The Reluctant Guardian

by Alexis Morgan

An abandoned child…

He’ll guard at all costs

When screams next door wake Deputy Conner Dunne and his retired police dog, Mutt, he suspects domestic abuse. What he finds is Jody Kruse comforting her new foster child—a traumatized little girl who won’t speak. Conner is determined to remain professional with his pretty neighbor. But when a break-in points to an attempted kidnapping, protecting this family may cost him his heart—and his life.

Genres: Romance

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2023

About the author

Alexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, I loved Mia and Mutt!

[Autumn Slaght · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I did a buddy read of this book and I enjoyed the storyline. I found the characters to be deep and real for a short novel. Conner behaved very much like a cop and Jody was a real character with depth to her.
I could have read more of the mystery, myself. I kinda feel like the ending was rushed last minute and the climax of the mystery and novel wrapped up in two to three chapters. There weren't a lot of developments toward finding out what happened, but then I remembered that it was romance and not suspense.
The writing style was delightful. I enjoyed the way the author strung the words together and made the story and visions come alive. It was easy to picture each character and situation.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery was good. It was like a double one who is Mia and why was she left? Each page gives you a look at what Mia knows and can do . She and mutt become friends. The romance between the deputy and Jody is well written too. The searching for clues and evidence is good and believable. Finding the pieces of the puzzle and putting them together makes for a good ending..

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fast-paced story with enough suspense and hope in it to keep a reader eagerly turning the pages. The plot involved a very sweet but traumatized little girl, her amazing foster mom who really “gets” her, and the heroic deputy next door. We need more stories with heroes in them!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. One you don't want to miss.

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the suspense!

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for any story with a K9. First time I’ve read a book by this author. Definitely not the last.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis Morgan is a new author to me. She writes a fast paced mystery with a great dog and cute little girl. I would be willing to read more of her stories.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read with likable characters.