Shielding the Baby

Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit #1

by Laura Scott

A K-9 Unit has a child to protect ...and a murderer to catch.

A double murder and an attempted kidnapping of a baby in a national park have Officer Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner on high alert. She'll have to protect Luke Stark and his six-month-old son while tracking the person who murdered his sister. Danica and Luke face a battle for their lives to keep from becoming the next victims.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit

Book 1: Shielding the Baby

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Mystery, Christian, Contemporary, Audiobook, Christian Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published March 28, 2023

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters, I knew who did pretty early on so not a lot of suspense though.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divorato in un giorno solo. È vero che oggi avevo molto tempo libero, ma il libro mi è piaciuto proprio. Come al solito, qui viene lanciato un mistero che farà da filo conduttore per tutta la serie, anche se poi ogni libro avrà la sua storia. In questo avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole, ma non il motivo.

[Miranda Alice Austria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book as I love harlequin novels however it was not meant to be.

This story revolves around Danika a K9 officer investigating a double murder, who meets Luke a new dad, and the brother of the murdered women. After stoping multiple attempts at kidnapping Luke’s baby and investigating the double murder, all the while hoping the culprit is not her coworker, and slowly falling in love with the single dad, this is a good clean Christian read just not my cup of tea.


Full discloser: I did stop reading halfway though as I could not connect with this book.


3/5, if you like clean romance novels and can get passed all the stupid inner questions the MFC asks herself, this could be amazing read for you.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 unit. All of the stories can be read as stand alones, but they have a few interwoven mysteries that span the series. This one introduces the unit and is Danica and Luke's story. I enjoyed this one. I did like that it wasn't insta-love really. I also liked the twist in the end. A good start to the series.

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 4%. The insta attraction is weird.

[Nancy Ku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shielding the Baby (Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit #1) by Laura Scott
I really enjoyed this book and read it fast - Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner, and Luke Stark and his nine-month-old son were perfect together. They both have baggage to work through. There is a double murder, angst, more danger, some laughs, tears, friends, co-workers, evil people, suspense, and romance - all getting to Danica and Luke's HEA. There are still unsolved murders to solve so I am looking forward to the next book, Scent of Truth by Valerie Hansen.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Tear-jerker Tragic Easy-to-read Page-turner Wonderful Characters Witty Action-packed Scary Happily Ever After Entertaining Romantic.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding The Baby by Laura Scott! Another great book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit! I give this a 5 star because it kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next! I highly recommend this book!

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story. With an ending I didn't figure out. Loving this new K9 series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a series ...Pacific Northwest K9 Unit. A good romance/mystery series.

[Doris Ware · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the cover of this book is adorable. This book's storyline was okay. The action in this story was okay. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. Luke's character was okay. Danica's character was okay. I loved ❤️ Hutch 🐕 & Caden. I liked the ending.

[Christina Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shielding the Baby was written by Laura Scott and is the first book in the multi-author series Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit. This is a romantic suspense story with good, characters, an amazing K-9, and a interesting storyline. Please note the romantic connection is evident throughout the book but no steamy scenes were included.

Officer Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner, Hutch are assigned to notify and investigate the murders of Luke Stark’s sister and her boyfriend. It quickly turns into a protection detail when several attempts on Luke’s life are made as well as a few kidnapping attempts are made on his nine month old son, Caden. Unknown danger surrounds them, as Luke and Danica work together to solve the case and protect those they have grown to love, but will they get their happily ever after? Read it and find out!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 series. I really loved the K-9 dog in this book, and I think all the dogs in this book brought so much to this book. I loved all the characters in this book, and the setting in this book was great too. I really loved that this book kept me guessing, and I really did not see the twist at the end happening like it did. There were some things in this book I do not think were totally closed out by the ending, so I felt myself wanting just a little bit more for this book. I really loved reading this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Suspense) or author (Laura Scott) 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.

[Redkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has started off with a bang... It is a murder mystery. The book overall was good. The plot kept me guessing who was doing what and guessing the wrong "villain." It did keep me interested most of the book. However, this book ended too quick and rush to tie up some on the endings with in the last couple of pages. It left tons of questions of the unsolved murders at beginning of book. The ending of the book left you hanging. It looks like this maybe a series because next in the group is another character but it can be read as a stand alone. I have mixed feeling about this book. While I like most of the book, I am not crazy about a sorta continuation of another book which may answers the questions but will look for it and decide then.

**I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really have to preface this review to let you know that I didn't realize it was a Christian book. I usually don't like to read them, but I really enjoyed this one. The story was exciting and action packed. I even liked all of the characters in it. Danica was a strong woman who had everything in control. I love stories with women who are strong and leaders. Luke was a believable frazzled new dad. I just didn't understand why they kept taking that baby into potentially dangerous situations. All in all, I would recommend this book if you like strong women, cute babies, police dogs, and a clean storyline.

[Debi Mozingo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this series by accidentally reading book 3 first, which I rated 5 stars. After reading this one, I can't decide if I should bother with the rest. While the basic storyline was fine, I found the characters silly and unrealistic. I felt like the author was asked to write about a topic she knew nothing about. The writing style was good and easy enough to read, the plot was okay, but as a cop, our heroine came off as silly and in need of much more investigative training. I may still read book two, but I'm honestly not sure if I can read this many books to find out who the killer is.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start to a new K-9 continuity series. The mystery that is going to to run through the series and definitely has me guessing at how it will play out over the series. The secondary mystery was good as well. Enjoyed.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adrenaline laced with action and intrigue. The suspense of wondering who the culprit is and what exactly they are trying to accomplish will keep you glued to the pages long into the night.

This is the first book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit series, and I look forward to reading future installments in this series. This book literally starts off with a bang when shots are heard near Mt. Rainier National Park. National park officer Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner, as well as another officer and his K-9 partner are dispatched to the scene to investigate. Someone takes a shot at Danica and her partner. This is when Danica sees a co-worker fleeing the scene. The co-worker suddenly drops off the map and will not answer her phone or report for duty. The seed is planted in your mind of her culpability in the double murder that took place, but Danica thinks she looked more scared than guilty. After an attempted kidnapping of the brother of one of the deceased victims, Danica is tasked with investigating and protecting at the same time. Luke is a retired Army medic with a young son to care for. He has also just suffered the devastating loss of his wife a few months earlier. Now he is faced with the loss of his sister.

I loved the character of Luke, as he so gently cared for his son, but he still had the protective instinct for others around him. Danica is a wonderful star character of this book. She is strong and full of guts. She has overcome a devastating loss in her life as well, but it has only made her stronger. I always love these books that showcase the skills of K-9 units, and this one was a hit for me as well. Hutch was a superstar.

This was a clean and wholesome romantic suspense novel with plenty of action and intrigue.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officer Danica Hayes and her K9 partner Hutch, a German Shepherd, work with the Pacific Northwest K9 Unit. They are called out to a double murder at a bridge in the Mount Rainier area. While investigating that case, she interviews Luke Stark, the brother of the female victim, Stacey. She was a co-owner with a friend of three resorts in the area. Luke, a recently divorced medic, was released from the Army when his ex-wife died in a car accident. He is adjusting to life as a single parent to his adorable nine month old son Caden. They live at the resort.

After Danica meets with Luke, there are various attacks on both Danica and Luke and attempted kidnappings of little Caden. Danica moves into the resort to try to protect the father and son. Caden loves Hutch who has multiple skills as a K9 officer and is instinctively very protective of Caden.

The story moves rapidly as Danica tries to discover the identity of the murderer and the assailant. She needs to determine if one person is responsible for all of the crimes, and if so what could the motivation possibly be? Meanwhile, a romance develops between Luke and Danica, as they hesitantly open up to each other despite Luke’s marriage failure and Danica’s childhood trauma. Danica’s faith in God inspires Luke to examine his own faith and renews his interest in having a closer relationship with God.

I enjoyed this page turner. It’s always interesting to read about the skills of K9 officers and their bonds with their human partners. I hope to read other books in this series and others by Laura Scott.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jan Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding the Baby
Laura Scott
March 28, 2023

Scott takes us to the Northwest for the first in the Pacific K-9 series of books. The story begins with officer Danica Hayes and her partner Hutch in Mount Rainier National Park. She and another officer are out with Colt Maxwell and Sampson working among the trails and forest when they are contacted by the dispatcher. Shots were fired and reported by locals who are out hiking. Neither she nor Colt heard the barrage as they farther were out than the suspension bridge. The caller reported that a woman was seen firing at two individuals. They drove to the scene, released their K-9 partners to track the sniper. Upon arrival they found a man and a woman both dead from gunshots. The story continues with news and information of the deceased, family and the ordeal of finding the murderer.
Shielding the Baby will be published by Harlequin Digital Sales on March 28, 2023. They allowed me to read and review Laura Scott’s most recent release via NetGalley. This novel was an excellent love inspired suspense thriller. She brought in characters from the Olympia, Washington area where the PNK9 headquarters was located. This cozy mystery is an outstanding choice for a rainy weekend. Enoy.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first story in the series, a clean, Christian, suspense romance, introduces the readers to the Pacific NW K-9 unit and Officer Danika Hayes.
When shots are heard near the Mt. Rainier National Park, where Danika, her K-9 partner Hutch, and another officer were at the time, they rush to the site of the crime. A co-worker is seem running away and the officers find two dead bodies.
Luke Stark and his young son Caden are visiting his sister and is shocked and heartbroken when Danika advises him of his sister’s death. Grief embraces Luke, and he wants the killer found. When both Luke and Caden seem to be targeted by someone, Danika and Hutch are assigned to protect them.
Who is after Luke and Caden and why? Where is the co-worker that has gone AWOL? As the bound between Danika and Luke increases, so do the feelings.
Will the culprit be found?
Though we are left with one of the two mysteries unsolved, the plot was engaging and the main characters likable.
This start of the series reminds this reader of the much enjoyed Rocky Mountain K-9 unit series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Shielding the Baby. This is the first book in the series Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit. This one is written by one of my favorite authors. Laura does such great work. This story is well-written, action-packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.

PMK-9 Officer Danica Hayes is sent to a double homicide. When she arrives she sees her best friend run from the scene. How can that be? She must tell the woman's brother of her death. As she is leaving someone tries to abduct the man's nine-month-old-son. She must protect them as she tries to find the killer. It can't be her friend Mara.

Ex-military medic Luke Stark retired to take care of his infant son after the baby's mother died. His sister has been helping him to adjust to the baby's care. He has never been around children. Now Stacy is gone. He must find her killer and keep his son safe. He will team up with Danica.

An exciting journey to find the killer, kidnapper, and the answers to what is going on. God has a plan for these three, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Trust Him and watch Him lead you in the way you should go.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful multi-generational novel of three Stanhope women. Set in the gilded age in New York, each woman - Junietta, Sylvia, and Adelaide - must choose how she will respond to the reading of the will of A.B. Stanhope. As his mother, Junietta is confronted with how and where she will live out her days. Sylvia, as his wife, must make decisions that affect not just herself, but his daughter as well. Adelaide, his daughter, is torn between pleasing her mother and her grandmother and rocked by the decisions of her father. Through family dinners and afternoon teas, the backstories of Junietta and Sylvia are unfolded. Much to their surprise, they learn more about each other than they would ever have guessed. The telling of their stories gives Adelaide much to consider as she too must decide what she wants for her future. Lynn Austin develops characters that are complex and strong. You'll be drawn into an era where forward thinking women were not looked highly upon and yet these three all comes to terms with their decisions and are stronger for them.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

[Judy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start for a new series regarding officers and their K9 partners.

Danica and her K9 partner Hutch are called in to the National Park regarding shots fired and two people injured. Upon arriving, she finds that both are dead. In working the case, she meets the brother (Luke) and infant nephew (Caden) of one of the people that was killed. After the initial meeting, the brother is attacked. The next day, someone attempts to kidnap Caden so Danica feels that both her and Hutch must watch over the brother and nephew until the killer is found. Could the kidnapper be the same person who killed the sister and her boyfriend?

Was one of the members of her team responsible for the deaths of the two victims? Mara was seen by two of her coworkers running away from the two victims and now is answering calls from her boss and is nowhere to be found causing the rest of the team to be split in their decision if she is innocent or not.

So many questions, you need to read this story to get answers.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding the Baby by Laura Scott is the first book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit Series from Love Inspired Suspense.

If you’ve been following me for long, you know I love K-9 stories. And Love Inspired’s various continuity series surrounding K-9 groups are always amazing. Shielding the Baby kicks off this year’s series and it has me highly anticipating the rest of the books!

I enjoyed following Danica and her K-9 as they investigated the cases in the story. Wondering how the situations were intertwined made for a page-turning read. Luke and his little boy were awesome, too, and I loved how Luke’s career background emerged throughout the story. Then there was the romance, which unfolded so sweetly!

If you enjoy K-9 stories, then definitely grab a copy of this book … and then get ready to pre-order the rest of the series!

---
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

[Jeffrey Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was the reason for the double murder the jealousy of Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit's Crime tech seeing her ex in with single-father Luke Stark's sister? Or is it connected to the attempts to kidnap Luke's nine month old son? Will officer Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner be able to solve this case without the help of Luke's long-lost, armor-wearing brother Tony? (Sorry, no Iron Man in this novel.)

"Shielding the Baby" by Laura Scott is the first installment of Love Inspired Suspense's 2023 K-9 continuity series, Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit, featuring a different author for each of the 8 novels.

The first story in these series has the challenge of connecting the author's novel with a crime that won't be resolved for another seven novels. This is the fourth kick-off novel I've read, and this is the best. You have plenty of plot twists, leaving you wondering if there's one or two crimes going on. I also enjoyed the development of Luke and Danica's story.

I highly recommend this story, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Linda Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A double murder and an attempted kidnapping of a baby in a national park have Officer Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner on high alert. She’ll have to protect Luke Stark and his nine-month-old son while tracking the person who murdered his sister. Danica and Luke face a battle for their lives to keep from becoming the next victims.

I usually like books by Laura Scott. This book didn't hold my attention like some of her other books have. Danica is task with protecting Luke and his 9 month old son. Luke has been burned in love when his wife cheated on him while he was overseas. He realizes that they married too soon after meeting. So when he says he loves Danica after only knowing her a week, it doesn't make sense to me. The mystery was good. But the rest of the story seemed to drag a little bit.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to reading the Love Inspired K-9 unit series that they release each year, and this one is no exception. Officer Danica Hayes and her K-8 partner are sent to a scene where there was a double murder. She spots a co-worker who is terrified fleeing the area and disappearing without answering her phone.
One of the double murder victims is the sister of ex paramedic Luke Stark who is raising his son after his wife's death. He found out about his sister's death. After an attempted kidnapping of Luke's son, Danica protects Luke and his son while tracking down the kidnapper. Both characters had obstacles to overcome, and Luke's infant son was adorable.
This story has intrigue, danger, suspense, and romance. Each story in this collection has its own individual story line involving the main characters, yet there is another case that spans throughout the series involving the K-9 officers and their respective partners. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super introduction to a new K-9 Unit series!

Danica is working near Mount Raise with her partner Hutch when she is called to the scene of a double homicide. Luke's sister was one of the victims. Danica visits Luke and his baby son Caden to tell him about his sister. Then someone attacks Luke and Danica stays to help protect him and the baby. Then things get really crazy. You still have an overarching mystery that will go throughout the series. I can't wait to see how that goes.

The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline. The characters are vivid and endearing. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is a great introduction to a new K-9 Unit series. I am hooked on these! They are always chock full of action with fantastic dog partners.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another "listen while I work" selection and I enjoyed the story very much. Being a mystery enthusiast and a dog lover - this was a perfect combination, with the K9 "hero" in this story being a German Shepherd. I was not aware, but this is a Christian series, so it was interesting to see how the author wove in the characters efforts to maintain or obtain a spiritual connection. The story line was interesting and filled with twists leading the reader to question who the actual culprit was, and the fact that only one of the three crimes presented in the story was actually solved, makes it a great lead in to the next in the series. I am intrigued that this series is actually a collaboration of several authors, as the next book in line has a different author, but focuses on a new K9 and their handler who were introduced in the first book. Fun read - looking forward to what's next!