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Watchdog Security #2

More Than Family

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She trusted him with her life and her daughter’s. Can she trust him with her heart?

Navy SEAL Camden Bains knew when he saved the little girl from a hostage situation and placed her in the arms of her beautiful mother that he’d surrendered his heart to them, too.

As much as he fought his growing attraction to a woman he’d never see again after his mission, Elena’s kindness and strength, and her daughter’s sweetness, gave Camden back what a senseless tragedy robbed him of years ago. If only for a little while.

After her husband died, the only bright spot in Elena Martinez’s life was her daughter, Tina. Raising Tina in a town full of misery only made Elena more determined to make it out and give her daughter a better life. Memories of her husband kept her from even considering another man—not that there were any good ones around. Until the sexy bodyguard from Los Angeles saved her daughter’s life.

Now that Elena and Tina are living in L.A., she’s worried that if she opens her heart to Camden and allows the strong protector into their lives, Tina will forget her father. Camden is more than willing to help them settle in, hoping she’ll realize she doesn’t have to face the world alone anymore, and neither does he.

But when Elena becomes involved in Camden’s deadly new assignment, will the ghosts from their pasts help them, or keep them apart forever?

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

441 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Olivia Michaels

20 books96 followers
Olivia Michaels is a life-long reader, dog-lover, gardener, and a certified beachaholic. When she’s not throwing a Frisbee for her fur-baby, harvesting tomatoes, or writing, you can find her playing in the surf, kayaking, or kicking back on the sand and cracking open a romantic beach read.

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5 stars
445 (62%)
4 stars
187 (26%)
3 stars
64 (9%)
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10 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
2,003 reviews27 followers
February 23, 2023
oh my heart

I loved Cam, Elena and of course Tina. Cam was living with some major guilt from his past, he didn’t think he was good enough for Elena and Tina but he also couldn’t walk away from them after all they went through in Nebraska.

When Elena’s Husband passed away he knew she would never find a love like she had with Antonio but then Cam came racing in to save her and her daughter’s lives.

I loved how much Cam loved Tina and Elena. How he understood Elena’s fears and he proved he wasn’t there to replace Antonio but recreate new memories and a new love. Such a great story and Serirs!
Profile Image for Karen Roma.
2,762 reviews33 followers
November 28, 2020
More Than Family……what does this mean? It’s the men and women at your side who put their lives on the line every day and would step in front of a bullet for you; it’s the people who welcome you into their homes and their lives and instantly treat you like you belong, and it’s the man who asks for nothing, but would happily give you the world for just a little of your love; that’s what being more than family is.

Elena is an exceptional woman who suffered a life-changing heartbreak and the near loss of her precious child. But a hero entered her life just when disaster could have stuck a second time and rescued not only the child she adores, but her fragile and shattered soul. But Camden is an imposing former Navy SEAL, who regularly puts his life on the line in his security work and wants the kind of forever that Elena isn’t sure she can give. So, as a new and dangerous foe enters their lives, Elena will need to decide if fear will rule her life forever, or if this dedicated and delectable man is worth the risk to her delicate heart and a second chance at happiness.

Ms Michaels has written a deeply emotional account of a woman trying to find her way after tragedy, and the fear that if she opens her heart a second time, she’ll never survive. But Camden is just as damaged and yet determined that his past failures won’t be relived, and that Elena and the Mermaid are his chance at the family he thought was out of his reach. This is a story that rips your heart open and lays bare all the emotional baggage that has been hidden and festering for far too long and purges the demons of the past as two wonderful and deserving people accept that there are no guarantees, but life is for the living.

Danger, deception, suspense and an all-consuming passion are just some of the many elements to this gripping and heart wrenching story of love, family and connections that last a lifetime. Ms Michaels was a brand-new author to me when I read More Than Love, but she has quickly become a favourite with her exceptional writing style and the quality of her storylines, and now sits permanently on my “Must-Read” list. Take the time to discover this talented author if you haven’t already and make sure to read the books in order as it enhances the experience as many characters appear in both books and the storylines are inter-connected.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,618 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2020
This is book two in the Watchdog Security series. It’s my second book my Olivia Michaels and I am impressed. This book is well written, gripping, steamy and kept me turning the pages. I didn’t want to set the book down. I honestly had to force myself to walk away so I could get some sleep last night. I’m already excited for the next book which is Kyle’s story. If you love ex-military romantic suspense books, then this will be right up your alley. I’m a huge fan of Susan Stoker, Dale Mayer, Caitlyn O’Leary, Riley Edwards, just to name a few and now after this book Olivia Michaels makes that list for me. This list is my go-to always pre order or purchase on release day. If you enjoy any of those authors this is the book for you. It can be read as a standalone, but you’ll meet Elena, her daughter Tina, and Camden and you’ll also get an intro to some of the other guys that work for Watchdog Security.

Elena moved out to LA following her friend Rachael and her husband Jake…their story is book one in this series. Camden and Jake are friends and were partners when they were both in the FBI. They’ve since left the FBI and started working at Watchdog Security. Camden has it bad for Elena, but she’s stated to him that she’s not looking for a man she wants to focus on taking care of her daughter. Camden’s hoping to convince her to take a chance on him, but he’s also worried about messing up and not protecting Elena and her daughter. Elena is afraid to get involved with Camden because thinks both herself and Tina will forget about her dead husband, whom they both loved very much. They both have secrets and things they need to work through if they want to be together. To top off everything Elena unintentionally ends up in the middle of a case that Camden is working on. Can he keep them safe and convince Elena to take a chance on him?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,156 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2020
So Good!!! Omg, we all want a Camden, he ticked all the boxes, plus bonus; he loved Elena's little daughter, Tina and called her mermaid, so awwww. Now, Elena wasn't such a pushover, she'd had the love of her life once, and wondered often if Camden was the real deal, or more that, was she ready to move on? Camden, too, wondered if he was even worthy of a second chance at love. Both with histories that weigh on them, makes their journey a bit tougher, more cautious, and going slower, but it's smoking, and gets to hotness.
Meanwhile, Watch Dog Security takes on a new client and things aren't adding up at all. Inadvertently, Elena gets into the thick of things with her positive and helpful self, so Cam is doubly concerned, and rightly so. A lot of suspense and action to go right along with the buildup of the heat between these two. Emotions are felt all along, and there's even snortworthy funny bits as well. I recommend reading this new author, she's got some mad writing skills and wonderful stories just waiting to be told. Oh, and there's fur babies in here!! Always room for lovable, loyal fur babies.
Though these mains were a part of the first book in this series, not necessary to read that first book, just advising to, to get the general dynamics and start of the Watchdog Security series, the characters, and some background goodness. This has it's own HEA.
Kyle, the Pup (lol) of Watchdog gets the next book, and he's the handler for the K9s!
2,295 reviews18 followers
November 30, 2020
I am soooooo happy I discovered this author and after reading the first book in this series, More Than Love (a must read), I couldn’t wait for Camden and Elena’s story and this author once again delivers.
Both Camden and Olivia have ghosts in their past and until they both can move forward from the tragic events that hold them back, they won’t have a chance. Camden is not giving in and will do what ever it takes to have both Elena and her daughter Tina, his Mermaid, in his life. He’s fallen head over heels for Tina and is heading that way with Elena, if she will give him a chance. When Elena gets involved inadvertently with Camden’s new case, he will do whatever it takes to keep his girls safe....will Elena trust him and give over her safety to him and her heart.
I LOVED this read, steam, healing, moving forward, some heartbreaking scenes, some suspense, no over the top drama, no misunderstandings, no others keeping them apart or breaking them up, open honesty between the two, an adorable little girl and amazing characters....a read not to be missed and I can’t wait for the next one.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Jane A.
333 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2020
Former Navy Seal Camden Bains works for Watchdog Security and met Elena Martinez whilst helping out his friend, and now colleague at Watchdog, Jake on an FBI case in the first book in the series. Both Camden and Elena felt the warmth and sparks of attraction but are also both haunted by memories and ghosts from the past. When Elena ends up embroiled in Watchdog's latest case, Camden vows to keep her safe but can they lay their ghosts to rest and have the happy ever after they both richly deserve?
A lovely romance, combined with some great page-turning suspense, I liked both Camden and Elena at the beginning and they just grew on me more as the story unfolded although I have to confess I blew at bit hot and cold with Elena's daughter Tina but that's just me! A great cast of characters is building up at Watchdog that promise many more entertaining stories to come and what's not to love about the dogs? You could read this as a standalone but you will get much more out of it if you read the series in order.
I received an arc from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
6,527 reviews27 followers
December 6, 2020
This is the second book in this wonderful and though in the first book Camden wasn't a member of Watchdog security but a member of the FBI now he has left and joined Watchdog.

In the first book he was the one responsible for rescuing Elena Martinez and her daughter Tina when they took on Rachael Deals father Now Rachael and Jake have their HAE and Rachael has convinced Elena to come to LA. Camden wants Elena and he absolutely adores Tina but he also has darkness in his past he lost his family but in
Elena and Tina he sees a future and he wants it but Elena is worried that if Tina bonds with Camden she will forget her own father Can they find a way to be together Meanwhile Elena gets involved in the latest case that Watchdog is involved in and puts herself and her daughter in danger once again Can Camden keep them safe yet again and break down her walls in the process I am so looking forward to Kyle McGuire's story next.
3,057 reviews17 followers
December 8, 2020
I Loved this Watchdog Security Story!!

Delightful story of this team of bodyguards, who also have K9 companions. The main focus is a new client who is about to announce state political aspirations, but who is looking beyond that for the future.

Out main character Camden leads the team protecting the client. He has a romantic interest Elena who ends up embroiled with the family through her cooking skills and an event they are putting on. Not wanting to put her in danger as a “civilian” comes from a tragedy in his past.

Elena has a whippersnapper of a daughter Tina. She is a great additional character, but Elena hesitates in furthering the romance as a widow she does not want to “replace” her husband or her daughters’ father.

Great intrigue, action and romance combine to create a terrific, emotional and entertaining story.

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
3,542 reviews14 followers
November 30, 2020
More Than Family is a phenomenal romantic suspense by Olivia Michaels. Ms. Michaels once again draws readers into her story and keeps them spellbound till the end. The cast of characters in this book is outstanding. Camden works at Watchdog Security and was there to help save Elena and her daughter. Elena is glad to be moving closer to her friend Rachael and getting away from the town she was living in with her daughter. Camden and Elena's story has twists and turns and is full of drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I loved every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Olivia Michaels. More Than Family is book 2 of the Watchdog Security Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Prolific Works. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,141 reviews52 followers
November 30, 2020
Can Camden fight the ghosts as well as the political threats?

Camden should be buckling under the pressure of keeping Elena and Tina safe whilst fighting the hidden political threats, but he is focused and determined. He failed once before to keep those he loved safe, no way will he fail again...his future happiness depends on it, but to keep her safe he must face his ghosts and confess his guilt to Elena, will she reject him anyway?
Lots of emotional baggage and grief in this book, but with the help of the very precocious Tina both Elena and Camden are ready to unpack that grief and guilt so they can move on together. Will Camden's little mermaid get the family she is hoping for?
I really like this series and we get a Christmas treat soon in Kyle's book, which is out at the beginning of January, and like the rest of the series will be available on Kindle Unlimited.
1,377 reviews
November 22, 2020
Watch Dog Security -- composed of former SEALS and other professions. Retired military dogs complete the team of security experts. Camden, one of the founding members, now finds himself at the cusp of finding his family even as the case he is on gets complicated. The twists and turns of the story and the past are unpredicted. This is a romance, a page turner and standalone book (although better when read in the series). Bravo!! I am looking forward the next book in the series!!

I received a free copy of this book via Prolific Works and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,292 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2020
Book 2 in the WatchDog Security Series is standalone but I recommend you read Book 1 as some of the characters are in this one. Elena and her daughter relocate and they are reunited with Camden, the former SEAL who saved their lives. She decides to give dating Camden a chance and soon becomes involved in his latest case. Secrets, romance, villains, and action makes this a page-turning story. I am anxiously waiting for Book 3 in this wonderful new series. I received this as an ARC and voluntarily give my honest review.
9,375 reviews140 followers
December 4, 2020
Another great book to the series! This one brings Elena and Camden's story. The author brings a strong cast of characters and weaves an intriguing story filled with drama ,action and suspense. She adds in humor and tons of emotions as their relationship moves forward and had me glued to the pages with all the twists and turns. I loved the chemistry between them as well as her adorable daughter Tina. It's well written moves fluidly and I loved reading. Highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for A.
789 reviews
November 24, 2020
More than Family is the second book the Watchdog Security series. Olivia Michaels did an excellent job with the characters. You will love Camden, Elena, and Tina! The story is sexy, suspenseful, and it has wonderfully complex emotions. The plot is full of twists and turns, and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for Kyle’s story.
Profile Image for Mary Boehm.
787 reviews5 followers
November 22, 2020
Camden and Elena steer the murky waters of love after losing a loved one years ago. Meanwhile she finds herself more as a cook over a receptionist. Tina , elena’s daughter loves Camden and his dog Toby.
906 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2020
Wow. Well written with great characters. Full of emotion, mystery and suspense. An alpha male with a soft side. And a little girl that grabs the hearts of everyone. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
I was given an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,219 reviews34 followers
April 21, 2023
I loved the three main characters in this book. Camden Bains harbors secret heart and unimaginable guilt yet meeting then rescuing Elena Mattinez and her ray of sunshine daughter eased his burden somewhat and made him smile. It's Elena's time to grow and blossom after leaving the oppressive environment and bad memories in Ross, Nebraska. The place where her huband died. Now she and Tina are living in the land of sunshine and beaches. It doesn't hurt that Cam is back in their lives. Dubbed Mermaid by Cam, Tina thrives under his attention and charms everyoneshe meets. Does that mean she'll forget her real father? Is it time to start living life again and maybe love again for both Elena and Cam? Elena somehow gets drawn into Cam's latest Watchdog assignment despite his best efforts to keep her out of it. Politics is an ugly business and there's something sinister afoot regarding Cam's charge. Figuring out the bad guys is proving difficult. There's good news though, Elena gets to move back to doing what she most loves and she, Tina and Cam become the family they so richly deserve.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
December 31, 2023
This outing follows More than Love SEAL Camden Baines is home in LA, widowed mom, Elena Martinez and five year old Tina follow soon after. Attraction is strong between the two but Camden would be only the second man in her life and she doesn’t want Tina to forget her dad. Meanwhile, Camden’s keeping his own secret close.

Also, Camden leads a team investigating an attempt to compromise a popular presidential candidate. During a dry-run guarding the candidate’s family, Elena and the candidate’s wife start a shaky friendship that Camden tries to warn her off of without going into specifics. And the insidious plan is more layered, sinister and further underway than the team thought.
Rating: 4.25stars
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
May 13, 2025
I was looking forward to this one, to see if Camden would get his girls. Elena put up a great fight, mostly with herself, trying to feel like she wasn't betraying her dead husband being the biggest obstacle. Camden kept showing her what she would be missing and did so in a way that wasn't overwhelming and was very respectful. He even including Tina in a lot of their plans.

The job that Camden worked on was screwy in so many ways, including how Elena got sucked into it. I hated what Tina went through, but so glad that the team had their backs and by the end loved how everyone was safe and their future ahead, filled with nothing but happiness.
428 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2022
Navy Seal Camden Bains knew when he saved a little girl from a hostage situation and handed the little girl in the Mother arms that he gave them his heart. He had lost his wife and baby and was determined not to love again. Elena Martinez's lost her husband and determined that Tina was going to he her entire world. Camden became their bodyguard and Elena was worked that Tina would forget her father and love Camden. But Camden was determined that she would remember how the father loved her but there was room for him
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,124 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2023
More Than Family

Ok, this story was very interesting! This is about Camden, Elena, Tina and definitely Toby. Tina and Toby are so adorable. As the story progresses, we find Tina in a difficult situation when she hears two men talking. She is very smart for a five year old. Tina and Toby are pretty much inseparable. Camden and Elena were headed for love in the last book. So happy the majority of the bad guys were taken care of and the Martinez girls were safe. FANTASTIC job Olivia! I would recommend this book.
451 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2024
Another great read!

A working dog, a little girl who falls in love, and her widowed mother who gets the chance of finding another man to complete mending her broken heart!
A beautifully written story with lot's going on and a happy ending.
I can't wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
June 2, 2024
Great

Camden and Elena
I enjoyed reading this Watchdog Security Series Book 2.
I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
I loved the drama, suspense, ups and downs, the twists and the hot chemistry.

Read it
2,219 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2024
More Than Family: Watchdog Security Series Book 2)

Elena was not only trying to have a good life with her daughter, but also falling in love with Camden. The intricate plot of her being in danger again was fantastic reading.
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,902 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2024
Camden

Book two follows on with another team member.we still get last books characters in this one.This is the best friends from last books main characters.Also no longer FBI agents like last book.
Looking forward to meeting camp in next book
Profile Image for Sue.
4,348 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2024
I liked there was enough suspense to keep me interested. Great read with a HEA. Tina was a cute little girl and she loved Toby, the dog was very protective.
Profile Image for LeNita V..
568 reviews
January 8, 2025
2.5

Ok storyline and the couple had some really cute moments but this just seemed to drag for me.
722 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2021
WONDERFUL LOVE STORY!

I enjoyed this book immensely. There was not a dull moment in it! The love story was beautiful and what I appreciated the most was that the couple told each other everything as it occurred .....There was none of those long boring drawn out angsy secrets to tell that caused misinterpretations galore. Cam, Elena and Tina were all very special people and I truly savored reading their story and getting to know them and the Watchdog Security gang. Olivia Michaels is a new author for me to read and I am really glad I came across her while browsing other books! I highly recommend this book if you want a good solid mystery and beautifully executed love story that will leave you with a very happy smile on your face!!!😇
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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