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K-9 Search and Rescue #4
Search and Defend
The search for a ruthless hit man turns into a deadly alpine chase...
Undercover to track the assassin who killed his partner, FBI special agent Alex Driscoll accidentally pulls his partner's widow, Violet Sharp, and her search-and-rescue K-9, Teddy, into the case. Now, with Violet's life on the line, the only way Alex can protect her is to make her -- and her enormous dog -- his new cover. But can they stay alive long enough to bring the hit man to justice?
Mills & Boon Love Inspired Suspense -- Courage. Danger. Faith.
Undercover to track the assassin who killed his partner, FBI special agent Alex Driscoll accidentally pulls his partner's widow, Violet Sharp, and her search-and-rescue K-9, Teddy, into the case. Now, with Violet's life on the line, the only way Alex can protect her is to make her -- and her enormous dog -- his new cover. But can they stay alive long enough to bring the hit man to justice?
Mills & Boon Love Inspired Suspense -- Courage. Danger. Faith.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2021
205 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 28, 2021
I always expect an action-packed adventure in a Heather Woodhaven book and Search and Defend is no exception. FBI agent Alex Driscoll has avoided Violet Sharp, his former partner's widow, because he feels responsible for his partner's death but the two are thrown together when Alex is working undercover to stop the assassin that killed his partner and her husband. Violet works with the US Forest Service plus she and her K-9 partner Teddy work Search and Rescue on the side. Word is the assassin is after a high value target but it soon appears that Violet is in danger. This is a page turner with danger, suspense, twists and turns, faith, a little romance and a surprise killer. For those who enjoy K-9 stories with suspense and romance, this is another winner for Heather.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
October 2, 2024
I thought this story was well done. It was easy to like Alex, and then Violet as they were introduced to the reader. And, of course the cover dog, Teddy!
The action flowed really well for me. It was fast paced enough to capture my interest and keep me flipping pages (I turned a page to a new chapter and suddenly was a few chapters past where I thought I was! lol), but not so fast that I couldn't keep up with the storyline. I also did not realise what was going on with the baddie until Victoria did.
The romance was sweet, and since it was based on a prior friendship, didn't feel overly rushed to me.
I could have wished for a slightly stronger faith element, but it didn't detract from this 4 star read.
The action flowed really well for me. It was fast paced enough to capture my interest and keep me flipping pages (I turned a page to a new chapter and suddenly was a few chapters past where I thought I was! lol), but not so fast that I couldn't keep up with the storyline. I also did not realise what was going on with the baddie until Victoria did.
The romance was sweet, and since it was based on a prior friendship, didn't feel overly rushed to me.
I could have wished for a slightly stronger faith element, but it didn't detract from this 4 star read.
January 3, 2022
4 stelle e mezza
Bella storia, con una buona suspense, anche se avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole non appena è stato nominato la prima volta. Ho adorato Teddy (il cane)!
Bella storia, con una buona suspense, anche se avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole non appena è stato nominato la prima volta. Ho adorato Teddy (il cane)!
January 5, 2022
Whoa, may just be the best Love Inspired Suspense book ever! I don't know if that impression comes from Heather Woodhaven's breathtaking storytelling or the way Patrick Zeller narrated Violet and Alex's story -- maybe a combination of both? But the words just flowed, creating images in my head and making me feel every chill and thrill. So elated that we're getting some of Love Inspired line in audio versions now.
So, what I loved: Teddy!!!! A fluffy Newfoundland of superior intelligence, awesome talents (which are put to good use in this novel) and a stalwart heart. He will furever be my champion. Loved the bond he has with his human, Violet and how fiercely she loves the big fluff ball. Great partner dynamics and some interesting insights into the day and the life of a search-and-rescue team.
The clever suspense plot kept me in rabid-listening-mode. It includes some unique twists and I loved the pacing. Action and danger are well-balanced and there's enough room left over for Alex and Violet's relationship to evolve from wary, grieving once-friends to something deeper and more meaningful.
Plus there's oodles of snow and some wilderness rescues that chilled me to the core. Which makes Search and Defend the perfect January read!
So, what I loved: Teddy!!!! A fluffy Newfoundland of superior intelligence, awesome talents (which are put to good use in this novel) and a stalwart heart. He will furever be my champion. Loved the bond he has with his human, Violet and how fiercely she loves the big fluff ball. Great partner dynamics and some interesting insights into the day and the life of a search-and-rescue team.
The clever suspense plot kept me in rabid-listening-mode. It includes some unique twists and I loved the pacing. Action and danger are well-balanced and there's enough room left over for Alex and Violet's relationship to evolve from wary, grieving once-friends to something deeper and more meaningful.
Plus there's oodles of snow and some wilderness rescues that chilled me to the core. Which makes Search and Defend the perfect January read!
April 29, 2022
Search and Defend is by Heather Woodhaven. It is one of the K-9 Search and Rescue series. This book is about a Newfoundland rescue dog and his owner/trainer. A Newfoundland dog is enormous. Teddy is over six feet long from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. When he sits up, he is two feet tall. When he stands on his hind legs and growls, people can easily think of him as being a bear. However, he is well-trained and definitely gets along with people when not on duty or working. His owner/trainer is Violet Sharp, a ranger who is currently working at overseeing the rangers in the national forest. She had been married to an FBI agent; but he had been killed when a bomb went off in the area he was working. Violet’s friends have been trying to match her up with one of the eligible men in town; but she is not interested. She and her best friend Eryn Lane were attending a fundraising dinner for someone in politics. Violet only attended so her friend could have a night away from her children and think of something other than her estranged husband. Violet had left Teddy at the valet station with Danielle who was a volunteer at the ranger station. Right now, Violet was stuck with a high school friend Bruce Wilkinson who was trying to rekindle something with Violet. Violet was not expecting to see her former husband’s partner at the event, working as a chef.
Alex Driscoll was working undercover to find out who was passing information to a criminal intending to use the intel to thwart an assassination attempt. It is believed that the criminal behind the assassination is a criminal known as Firecracker. Alex really wants to be instrumental in finding this criminal as he is the criminal behind the death of his former partner- Firecracker.
When the pass-off of a flash drive is made quickly and without her knowledge from Alec to Violet’s purse, he inadvertently puts a target on her back. Can they solve why someone is framing all of Violet’s friends? Can Alex solve who is framing them and why? How does Teddy help?
Alex Driscoll was working undercover to find out who was passing information to a criminal intending to use the intel to thwart an assassination attempt. It is believed that the criminal behind the assassination is a criminal known as Firecracker. Alex really wants to be instrumental in finding this criminal as he is the criminal behind the death of his former partner- Firecracker.
When the pass-off of a flash drive is made quickly and without her knowledge from Alec to Violet’s purse, he inadvertently puts a target on her back. Can they solve why someone is framing all of Violet’s friends? Can Alex solve who is framing them and why? How does Teddy help?
June 19, 2022
This was a really good book, I loved the characters. Violet and Alex had great chemistry. Teddy is a great rescue dog.
January 30, 2024
I will admit that the reason I read this book was because there’s a Newfoundland on the cover� ;) I loved that aspect of the book! The story itself wasn’t my favorite but it was okay.
December 31, 2021
Search and Defend is a Romantic Suspense story that is full of action and danger. FBI agent Alex Driscoll has avoided Violet Sharp, his former partner's widow, because he feels responsible for his partner's death. When they are both attending a fundraiser, they are thrown together as Alex is working undercover to stop the assassin that killed his partner and her husband. Violet is a K-9 officer who works for the US Forest Service working in search and rescue with her partner, Teddy. Information is that the assassin is after a high profile target, but Violet is also in danger. Can they catch the assassin and stay safe?
I enjoyed the suspense and action in this story. I liked Alex and Violet, but didn't really get to know them as well as I would have liked, perhaps because this is part of a series. I loved seeing Teddy in action in this book as well, I do love K-9 stories. As Alex and Violet spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, or perhaps the feelings were there and they finally acted on them. Overall, this was an enjoyable story that I recommend to those who enjoy a short, entertaining romantic suspense story with action and danger. I have listened to other books narrated by Patrick Zeller and I enjoyed his performance with this one. His expression, tone and inflection added to the suspense. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed the suspense and action in this story. I liked Alex and Violet, but didn't really get to know them as well as I would have liked, perhaps because this is part of a series. I loved seeing Teddy in action in this book as well, I do love K-9 stories. As Alex and Violet spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, or perhaps the feelings were there and they finally acted on them. Overall, this was an enjoyable story that I recommend to those who enjoy a short, entertaining romantic suspense story with action and danger. I have listened to other books narrated by Patrick Zeller and I enjoyed his performance with this one. His expression, tone and inflection added to the suspense. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
January 19, 2022
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Search and Defend. This is a K-9 Search and Rescue Story. I'm a big fan of Heather's work. This is an awesome book; it's well-written, action-packed, and full of suspense. I know you are going to love it.
FBI Special Agent Alex Driscoll hates undercover work. Especially now that he no longer has a partner to have his back. He is undercover to track the assassin who killed his partner. He accidentally pulls his partner's widow into his case by slipping her a flash drive.
Violet Sharp has attended a gala with her good friend. She left her Search and Rescue K-9 at the front door. It is a matchmaking setup. When her husband's partner bumps into her, she knows better than to acknowledge him. When she sees him being carried out the back by two men she grabs a napkin from his station and follows with her K-9, Teddy. She rescues him from the two men only to become a target too.
A terrifying journey as they are chased by killers. God has a plan for them, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a plan for peace and not for destruction.
FBI Special Agent Alex Driscoll hates undercover work. Especially now that he no longer has a partner to have his back. He is undercover to track the assassin who killed his partner. He accidentally pulls his partner's widow into his case by slipping her a flash drive.
Violet Sharp has attended a gala with her good friend. She left her Search and Rescue K-9 at the front door. It is a matchmaking setup. When her husband's partner bumps into her, she knows better than to acknowledge him. When she sees him being carried out the back by two men she grabs a napkin from his station and follows with her K-9, Teddy. She rescues him from the two men only to become a target too.
A terrifying journey as they are chased by killers. God has a plan for them, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a plan for peace and not for destruction.
December 24, 2021
FBI agent Alex Driscoll still feels responsible for the death of his partner, Rick. He has been undercover ever since, determined to find the killer. Whom he never expected to see and inadvertently put her in danger is Violet Sharp. The widow of his partner, and truth be told, the woman he had feelings for but knew it was not meant to be.
Violet, in charge of the local Search and Rescue K-9 group, is just as surprised to see Alex.
As they team together to get the killer, someone wants her dead, and is causing problems for her friends.
In the midst of it all, feelings develop, but are they real? Will the danger stop them from getting a chance to find happiness? Can they find forgiveness?
This was an engaging story with complex characters. Teddy, Violet’s K-9 was wonderful, and the suspense will keep the readers wondering what will happen next.
Another good entertaining story by this author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Violet, in charge of the local Search and Rescue K-9 group, is just as surprised to see Alex.
As they team together to get the killer, someone wants her dead, and is causing problems for her friends.
In the midst of it all, feelings develop, but are they real? Will the danger stop them from getting a chance to find happiness? Can they find forgiveness?
This was an engaging story with complex characters. Teddy, Violet’s K-9 was wonderful, and the suspense will keep the readers wondering what will happen next.
Another good entertaining story by this author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 29, 2021
Another great K-9 adventure!
Alex is undercover at an expensive fundraising dinner when he sees Violet his former partner's widow. Violet has a search and rescue dog named Teddy. He is a wonderful character with just as much visibility in the story as Alex and Violet! I think that is why I loved this so much! The action starts with the first few pages and doesn't stop until the very end. There are a ton of twists and turns in here as well.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has no steam. The characters are vivid and endearing and a main reason why I have this 5 stars! If you like action, a thoroughly baffling mystery, wonderful K-9 partners and some Christian values then this is for you! All of the books in this series seem to be totally separate from what I can see. So they can be read if you like, but are not necessary to get this story. Enjoy!
Alex is undercover at an expensive fundraising dinner when he sees Violet his former partner's widow. Violet has a search and rescue dog named Teddy. He is a wonderful character with just as much visibility in the story as Alex and Violet! I think that is why I loved this so much! The action starts with the first few pages and doesn't stop until the very end. There are a ton of twists and turns in here as well.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has no steam. The characters are vivid and endearing and a main reason why I have this 5 stars! If you like action, a thoroughly baffling mystery, wonderful K-9 partners and some Christian values then this is for you! All of the books in this series seem to be totally separate from what I can see. So they can be read if you like, but are not necessary to get this story. Enjoy!
January 4, 2022
Two years ago Violet Sharp lost her husband, an FBI special agent in the line of duty. He was killed by The Firecracker, an assassin. Violet is finally getting her life back. She and her K-9 Teddy work for the US Forest Service in search and rescue. Her life falls apart once more when she sees Alex Driscoll, her husband's former partner. He's working undercover to track down Rick's killer. I couldn't believe how everyone close to Violet becomes a target in this diabolical game of cat and mouse. Danger is around every corner. No one is safe. I knew it had to be personal. I hated that her enemy had the upper hand. I was so glad that Violet had Alex and Teddy in her corner. Heather Woodhaven has written a suspenseful thriller. The story was chilling. I was afraid that the criminal mastermind behind this would escape justice. Search and Defend is a keeper.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
December 29, 2021
A bit slow to connect with, but dazzling in the end! Heather Woodhaven is picking up the baton with book four in the multi-author K-9 Search and Rescue series from Love Inspired Suspense. SEARCH AND DEFEND was a tad confusing in the beginning when the unsub was brought up, but it’s possible more info was given previously in the earlier books in the series that I haven’t read. Once Alex and Violet connected and got into the heart of the case, I was hooked and enjoyed watching them hunt the bad guy and connect with the feelings they were each trying to ignore.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a faith based story of intrigue as attraction flares and connections are made between the main couple of characters.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a faith based story of intrigue as attraction flares and connections are made between the main couple of characters.
September 3, 2024
Violet couldn’t believe her eyes , Alex her late husbands Partner at the FBI, undercover in her hometown.
Alex can’t believe he in the position of having to get Violet involved in his undercover operation.. He has to get rid of the flash drive and she is the only person he trusts in this crowd. It has been two years since his partner was killed and he is so close to finding out who the Firecracker is . Tonights operation might just be the one to get his answers. Getting Violet involved will put her in a killers path. Where is her dog Teddy, he normally is never apart from her and he is going to be needed.
This is how the story begins. Wow what a busy active great read as a killer sets them up to be the next victims.
Alex can’t believe he in the position of having to get Violet involved in his undercover operation.. He has to get rid of the flash drive and she is the only person he trusts in this crowd. It has been two years since his partner was killed and he is so close to finding out who the Firecracker is . Tonights operation might just be the one to get his answers. Getting Violet involved will put her in a killers path. Where is her dog Teddy, he normally is never apart from her and he is going to be needed.
This is how the story begins. Wow what a busy active great read as a killer sets them up to be the next victims.
December 28, 2021
Search and Defend is a page turner with danger, suspense, romance, and surprises. FBI agent Alex Discroll is working undercover to stop the assassin that killed his partner and he feels responsible for his partner's death. The widow of his partner, who works with the US Forest Service as well as Search and Rescue, is surprised to see Alex working undercover. As the two team up with Violet's K-9 dog Teddy, it becomes apparent that Violet is in danger.
This was a good suspense story that kept me entertained and guessing who the killer was. I was given an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a good suspense story that kept me entertained and guessing who the killer was. I was given an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2024
This was a well-paced, action suspense with light romantic tension. Alex is an FBI agent searching for the "Firecracker" killer. Violet is a strong, capable woman in the search and rescue field. Her rescue dog, Teddy, is dependable and loyal and has the best personality. As Alex realizes that the killer is targeting everyone around Violet, his duty to protect her must outweigh his feelings for her. Even when the reader knows who the enemy is and possibly why, how the killer is stopped will be a surprise. Great story with excellent narration. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work.
March 9, 2022
4.25 stars
Random thoughts and feelings:
It was very sweet with the romance. I loved how their feelings grew for one another. They had great friendship The suspense was good. It had a pretty good twist with the suspect. It kept me on my toes and kept my interesting. Teddy was adorable. I loved how he took care of everyone when needed. He knew what people needed. He was truly a doggie protector and hero multiple times throughout the story. I loved his bond with both Alex and Violet. It was very sweet. He just made my day.
Random thoughts and feelings:
It was very sweet with the romance. I loved how their feelings grew for one another. They had great friendship The suspense was good. It had a pretty good twist with the suspect. It kept me on my toes and kept my interesting. Teddy was adorable. I loved how he took care of everyone when needed. He knew what people needed. He was truly a doggie protector and hero multiple times throughout the story. I loved his bond with both Alex and Violet. It was very sweet. He just made my day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
This was action packed and suspense filled. FBI agent Alex Driscoll’s heart has never fully recovered from the loss of his partner. He is undercover hoping to catch the ruthless killer when he sees his partner’s widowed wife, Violet. She is inadvertently pulled into the investigation and this is when the action gets heated. I love her K-9, Teddy. He is on the case as well. This is a story of forgiveness and learning to let go of the past. This was an inspirational romance with lots of suspense along with a twist you will not see coming.
April 7, 2024
This was one of the better suspense books. I loved the dog Teddy who made me think of my own dog Cinnamon. Teddy would look Violet, his master, in the her eyes and he became a hero at the end of the book by disposing of a bomb. I also loved Violet and Alex. Alex was Violet’s dead husband’s partner before he got killed. Violet and Alex meet again at a fancy restaurant. Violet has to save Alex when he is being attacked by two men. It doesn’t take long for a romance to start between the two of them.
January 25, 2024
Enjoyed this book.
Loved all the 3 MCs. Teddy had my heart.
Even though Rick was dead,I liked that how author weaved Rick & Violet's love story with all the moments scattered throughout the book and how Violet overcame her grief and found love again in Alex.
I am also glad that author never undermined Violet's love for Rick. He would always be part of their memories as they moved forward with their lives.
Loved all the 3 MCs. Teddy had my heart.
Even though Rick was dead,I liked that how author weaved Rick & Violet's love story with all the moments scattered throughout the book and how Violet overcame her grief and found love again in Alex.
I am also glad that author never undermined Violet's love for Rick. He would always be part of their memories as they moved forward with their lives.
December 29, 2021
I loved the story. Alex Driscoll was undercover trying to find the assassin who killed his partner, but he got the partner’s widow Violet Sharp involved. Now she was in danger also. The situation became more and more desperate and dangerous with seemingly no end. The harder they worked to find the Firecracker, the more dangerous it became. Can they find the assassin or will he kill Violet and ruin her friends before that’s accomplished. I’m not going to tell you, you’ll have to read the book to find out, you won’t be disappointed. A very good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much, it was an edge of your seat, page turner. I loved Teddy and I enjoyed all the characters in this book. It had a beautiful love story and a happy ending. I enjoy all of this authors books, and all of her books are great suspenseful reads. I look forward to the next book that comes out. This book was Christian and clean.
March 12, 2022
I like the Love Inspired Suspense genre but seldom rate the books higher than three stars unless they are written by one of my long-time favoured authors. Now, I've found another author who will be joining those favourites. This book ticked all the boxes on my WOW Factors list for highly entertaining reading.
April 24, 2022
Heather Woodhaven writes an action packed story. I was turning page after page trying to keep up with the action! Good storyline, good characters, and a loveable hulk of a dog! FBI special agent Alex Driscoll is trying to head off an assassination, but inadvertently brings his former partner’s widow, Violet Sharp, into the frey.
February 13, 2022
Teddy and his Teddy Bear Hugs
Wow, though I knew this story would end just as I wanted it to, it certainly was a horrific ride. I have enjoyed learning so much about Search and Rescue teams and what they have to go through.
Wow, though I knew this story would end just as I wanted it to, it certainly was a horrific ride. I have enjoyed learning so much about Search and Rescue teams and what they have to go through.
February 17, 2022
When Alex Driscoll goes under cover to try and find who's responsible for his partners murder he never thought he'd end up with so much more.
What a great story, a little suspense, some romance and a lot of dog love.
What a great story, a little suspense, some romance and a lot of dog love.
March 28, 2022
A well written, clean suspense mystery. With a K-9 rescue Newfoundland, his partner and an undercover FBI agent working together to find the suspect that caused them all great heart break, many interesting things happen. An enjoyable suspense with a little romance.
May 2, 2022
Nothing better than a suspense thriller with a Newfie, romance, lots of plot twists, and red herrings! Good writing, engaging human characters (of course the K-9 is a wonder), and clear imagery over all.
Patrick Zeller did a fine job as narrator.
Patrick Zeller did a fine job as narrator.
May 13, 2023
Wow!
This was an awesome who dunnit, mixed with SAR partners, broken hearts, faith, love then the fast paced search for a deranged 'assassin' from the past.
I could not put this one downl
This was an awesome who dunnit, mixed with SAR partners, broken hearts, faith, love then the fast paced search for a deranged 'assassin' from the past.
I could not put this one downl
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