When Alicia Duncan takes her son fishing, the last thing she expects is to witness a body being dumped in the river. Running for her life (and that of her son), her only advantage is her knowledge of the area. She makes it to the police station with a bullet hole or two in her SUV to prove her story. She knows the killer saw her. Can she protect her son and herself without police protection?

FBI agent, Leo Gallagher, gets word that a victim matching the description of a missing FBI informant has been dumped in Wyoming. He travels there to question the witness only to discover a woman convinced she can take care of herself. She has very little confidence in law enforcement, and doesn't want his protection - until she realizes how close the killer is to taking her out.

Can they stay one step ahead of a killer and bring him down before he eliminates Alicia?

Loved how often True, the K-9, alerts his humans to incoming danger. He is definitely an asset to this team! This was a great story!

I really love books that include dogs! Leo has to find his kidnapped teammate. Leo feels guilt over many things in his life, but Jake being kidnapped has really messed with his head. Alicia witnesses a body being dumped and then the killer comes after her and her son. With no leads on Jake's kidnapping, Leo goes to take lead on Alicia's case since it overlaps with one the FBI is currently working on. The danger is more imminent than either of them realize and Jake and his K-9 partner, True will have to put it all on the line to keep Alicia and her son safe.
Alicia was a great character. She is a strong woman, mother and daughter. She is terrified but determined. She will do anything for her son and father. Leo has issues from his past that make him think he can never be a family man. Alicia's son is determined to help him change his mind with his sweet ways. Leo and Alicia both have issues from the past that make them being together difficult but not impossible. I liked all the interaction with Leo's team and their K-9 partners. The story flowed well and was one of those that just struck a cord with me.
It was a 5/5 for me. I really didn't want to put this one down.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

An enjoyable tale of an FBI agent, his dog, and the woman who witnesses a murder. Because of a few gaps in the action and some choppy sentences, it didn't quite make it into four-star category, but I definitely enjoyed reading it. The action is non-stop, and the bad guy is not easily daunted in the least. He just keeps coming after them. At times I wondered where his allies were, though; seems like he'd have had some form of backup in the wings. I guess we'll see those guys in the next book??

The romance was very hasty, though Reed did a good job of capturing the emotions and circumstances that brought Leo and Alicia together and making it believable for both to fall in love so fast.

The dogs were so fun! I love covers with dogs on them, and having FBI dogs was something I'd never thought much of before; generally I think of them in the context of local police.

I received a free copy through NetGalley for review purposes.

I grew up reading Love Inspired books, many of the books I've kept over the years had more depth and interest, than current Love Inspired books. There have been too many books that I've read half-way thru to lose interest, or toss aside due to it's overt goody-two shoes main character.

This book, however, has given me faith again in the Love Inspired book series. It's a suspense, and it kept me intrigued and reading. I finished the book and the only thing I had to complain about, is that it was a continuation of the main story. Suppose I understand the purpose, but I am going to have to read at least five more stories before I get to the conclusion of the main plot.

That said, this story is about an FBI agent, Leo Gallagher. The main plot that will be going on in the next five stories is that a fellow FBI agent has been kidnapped. And Leo feels responsible. Then, there has been a murder in Wyoming, one witnessed by a young woman. There is a tie into his case, so he goes out to Wyoming, promising to protect this young woman and mother. There is someone who is determined to kill her, and Leo must do everything in his power to not allow that to happen.

Again, I really did enjoy this book. It could be a stand alone book, had it not been for the main story in the background. Considering this is the first book in the K-9 series, only time will tell as to if each story could be read out of order, or if you will need to read each book in order (in order to stay caught up with who is marrying who).

Guardian was a good LIS. I really loved how dogs played such a big role in the story. I found the suspense great and I also liked the romance, although it did seem somewhat rushed. The beginning chapter(s) of the book were so good and grabbed my attention right away.

All in all, I recommend Guardian and look forward to reading more books in this series.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

What a great start to this newest continuity series from Love Inspired Suspense. Romance, great characters, nail-biting action and suspense and DOGS! Heroic dogs at that.

Leo and True make a fantastic team – and Alicia’s heart won’t be the only one racing when you see them in action! I loved the insight into their training, their work, and their partnership, particularly in regards to True’s skill of finding bodies underwater and what they do when bullets start flying. Alicia, Charlie, and her dad are also great characters – people you feel you could easily befriend for life. Alicia’s bravery is just one of the reasons you’ll fall in love with her as quickly as Leo does. Her warmth and sincerity are more marks in her favor!

Probably my favorite thing about the book (besides the romance…. because, well, duh.) is the continuing story arc that will carry on through all the books in the series. The immediate story line that begins with Alicia witnessing the aftermath of a murder does reach a conclusion but the plot elements that tie the whole series together will be ongoing. And I gotta say – in this series – I am dying (perhaps not the best choice of words) to see how it all plays out.

Bottom Line: Guardian by Terri Reed will keep you on the edge of your favorite reading chair! Danger, action, suspense – it has it all. A sweet romance and a close-knit team round out the mix and add to the emotional depth overall. Additionally, an intriguing subplot that will continue through the rest of the series grabs your attention and has you eagerly waiting for the next book!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Guardian by Terri Reed is a romantic suspense with non stop action. Alicia is a widow with a three-year-old son. Her late husband was a police officer and it was not a happy marriage. The book opens with her witnessing a crime. Leo is protecting her and her son while trying to find the killer. The killer is related to one of his cases where his partner was taken. The prologue opens with his FBI teammate being abducted and appears to be the underlying story throughout the series. This is the first mystery I've read were they included a drone which I found very interesting, relevant, and accurate.
I love these canine books. The dogs are fascinating and adorable. In this story, one of the dogs was trained for water search. I also enjoyed the team comradery with Leo and his group.
This is the first book in the series and I have excited to read the others.

Violence: murder, kidnapping, arson, threats,

This was such a good read. I love how the K-9 Unit makes it a close knit community. I also love the K-9's without a doubt! (Big dog lover!)

Leo is a K-9 officer and is sort of beside himself when we meet him because his partner Jake has gotten kidnapped and it was done right in from of Leo. Leo feels responsible for the kidnapping and is vowing to do whatever it takes to get Jake back. Leo is on an assignment of protecting Alicia right now though. When things get interesting with Alicia and Leo, will they be bale to keep feelings for each other at bay to focus on what they need to get done for Jake's sake? You really need to read this great read to find out what all happens with Leo, Jake and Alicia. You will not be disappointed that you picked this one up to read that is for sure!

Terri Reed has done a great job with this one and I can't wait to see what is next for us as readers in this series. These characters are very well developed and the story line keeps your attention the whole way through. You won't want to put this book down until you are done with it!

This was a moving and high intense book. I loved the quick pace of the story line, the single mom story line spoke to my heart. This author is a new favorite!

When Alicia Duncan inadvertently witnesses a body being dumped in the river, she first thought is for her young son. So she and Charlie take off for the woods, and manage to stay ahead of the murderer enough to get into her car and get to the police station.

When the FBI hears about the situation, they send Leo Gallagher and his dog, True, who is trained in water search and rescue. As Alicia recounts what she saw to them, Leo and his team begin to fear that the victim was a witness in another ongoing crime, and that his friend Jake went missing in.

Will they be able to outsmart the killer, before something terrible happens?

I like that Leo insists on following Alicia home, and after a frightening experience on the way, she invites him to stay on the ranch with her, Charlie, and her father. Leo is dedicated, determined and persistent, he knows he can't be everywhere, but he does everything he can to protect Alicia and Charlie. I like how he got to know Charlie, and let him play with True when he was off duty.

Both Leo and Alicia have things in their past that keep them from hoping for a future chance at love, but Alicia's father helps to set them straight. Their close quarters help Alicia and Leo get to know each other, and they talk about their shared faith, and trusting God to direct them.

This was a fast paced read, and I love every book in the series. This book had a quick hook, great interaction, and the intensity grew as the plot progressed. Fantastic read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

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This year's K-9 themed romance series gets off
to a flying start

Who are Leo, True, Jake, Buddy, Harper and Star? Why are they looking for Reginald and Angus? We find out a bit in the prologue. Who is Alicia? What about Charlie? Who was Jeff? What happened to Jeff? Who was he and what does Alicia find out about him? What does Alicia see that Charlie thankfully manages to miss? What happens when she is spotted? How do Alicia and Charlie meet Leo and True? Who is Esme? Who is the woman that Leo and True go looking for that Alicia had seen? What happened to her? This mystery was not what I expected, but it was more fun! Enjoy the read. Now I need to read more of the Classified K-9 Unit books.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

The new K-9 Love Inspired multi-author series takes off with intense, danger-filled story riddled with life-threatening events, deadly collateral damage, and keen teamwork from the FBI unit and local law enforcement. Mix in a whirlwind romance, puppies, and a cute little boy and you have the makings of a winner tale.
The Prologue in the story set the stage for the series, with one of their own hurt and missing in action, kidnapped by the escaping criminals, the rest of the FBI's K-9 team is willing to do anything to save him and bring the ones responsible to the justice.
I love the K-9 stories for many reasons, one of them being the loyal partnership between the dogs and their handlers. Those units have a unique harmony and understanding between them, that I admire immensely, and enjoy reading about.
The danger and threat towards Alicia Duncan, and possibly to her son, is constant and escalating. The steps taken to secure her and her family were logical and believable. I loved that modern technology was used as part of the story, somehow bringing it up a notch, and giving it a fresh feel. The clues come along take them one step forwards and two steps back. But the unit is not about to give up, the determination to get the killer lurking around strengthen the closer he gets to Alicia and Leo.
Leo Gallagher is a stellar hero. He is likable, honest, and honorable. His faith in God is his guiding light and overcoming his childhood and the challenges he faced as a young child were admirable, a small miracle in itself that he was the man he is today. The only down faults are his stubbornness and control-freak nature that makes him take blame in every situation, even when there's no blame to go around.
Alicia Duncan is a teacher, mother, and a young widow of a police officer, who witnesses a crime. With unhappy marriage behind her, she is not open to a relationship, yet the attraction she feels towards Leo is palpable and transparent. She is fierce, tough, smart, and loving, nearly as stubborn as Leo, but able to make compromises. She is willing to stand for the victims of the heinous crimes and brave enough to help the law enforcement to identify the culprit she saw in action. She leans on her faith in God, and gladly share it with people around her.
I liked the chemistry between Leo and Alicia. Even though their emotions and attraction deepen fast and take root I felt their feelings to each other were believable and convincing. Alicia's little boy, Charlie, made them an instant family unit, where love, care, and protective feelings were evident.
A riveting and perilous start for the series, that showcased the abilities and the unity of the FBI's K-9 team, mixed with sweet and adorable love-at-first-sight romance that made me sigh and smile.
The mystery of their kidnapped teammate is not solved, but this story had a satisfying ending, leaving me eagerly waiting for the next installment of the series.
~ Four Spoons

Alicia witnesses the dumping of a body while out fishing with her boy and now her life is in danger. With the help of FBI agent Leo Gallagher they will figure out if what Alicia witness is connected to a kidnapping of a FBI Agent. Until then he'll make it him and his K-9 to protect her and her son from harm.

Overall this was a pretty good book. One thing that really stood out to me though when it came to this book because the theme to this book is rather common was the use of K-9 Dogs. The difference jobs the dogs are trained for, I thought it was interesting how they had their time to shine a lot throughout the book. I liked the characters they were interesting enough. There was mystery, suspense and plenty going on the keep the readers interested. I thought that this book was a pretty good clean romance seeing where Alicia could possibly get a second chance at finding love after having her heart broken. Overall this was a pretty good book I enjoyed it.

This is a nice start to a new series. (Classified K-9). It has a slight Christian bend to it but is not preachy or excessive. Alicia takes her young son fishing near their Wyoming home and witnesses a man dumping a woman's body in the river. The FBI is in the area searching for a kidnapped agent and and Leo, the agent in charge has to keep Alicia safe as their two cases collide. Lots of action and suspense combined with trained guard dogs. This series will appeal to animal lovers and suspense readers. Part of the Love Inspired Suspense line from Harlequin.

Great suspense and action, and best of all, no saying "that would never happen in real life." I think I just became a Terri Reed fan.