedicated scientist searching for a way to save the world from human short-sightedness. Okay, in truth, she digs up worms – but in all fairness, there is a darned good reason for that and I’ll let you discover it by reading the book. If digging for worms doesn’t sound like a good way to set the stage for an exciting romantic adventure, you aren’t familiar with the literary magic of Fiona Quinn. Tara is a magnet for mishaps and misadventures – a larcenous monkey and a pestiferous cephalopod are the simplest of her challenges. Tara will have to battle the elements when a hurricane bears down on the island of Dominica, she will face a disastrous fire threatening some locals, and she will be captured by a band of dangerous villains. Thankfully, her childhood sweetheart, a former Navy SEAL named Austin Mace along with Diesel (his tactical K9) are more than capable of lending a hand/paw when it is most needed. This story checks all the right boxes. Suspenseful adventure in a breathtaking locale – absolutely. Plenty of action and spine-chilling danger – you got it. Wonderful characters you easily become invested in – check. A sweet romance with a touch of spice – you bet. An absolutely awesome K9 you can’t help but fall in love with – paws-itively! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.

I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, but I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
501 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2023
Building a New World

Tara Alvarez is biophysicist. She's solitary in her work to find an organic way to save the world from itself. Tara is intelligent, nerdy, quirky and, one could believe, accident prone. When she was five her brother's best friend, Austin Mace, was torn away from her family. But he remained her brother's best friend and her mother's second son. Now they're adults. Mace is a former SEAL and a Cerberus K9 handler and operative. He doesn't believe he's made for family life even though he's a warrior and protector. He's alone except for his K9, Diesel and his Cerberus brothers. But he still has the Alverez family, and when psychic Momma Alvarez calls him for help finding Tara in the Caribbean, he does not hesitate, rushing to her aid. Mace realizes he's still very affected by Tara. She, and those around her, seem to be subject to unusual, hilarious and unexpected situations. Despite natural disasters, displaced indigenous animals and criminal activities Tara and Mace find their very different worlds are not that different. They find their place is fighting for a better world and building their love together. Stupendous detail, courageous characters and an eloquent storyline all combine for a wonderful book.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,239 reviews34 followers
February 11, 2023
There was nothing about this book I didn't love. Who would have thought digging for rare worms on a hillside on a Caribbean island could be dangerous? Or having your older brother's best friend, who you've loved since you were five, along with his K9 partner would rescue you in the middle of a hurricane. Austin Mace and his K9 Diesel are quite a pair. The love they have for one another radiates from them. Tara Alvarez is quirky, fun loving, wicked smart and loyal to a fault. She's had a lot of dangerous near misses in her life but just laughs them off by turning them into amusing anecdotes. Mace was pretty much adopted by her family when she was young but her feelings for him are anything but brotherly. Mace has alway kept Tara at arm's length because, based on his own dysfunctional family and upbringing, he's not nearly good enough for her. Add to that Tara's brother, would kill him should he make a move on her. Being thrown together during a natural disaster finally gives them license to act on their long hidden feelings.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
October 10, 2022
From the moment this book opened, it started checking off all my boxes. Dog with more personality than should fit in his furry body? Check. Protective alpha hero who’s fighting his demons while also saving the world? Yep, check that one off too. Sassy independent heroine who’s as smart as she is strong? You betcha. Pulse-pounding romantic suspense that kept me glued to the pages while I balanced on the edge of my seat to see if Mother Nature’s fury or man’s avarice would ultimately defeat our heroes? It’s got loads of that. Mace and Tara were pretty awesome, but Diesel wins as my favorite character hands down. I loved watching as each new facet of their journey was uncovered, and I was chewing my nails to the quick when it came to “go time”, desperate to know how it would end. I love everything about the Iniquus world; I’m charmed by the cast of characters, and I never want to see an end to it.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,140 reviews87 followers
November 5, 2022
When Austin Mace is asked by a childhood friend to check on his sister Dr. Tara Alvarez ,who’s on Dominica gathering research for her project. Mace and his K9 partner, Diesel don’t hesitate, thinking to surprise Tara when he sees her celebrating her own productiveness, Mace falls in Tara’s trap set for thieving monkeys.

Meeting Tara in town for dinner with her friends Mace realizes his feelings for Tara mirror her own unexplored feelings for him as the topic turns to the monkeys, Tara’s success, her friend’s project and incoming bad weather. Apparently, the monkey handlers have learned enough about Tara’s project to believe she holds to key for an easy life for them.

A hurricane that chases Tara and Mace into and out of a cave with snakes and bats straight to the trap the men are have set for Tara. Meanwhile, Austin has to come to terms with wanting his best friend’s little sister and save her from a group of ruthless thugs.
Rating: 3.75stars
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,823 reviews19 followers
May 21, 2024
Fun read

I enjoyed this one! It was entertaining and held my attention the entire time. I enjoyed the characters and watching these two come together. They haven’t seen each other for years but still connected through her mother and brother and they had a connection when they were little that is coming back around now. Tara’s mom has that little extra connection to the world that seems to give her a heads up/idea when the people she loves are in danger/need and she raises the flag for Tara which sets everything into place. This story was interesting and entertaining with the jungle atmosphere and the storm as well as the play with pirates and treasure. Plenty to hold my attention and keep me entertained throughout.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,427 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2025
Mom to the rescue

Mace and Tara. They knew each other almost their whole life, but not really due to a variety of circumstances. Moms intuition is worried and has Mace going to find Tara which turns out to be a good thing for many a reason and person. Diesel is the on site star and mom is the book mvp. All the K9s are amazing and diesel shows how wonderful he and his skillset are many times in finding and protecting Tara. The team is strong and their friendships stronger which shows through. The connection to climate change and science was fascinating and brought a new twist to a story. The bad guys were obvious and I was surprised that Niel was still around bc he was horrible. Loved this addition to the k9 books and can’t wait for more.
203 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2022
Once again, can't.stop I tiltheend!

Fiona Quinn is my "guilty pleasure." she manages to .com one thriller and romance, and with the Cerberus series adds working dogs to the mix! While there is a certain, sameness - you know that her male protagonist and her female protagonist are going to wind up together - there are no repeats.

Primarily, I believe it's due to her skills with her characters. All have been distinct, despite being cut from the same mold: the men are former military and the woman range from scientists to military; in other words, strong and resourceful.

This one might get you started if you've never gotten into her worlds.
377 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2022
100 stars, nothing less

I had to stop reading to make dinner which frustrated me. Could not put it down. Tara is a scientist trying to save the world from manmade problems like stryofoam. Austin is a former Seal, now K9 handler with Cerberus. They grew up together but separated years ago. Tara's Mon has a inkling, a tickle,, that Tara needs rescuing and Austin moves into action. Between a hurricane, thieves, and other dangers the couple find time to test the waters.

Steamy, romantic, laughter, adventure and a fantastic story rolled into one. You will not want to put it down until the last word and even then, reluctantly.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2022
Steamy romance, adventure, humour . . . with a side of intrigue. There is no one who writes all of these better than Fiona Quinn.

She will blow your mind with the intricacy of her research, the masterful way she crafts her characters with the sole purpose of making the reader obsessed with how their stories end. And the newest entry into Iniquus World brings no disappointment. You'll sit on the edge of your seat. You'll turn pages frantically till there are no more. And you may even ignore the rest of the world as you allow yourself to be carried away.

If you haven't gifted yourself a Quinn book, this is the one you should start with.

[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews9 followers
November 17, 2022
Austin, Bear, and Ash on assignment, get frantic call from Tara’s Mom, HELP

Austin, Bear, And Ash are on assignment in St Kitts when Tara’s Mom calls Austin pleading for help for Tara. She hasn’t checked in and Mom is having the feelings that have saved Austin in the past. Because this is his best friends Mother and the women who had stood behind him and brought him the only sense of family he had had for years. He listened when she said she was afraid for her scientist daughter. Something was wrong and he needed to go help Tara as fast as possible and he was closest to her. Of course he went and his partners and all they’re dogs went also.
Profile Image for Maria V. Snyder.
Author 76 books17.4k followers
January 13, 2023
I needed a fun break after The Last Graduate, so I picked up a romantic suspense. Bonus that this one has a dog. :) I liked this story as it didn't focus so much on the romance, but rather on the environment. Austin Mace and his dog Diesel go save people after natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. Tara is a scientist doing research on a Caribbean Island, looking for worms (who can digest plastic - or something like that). Cue in a hurricane and other bad guys and it keeps this story moving. I also like the information on what the environmental scientists are trying to do to mitigate climate change. The author did her research!
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2023
Austin, Tara and Diesel

I absolutely loved this book! Tara is quirky, hilarious and perfect for Austin. She knew at age four that Austin was her safe place. Austin lost his mother at an early age and his best friend’s mother made sure to keep him close even if they were far apart. When she has a a bad feeling her daughter is in trouble she calls Austin to check on her. He hasn’t seen her in years but he and Diesel (his K9) are instantly drawn to her. There’s more danger on the horizon and Austin will need all of his and Diesel’s skills to save her. I couldn’t put this one down (it’s now 2:30am). I hope you’re ready for this one!
153 reviews
May 6, 2024
Catastrophes

I Thoroughly enjoyed this book and Highly Recommend it to Anyone and Everyone who Loves Adventures!
For Mace and his k9 Diesel being part of the Cerberus group is perfect. He hasn't seen his best friends little sister since she was 5 yrs old. She was currently a 30+ yr old woman and a scientist now and it seems her being a disaster magnet since childhood has not stopped.
Mace is asked to find her after his best friend's mom has a premonition of danger that reaches from her home to the Carribean.

And she's not wrong.

Definitely worth checking out the series. 👍🌹💜
Profile Image for Sara.
2,389 reviews13 followers
April 11, 2023
Exciting

I love romantic suspense books, and this book had plenty of suspense- Mother Nature, the elements, and an unexpected man made drama.

Mace and Diesel were definitely attention grabbing and Tara was such a unique character. The tie between these characters may have been from when she was just five and he was twelve, but it still was incredibly strong. I wish we would have had the opportunity to see a scene when her brother/his best friend learned of their relationship.

I’m a big fan of Fiona Quinn’s writing and will be eager to read more of her books!
34 reviews
October 12, 2022
Fiona Quinn and her Cerberus Tactical K9 series is a must read for anyone interested in romantic suspense, dogs and real-life events. In this story, Tara and Mace (and K-9 Diesel) make the perfect trio. There continues to be great dynamic with the whole Iniquus Team (if you read her other books, and you should, there are great tie-ins). The storyline is excellent (no spoilers here). The characters realistic and relatable. And of course, the Happily Ever After.
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
693 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2025
yet again, this story isn't full of action and espionage like some if Fionas other books but instead it told memories and personal insights to the the heroine.
there are quirks and stories that are weaved throughout the plotline which I enjoyed listening to and getting to know her character. Im listening chronologically to these books so mace I've known from other novels.
just love these stories and the narration is really good.
Profile Image for Emily Dickson.
1,098 reviews7 followers
October 11, 2022
Fantastic!

Another great story! Tara was an interesting character who was likeable . Austin and his K9 Diesel were also wonderful. Great chemistry and lots of action. Tara seems to have lots of mishaps and a hurricane is just one of them. Diesel had lots of personality as well. Loved it!
Profile Image for Ljones.
255 reviews15 followers
October 12, 2022
Great read!

This book has it all, action, suspense, romance and mystery. I am never disappointed when i read a book by Fiona Quinn. I know I am going to be pulled into the story from the very first page. Mason and Tara must use all of their skills to make it out of the storm alive. Tara trust that Mason will save her just as he did when they were kids. A must read book!
Profile Image for Susan.
2,482 reviews13 followers
October 14, 2022
Great!!!!

Adventure, action, suspense, romance, great characters, and dogs! What more could you want!!! This book has it all, along with interesting information. There's always something to learn in Fiona's books. And the very nice wrap up in the epilogue makes me happy. I love this book.
Profile Image for Nancy Vance.
174 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2022
Another great installment for Cerberus Tactical

I enjoyed the action, characters and plot for the book. I fully appreciated the history, having read all the books. Nonetheless, this can be a stand-alone romance.
Fiona Quinn always delivers, and this book is no different. Ready for the next, as always, long before it's due to release.
-ncv
677 reviews
January 4, 2023
Wow!!

This story is jam packed with love, thought provoking information and ideas, hunky ex-seals, adventures on land and in the sea, as well as danger from humans and Mother Nature. Tara, Mace, and K9 Diesel, will have to battle to make it through together. By far, this is another amazing story be Fiona Quinn. One of her best yet!!!
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,365 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2023
Rescue Instinct

They saved each other as children but they were separated when she was 5 and he was 12. Twenty five years later he was sent by her mother, the mother of his heart, to save her again. Fiona Quinn can spin a mighty fine tale, her style is fluid so easy to read and follow. She writes stories about heroes and fate.
Profile Image for Kathy Landis.
653 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2025
Excellent story

The only thing I would have changed in this book is that I would have loved a longer epilogue, some extra detail there. but this was a fabulous story. Not a lot of spice, but I read tons of spicy stories, and the lack of it didn't leave things feeling flat. The character, plot, and setting detail was on point, and it is well written.
46 reviews
October 15, 2022
Well done

Complex, well thought out plotting. Characters were great together. Emotionally satisfying. Doggo was part of the action not in the background. Look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Diana T White.
24 reviews
October 20, 2022
love Ms Quinn’s books

My only problem is that she doesn’t publish them fast enough! I read them as quick as they come out. She keeps the action going and you feel like you get to know each character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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