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Big Sky Country #2
Her K-9 Protector: An Action Packed Romantic Suspense Book
A K-9 hero answers the call
For one special assignment…
When Kenna Griffin returns to Montana with her son, she believes she’s outrun her past. Having escaped her abusive ex-husband, the single mom is eager to make a fresh start. But nothing feels safe except the protection offered by K-9 officer Lucas Merritt and his fearless police dog. Because danger has followed Kenna to Cottonwood. Against all her instincts, she lets Lucas into her life…though that just might kill them both.
From Harlequin Romantic Danger. Passion. Drama.
Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Big Sky Justice
Book 1: Danger in Big Sky Country
Book 2: Her K-9 Protector
For one special assignment…
When Kenna Griffin returns to Montana with her son, she believes she’s outrun her past. Having escaped her abusive ex-husband, the single mom is eager to make a fresh start. But nothing feels safe except the protection offered by K-9 officer Lucas Merritt and his fearless police dog. Because danger has followed Kenna to Cottonwood. Against all her instincts, she lets Lucas into her life…though that just might kill them both.
From Harlequin Romantic Danger. Passion. Drama.
Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Big Sky Justice
Book 1: Danger in Big Sky Country
Book 2: Her K-9 Protector
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
25 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 13, 2023
Her K-9 Protector is a well-written romantic suspense, with moments of mystery and high-octane drama, alongside a sweet romance between two damaged souls who ultimately end up saving one another.
Kenna, a single mother who works at a vet office, has moved back to Cottonwood in order to escape her dangerous ex. Meanwhile, Lucas, the town’s K9 officer, is also new to the area, having relocated from Kansas in search of a fresh start after the tragic death of his brother.
Both have sworn off relationships while they attempt to put their painful pasts behind them, but neither expect the instant, undeniable attraction that sparks between them.
Despite this, there’s no unrealistic insta-love here, just a sweet slow-burn that builds over time as they try, and fail, to stay away from one another. No steamy scenes either, only kissing, but that doesn’t diminish the on-page chemistry between Lucas and Kenna.
As their connection grows, though, someone sinister is lurking in the shadows, gradually escalating their campaign of harassment against Kenna.
While the ending did happen a bit sooner than I expected, and the mystery of “whodunnit” isn’t hard to figure out, I thought the suspense element was really well done and added nicely to the story’s good pacing.
Equally, I felt that the serious topics of domestic abuse, drug addiction, and associated trauma, were dealt with sensitively and realistically, but without becoming too heavy and weighing down the romance.
It’s also really nice to see Native American women taking centre stage, and I’m looking forward to Sayeh’s story where we’ll hopefully go a little deeper into the sisters’ Macawi heritage.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me invested until the last page.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kenna, a single mother who works at a vet office, has moved back to Cottonwood in order to escape her dangerous ex. Meanwhile, Lucas, the town’s K9 officer, is also new to the area, having relocated from Kansas in search of a fresh start after the tragic death of his brother.
Both have sworn off relationships while they attempt to put their painful pasts behind them, but neither expect the instant, undeniable attraction that sparks between them.
Despite this, there’s no unrealistic insta-love here, just a sweet slow-burn that builds over time as they try, and fail, to stay away from one another. No steamy scenes either, only kissing, but that doesn’t diminish the on-page chemistry between Lucas and Kenna.
As their connection grows, though, someone sinister is lurking in the shadows, gradually escalating their campaign of harassment against Kenna.
While the ending did happen a bit sooner than I expected, and the mystery of “whodunnit” isn’t hard to figure out, I thought the suspense element was really well done and added nicely to the story’s good pacing.
Equally, I felt that the serious topics of domestic abuse, drug addiction, and associated trauma, were dealt with sensitively and realistically, but without becoming too heavy and weighing down the romance.
It’s also really nice to see Native American women taking centre stage, and I’m looking forward to Sayeh’s story where we’ll hopefully go a little deeper into the sisters’ Macawi heritage.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me invested until the last page.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2023
Kenna Griffin works for the local veterinarian. Officer Merritt and Noble are the new K-9 team and Noble needs his check up. Kenna has a son Ty and her sister is Detective Luna Griffin. Dr. Mallory is who Kenna works for. Sayeh is Kenna’s other sister who is with the FBI. The sisters had recently discovered disturbing details about their childhood as they are part of the Macawi tribe of on the reservation. She was terrified to let her son go to a therapist because they were mandatory reporters. Although she had done nothing wrong, that wasn’t the same for the last man she had been with. The first name of the new Officer is Lucas and he and Kenna are instantly attracted to each other.
Ty has been through so much and he has hated the move. Plus it didn’t help that the only grandfather he had known had been killed before his eyes. So he has been acting out and it culminated in a misdemeanor. After that they all work together to help Ty. Lucas is in charge of taking the kids that are interested and who were mandated to, onto a hike into the local forest, which included Ty and Kenna came as a chaperone. Betty, the dispatcher is cool. I really like her. Ok, first off, I think Kenna not telling Luna at least about why she left Kentucky is stupid. Especially after the death of their adopted father. I think that Kenna’s baking as magical is hysterical but it seems that it is true. Lol. The end is a bit scary so be prepared. But the book is awesome and i liked the interaction between the sisters.
Leon, the person who has Kenna so scared is still in Kentucky. However, weird things begin to happen around Kenna and her home and work. When Sayeh shows up at the end of the book, i was a bit shocked at what she told her family. Great read. I can’t wait for Sayeh’s book and if there is a Luna book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ty has been through so much and he has hated the move. Plus it didn’t help that the only grandfather he had known had been killed before his eyes. So he has been acting out and it culminated in a misdemeanor. After that they all work together to help Ty. Lucas is in charge of taking the kids that are interested and who were mandated to, onto a hike into the local forest, which included Ty and Kenna came as a chaperone. Betty, the dispatcher is cool. I really like her. Ok, first off, I think Kenna not telling Luna at least about why she left Kentucky is stupid. Especially after the death of their adopted father. I think that Kenna’s baking as magical is hysterical but it seems that it is true. Lol. The end is a bit scary so be prepared. But the book is awesome and i liked the interaction between the sisters.
Leon, the person who has Kenna so scared is still in Kentucky. However, weird things begin to happen around Kenna and her home and work. When Sayeh shows up at the end of the book, i was a bit shocked at what she told her family. Great read. I can’t wait for Sayeh’s book and if there is a Luna book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
Lucas Merrit is new in town, a K9 officer on a grant program with his dog Noble. When he brings Noble to the vet for a checkup, he meets single mother Kenna, the sister of fellow cop Luna. Events in this small town keep throwing them together, but Lucas has complications that keep him single and he can tell that she's hiding something. Kenna is drawn to this confident and caring man, but her past judgment about men has been wrong. She knew she can trust him with her safety, but can she trust him with her heart?
This was a sweet romantic suspense where Noble was the star of the show, with Lucas taking a close second. The pacing of the story was good, but I thought it was a little rushed at the end. I didn't realize this book was the second in a series, but it read like a standalone so I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a sweet romantic suspense where Noble was the star of the show, with Lucas taking a close second. The pacing of the story was good, but I thought it was a little rushed at the end. I didn't realize this book was the second in a series, but it read like a standalone so I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2024
Good book about two people with painful pasts who have come to Cottonwood to rebuild their lives. Kenna is a single mother who moved back to her hometown to get away from her dangerously obsessive ex. She blames herself and her poor judgment for her situation and is too ashamed to confess to her sisters what she experienced.
Lucas is the town's new K-9 officer. He is looking for a new start after his brother's tragic death. He blames himself for not seeing how far Brock had fallen before it was too late.
Both Kenna and Lucas have put relationships on the "no go" list while they get their lives together. However, neither anticipated the sparks of attraction that flared between them. They try to ignore their feelings and avoid each other, but Fate conspires to throw them together. I liked the trust that slowly built between them as they got to know each other. Matters become complicated when a past relationship comes back to haunt Lucas. A little distance helped him put some things in perspective but also stirred up some unresolved feelings.
The suspense portion of the story was well done. Kenna kept her past secret from her sisters (bad idea). She wants to believe that her ex either can't find her or isn't interested in doing so. But when a feeling of being watched combines with some odd happenings, Kenna wonders if she is being paranoid. It isn't hard to reach the correct conclusion and expect a confrontation. The twist in the resolution surprised me, but I loved how it happened. Unfortunately, Lucas's reaction to some of Kenna's revelations disappointed me, and I ached for Kenna. I liked the butt-kicking he got that set him straight. The ending shows promise for the future, and I look forward to seeing them in later books.
The best secondary characters were Lucas's K-9 partner, Noble, and Kenna's ten-year-old son, Ty. Noble was a terrific partner for Lucas, on and off duty. I enjoyed his reactions when Lucas talked to him about personal issues. Noble also served as a great ice-breaker when Lucas worked with young people like Ty. The story opens with Lucas dealing with Ty, who is committing vandalism. Ty isn't handling the move well, and along with the trauma he experienced before the move, he acts out in destructive ways. I liked seeing his changes as Lucas became a bigger part of his life.
Lucas is the town's new K-9 officer. He is looking for a new start after his brother's tragic death. He blames himself for not seeing how far Brock had fallen before it was too late.
Both Kenna and Lucas have put relationships on the "no go" list while they get their lives together. However, neither anticipated the sparks of attraction that flared between them. They try to ignore their feelings and avoid each other, but Fate conspires to throw them together. I liked the trust that slowly built between them as they got to know each other. Matters become complicated when a past relationship comes back to haunt Lucas. A little distance helped him put some things in perspective but also stirred up some unresolved feelings.
The suspense portion of the story was well done. Kenna kept her past secret from her sisters (bad idea). She wants to believe that her ex either can't find her or isn't interested in doing so. But when a feeling of being watched combines with some odd happenings, Kenna wonders if she is being paranoid. It isn't hard to reach the correct conclusion and expect a confrontation. The twist in the resolution surprised me, but I loved how it happened. Unfortunately, Lucas's reaction to some of Kenna's revelations disappointed me, and I ached for Kenna. I liked the butt-kicking he got that set him straight. The ending shows promise for the future, and I look forward to seeing them in later books.
The best secondary characters were Lucas's K-9 partner, Noble, and Kenna's ten-year-old son, Ty. Noble was a terrific partner for Lucas, on and off duty. I enjoyed his reactions when Lucas talked to him about personal issues. Noble also served as a great ice-breaker when Lucas worked with young people like Ty. The story opens with Lucas dealing with Ty, who is committing vandalism. Ty isn't handling the move well, and along with the trauma he experienced before the move, he acts out in destructive ways. I liked seeing his changes as Lucas became a bigger part of his life.
March 15, 2023
Kenna was a character to feel sorry for but also slightly annoyed at her stubbornness to get the help needed. Lucas though fun needed a slap to sort out his thoughts. They both frustrated me. The K9 & Ty were the adorable characters to love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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March 1, 2023Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Big Sky Justice (Book #2)
Miniseries
Big Sky Justice (Book #2)
May 18, 2023
GREAT STORY
I really enjoyed this book, as I love k9 stories, this one had everything in it, the cop, the dog, the pretty girl, and the little boy….
I really enjoyed this book, as I love k9 stories, this one had everything in it, the cop, the dog, the pretty girl, and the little boy….
March 24, 2023
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Her K-9 Protector is the second title in the Big Sky Justice series, and this story is filled with danger, tensions, and a couple to fall in love with… not to mention one brave adorable K-9, Noble.
Both Lucas and Kenna are wounded souls for different reasons. Kenna and her son Ty have returned to her childhood home, escaping a truly evil man, and trying to rebuild lives that have been damaged, perhaps beyond repair. Lucas has taken a new job, hoping for a fresh start far from the memories of the brother he couldn’t save. Neither is looking for a relationship since trust in another person is something they just cannot give right now. But fate often has different plans, and slowly Lucas and Kenna will be drawn to each other as danger lurks in the background.
I enjoyed this suspense-filled romance, yet was often frustrated by the actions of either Kenna or Lucas. I believe that each reader will feel differently about how Kenna or Lucas reacted in this story, so I won’t go into any details. I’ll simply say that I could understand why Kenna reacted as she did, but that Lucas disappointed me in his way of dealing with Kenna’s past, her reality. To be fair, they both adjusted their attitudes toward each other eventually, but not before they harmed each other, emotionally, almost as much as the villain did.
We get a bit more information on the background story woven through this series. And I’m really looking forward to Sayeh’s story. Their Macawi heritage is such a vital part of this family, and given the hints we got in Kenna’s story, will answer so many questions that the sisters (and the readers) have about what happened to their parents. In all, I had a good time back in this world. If you enjoy a well-written, suspense-filled romance that will deliver a fascinating, emotional reading experience, then you’d enjoy Lucas and Kenna’s story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*
Her K-9 Protector is the second title in the Big Sky Justice series, and this story is filled with danger, tensions, and a couple to fall in love with… not to mention one brave adorable K-9, Noble.
Both Lucas and Kenna are wounded souls for different reasons. Kenna and her son Ty have returned to her childhood home, escaping a truly evil man, and trying to rebuild lives that have been damaged, perhaps beyond repair. Lucas has taken a new job, hoping for a fresh start far from the memories of the brother he couldn’t save. Neither is looking for a relationship since trust in another person is something they just cannot give right now. But fate often has different plans, and slowly Lucas and Kenna will be drawn to each other as danger lurks in the background.
I enjoyed this suspense-filled romance, yet was often frustrated by the actions of either Kenna or Lucas. I believe that each reader will feel differently about how Kenna or Lucas reacted in this story, so I won’t go into any details. I’ll simply say that I could understand why Kenna reacted as she did, but that Lucas disappointed me in his way of dealing with Kenna’s past, her reality. To be fair, they both adjusted their attitudes toward each other eventually, but not before they harmed each other, emotionally, almost as much as the villain did.
We get a bit more information on the background story woven through this series. And I’m really looking forward to Sayeh’s story. Their Macawi heritage is such a vital part of this family, and given the hints we got in Kenna’s story, will answer so many questions that the sisters (and the readers) have about what happened to their parents. In all, I had a good time back in this world. If you enjoy a well-written, suspense-filled romance that will deliver a fascinating, emotional reading experience, then you’d enjoy Lucas and Kenna’s story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*
March 28, 2023
Kimberly Van Meter's Her K-9 Protector is a terrific romantic suspense tale rich in intrigue, danger and passion you will not want to miss.
Kenna Griffin has returned to Montana with her son having finally outrun her past - or so she thought. Kenna thought that she had left her abusive ex behind for good, however, she cannot shake off this awful feeling that she's being watched and that she might be in danger. With her son to look out for, Kenna feels uneasy and unable to trust. She only feels safe thanks to the protection offered by K-9 officer Lucas Merritt and his fearless police dog, but she does not plan on letting him get too close to her - even if fate might have other ideas.
Kenna had trusted someone once before and lived to regret it and she is not about to make the same mistake twice. But as her feelings for Lucas change and intensify, she wonders whether she should drop her defenses and take a chance on love. However, with a dangerous enemy intent on ruining her life, will Kenna's second chance at happiness be snatched from her grasp? Or will she and Lucas find a way to be together...forever?
Kimberly Van Meter's Her K-9 Protector is a fast-paced, action-packed and heart-stopping romantic suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Kimberly Van Meter brilliantly mixes passion, emotion, jeopardy and foreboding in a superb tale of romantic suspense I simply couldn't put down - I can't wait for her next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kenna Griffin has returned to Montana with her son having finally outrun her past - or so she thought. Kenna thought that she had left her abusive ex behind for good, however, she cannot shake off this awful feeling that she's being watched and that she might be in danger. With her son to look out for, Kenna feels uneasy and unable to trust. She only feels safe thanks to the protection offered by K-9 officer Lucas Merritt and his fearless police dog, but she does not plan on letting him get too close to her - even if fate might have other ideas.
Kenna had trusted someone once before and lived to regret it and she is not about to make the same mistake twice. But as her feelings for Lucas change and intensify, she wonders whether she should drop her defenses and take a chance on love. However, with a dangerous enemy intent on ruining her life, will Kenna's second chance at happiness be snatched from her grasp? Or will she and Lucas find a way to be together...forever?
Kimberly Van Meter's Her K-9 Protector is a fast-paced, action-packed and heart-stopping romantic suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Kimberly Van Meter brilliantly mixes passion, emotion, jeopardy and foreboding in a superb tale of romantic suspense I simply couldn't put down - I can't wait for her next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2023
This is book two in The Big Sky Justice series and it is Kenna and Lucas’s story. Kenna and her son Ty have moved back to Cottonwood and away from her abusive ex husband and hopefully be able to start a new life a long way from what she had been through and being close to her family. Lucas is a K-9 protector and he is new to Cottonwood as he needed a new start after the death of his brother. Kenna and Lucas both have trust issues but will there attraction and chemistry be enough to break down there wall and give them a chance to take the risk of being together and having a relationship and a future together. Danger has arrived and they are watching and waiting for the right time to strike but will they be able to eliminate the threat so that they can all move on with their lives. There are twists and turns along with danger, suspense, trauma, trust issues, hope, love and some difficult situations that are written with so much care and compassion and this book had a great storyline that pulled you in and kept you turning the pages to see what would happen next and I definitely recommend that you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I look forward to reading more books in the future.
March 24, 2023
Kenna and Lucas have some things in common - they've both moved to Cottonwood recently, both have made some bad relationship decisions in the past, and both have decided to not date for a while. However, when they meet for the first time, there is a spark of attraction. And they find themselves drawn more and more to each other every time they meet. But things are complicated as Kenna hasn't told her sisters about her abusive ex, and she also has to consider her 10-year-old son who has just started acting out.
As the story progresses, so does the danger. Old relationships come back to haunt both characters, and there are some emotional situations. There's also a K-9 who plays a pivotal role at one point. At one point I wanted to knock some sense into both characters but given their past histories, their behavior wasn't totally unexpected.
As the story progresses, so does the danger. Old relationships come back to haunt both characters, and there are some emotional situations. There's also a K-9 who plays a pivotal role at one point. At one point I wanted to knock some sense into both characters but given their past histories, their behavior wasn't totally unexpected.
January 19, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an interesting (although not unique) storyline and I felt it was tastefully done. It contains some triggers - physical relationship abuse trauma & emotional trauma….for the victim and her son too. A little language, clean, closed door romance. You knew the book would end in a confrontation of the abuser and it definitely had some twists and turns going into it! I couldn’t put it down until I knew how it was going to resolve. Of course I am always a sucker for HEA too. Great book!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2023
The book was interesting enough to keep my attention but struggled with repetition at the beginning and then all of the suddenly it felt rushed. The start of the hike really got the book flowing better. The action scene was very well written and then it's done. I realize this is a 2nd book in the series and maybe I missed some information from not having read the 1st one "first" but I wanted more about the tribal heritage - the backgrounds of the characters and setting. It would have made the opening chapters fuller and more interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2023
I loved being back in Cottonwood and getting to know Kenna more along with learning what exactly happened to make her return home and fear for her and Ty. You feel sympathy, frustration along with hope as you see Kenna not only deal with her past and new life, but also everything Ty is going through and Lucas the one guy her gives her butterflies as much as she tries to ignore them and not trust her judgement. Kenna and Lucas dance around each other and every time they interact the feelings grow, whilst their pasts are creeping back making you need to know what will happen next and will we get a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2023
This is the second book in this series, and this is Lucas and Kenna’s story. Kenna returns to Montana, a single mom to her son, and she is looking for a fresh start away from her abusive ex-husband. When Kenna’s past comes back to haunt her, Lucas who is a K-9 officer, and he will do whatever he must to protect Kenna and her son. This is a well written action packed, with danger, suspense, intrigue, drama, passion, trust, twists, emotions, romance, family, friendships, undeniable chemistry, tragedy, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2023
Not *quite* as strong as the first book in the series, but still a solid read. Kenna and Lucas's story drew me in from the very first page, and though the plotting wasn't quite as tight and the pacing felt a bit off in the last quarter or so, the HEA was well earned and sweet. Looking forward to Sayeh's book, though not going to lie--I'm with Wes, she seems more than a little intimidating!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 27, 2023
Kenna has a dark past and trying to ignore it and tell her son to not speak of it is not doing them any favors. She’s ashamed, but she should have told her sisters the truth and not been naive that it wasn’t going to follow her. I could tell from the beginning Lucas has trust issues and Kenna keeping important things from him didn’t help. His partner dog stole the book with his heroic actions. There were several suspenseful moments as I wondered what the bad guy was going to do next.
April 30, 2023
Could not put this book down. Yes ,a romantic suspense novel ,but it was the suspense and intrique that interested me. Well written. The protagonist was interesting and the villain was a great read. It was a balanced story not too much romance more of a drama suspense.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews