Serve 'N' Protect by Tee O'Fallon is the fifth book in the author's Federal K-9 series, but only the second title in the series I've read. I've been looking forward to it since I absolutely loved the first book in the series, and was hoping this novel would grab me the way the first novel did, and thankfully, it did just that, and it was another 5-star read.

Markus York and his K-9 partner, Ghost--a white German Shepherd, are hiding out at a friend's house so that Markus can recover from a back-to-front knife wound. When a large dog turns up at the house of a neighbor, Cassidy Morgan, barking non-stop, she follows him--no easy task since Cassidy nearly lost her leg in a car accident a year ago, and can barely manage walking with a cane. When she realizes that the dog dived through a plate glass window to get help for its master, nd discovers a large, nearly unconscious, bloody hunk of a man on the living room floor, she manages to wrangle him out of the house and get him to the nearest hospital, where she waits until he's checked out, re-stitched together and decides to leave, only to be shot at in the parking lot, but by whom?

Cassidy Morgan isn't quite sure what to make of her new neighbor, since he's in the Secret Service and in hiding after nearly being killed (his co-worker was killed) while guarding the White House during a dinner for a foreign dignitary. Markus certainly doesn't talk much, but Cassidy sure does, and when his Captain offers her $1,000 week to look after Markus while he heals, cash-strapped Cassidy agrees to do so. She's a CPA who has only just started to freelance, and she's in the middle of auditing the books for her first client, Mr. Teedle, the owner and CEO of a tech company, and she certainly needs the money and has the time to do both, but she can't complete the audit without additional receipts from her client, who seems reluctant to provide them, but that takes second place to caring for Markus, and when someone enters Cassidy's home in the middle of the night, Markus soon has her staying with him, and there's way more mystery and suspense to come in this un-put-downable novel, which I read in one sitting until 5:30 a.m.

Among the things I loved about this novel are the well-developed main characters. Cassidy's fiancé, Hugh, left her battered and broken body at the hospital as soon as he learned she'd probably never be able to walk again. Broken in both body and spirit, Cassidy does manage to learn to walk again, but because of the multiple surgeries to repair her leg, believes no man will ever want her again because of her deeply scarred body and her persistent limp. However, what Cassidy lacks in physical strength, she more than makes up for it with snarkiness and courage, and I just love a snarky heroine.

My other love in romantic suspense novels is a wounded warrior, and Markus certainly fits the bill in that area. While Cassidy grew up in a close-knit and l0ving family, Markus' upbringing with his mean, angry and violent father was a exact opposite. He doesn't do relationships, and he doesn't believe himself to be capable of loving anyone, but this is a romance novel after all, and after Cassidy is attacked yet again, that's about to change.

So, why was Markus a target? Why was his partner killed? Why would anyone attack Cassidy? Will they ever find out why any of these attacks are happening to them? Since I don't do spoilers, you'll have to read this engaging, addictive, and page-turner of a read for yourself. I highly recommend it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Serve N Protect by Tee O’Fallon was action packed with well developed characters.
Cassidy has had a tough year. A life threatening accident that has left her walking with a cane and her fiancé leaving her because of it. She is trying to build back her accounting career.

Her next door neighbor is letting a friend stay at his house. Markus York is a Secret Service K-9 Officer. Ghost is his K9 and absolutely stole the show in this book. I am recommending the book to some of my non-reading dog lover friends because of Ghost alone.
Markus is healing from being stabbed. They believe the killer is still out to get him.

The book is a great balance of their developing relationship and the action of finding out who is after both of them and why.

I met the author several years ago and she never disappoints. Serve N Protect is not exception. I was hooked from the first scene. And kudos to the book cover artist; they nailed Markus and Ghost!
Sexual content – a few physical scenes closer to the end of the book
Violence – someone has tried to kill Markus, killed another agent, broken into the house, shot at, nothing that disturbed me.
Profanity – the f word is used 22 times, some other milder profanity

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Listen if you need something a little fast-paced, with action this is the book for you. I did get unexpectedly hit in the feels and I loved it.

Cassidy Morgan has had a year. One year ago she was severely injured in a car accident, and her relationship ended. She's currently working from home as a freelance accountant when she hears a dog frantically barking. The dog insists on her following which leads her to find a man passed out and bleeding on the floor. When she tries to call an ambulance, his words stop her, "No, they'll find me."

Markus York, a Secret Service K-9 Officer, is here at his friend's house to mend and lay low as his team tracks down his attacker. As he grows restless, he unintentionally opens his wounds. And Cassidy is recruited to keep an eye on him. And the more time they spend together the stronger their attraction to one another grows.

Thanks so much to Entangled, the author, and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

Five books in, and there’s no losing momentum, in fact I must say, I’m loving this series more than ever, and Serve ‘N’ Protect might just be my favourite, thanks to Cassidy Morgan, Markus York, and of course Ghost, the adorable K9 that literally made the story and stole my heart. When Markus moves next door to Cassidy on the down low after having been stabbed, he’s recuperating incognito, with no intention of making friends with his sexy next door neighbour. Things don’t always pan out as planned though, and he becomes fully invested in helping Cassidy overcome her mobility issues. A refreshing read that had me captivated from the first chapter. Suspense and action in this wonderfully sexy, sweet drama. It was great that they were both recuperating following unfortunate incidents, and it would seem, they both had personal safety issues. Loved loved, loved.

When Cassidy hears a dog barking and follows him to her neighbors house she never expected to find him unconscious and bleeding on the floor. Or to fall in love with him.

Wow this is the first book I have read from this author and the fifth book in the series. I did not have any trouble following along even though I have not read the previous books. I will now though. This book was amazing, I did not want to put it down. From start to finish it had me spellbound. Cassidy and Markus have great chemistry and the story flowed so well I was surprised when it was over. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

This was a new to me author and one I'll definitely be reading more from in the future as omg I couldn't put it down.
Both the characters and plot absolutely captivated me from cover to cover. And of course I have to mention Ghost since his antics made the book even more perfect, and is one of the reasons this book made it to my top reads of '21 list.
Yes I may of guessed some things early but that's more from the hundreds of suspense books I've read and certainly didn't stop me from enjoying every second of this book.
Cannot wait to get my hands on more books from this author and highly recommend this action packed read.

Ghost stole every scene, a beautiful white German shepherd is partner to Markus. While recovering from a serious wound Markus is living next door to Cassidy. She’s also recovering from a serious injury, broken heart and car accident. The two of them seem like opposites however they are very alike. They each bring the positive to the others’ life and enrich it even more. Between working around feelings and a painful past they are dodging a rash of crimes against Cassidy. Something or someone is after Cassidy and Markus is determined to protect her. The entire series is exciting with fun characters, a little suspense and adorable dogs. The men work in different branches of armed forces and became friends over the years. Each guy gets the girl in his own book so each one can be read as a standalone. Netgalley provided the early copy but my review was given voluntarily.

I’m a huge romantic suspense junkie (Thank you, Nora Roberts, for spawning my addiction!). I’ve read all of Tee O’Fallon’s Federal K-9 books and have absolutely enjoyed every bit of the time I’ve spent in this world she has dreamt up for us. So, of course, I was going to read Serve ‘N’ Protect. All the books are standalone titles, but besides being a romantic suspense junkie, I’m also a series junkie, so my default is always to recommend reading all of a series in order. Even with standalone titles, I still feel like you get a better reading experience this way.

I’m a dog lover, so these K-9s have stolen my heart, but Ghost is by far my favorite of the series to date. Just watch out for your windows with this one! And I have to say I was very impressed by the way the author wove two mysteries into one story, and neither detracted from the other. The romance between the hero and heroine was a slow burn, but that doesn’t mean the chemistry between them was lacking by any stretch of the imagination. I enjoyed watching them progress from strangers to friends to lovers. I honestly had a hard time putting this book down when life came calling. Romantic suspense fans, it’s hard to be disappointed in a Tee O’Fallon book, so I wholeheartedly recommend Serve ‘N’ Protect as well as all of her Federal K-9 series book and any of her backlist.

Serve 'N' Protect is the fifth book in Tee O’Fallon’s Federal K-9 series and another fast-paced, suspense filled and thoroughly entertaining page turner. The storyline was attention grabbing and the character portrayals were engaging and real. As always, the K-9 element adds an extra heart-warming facet to the story and the plot is explosive. A well-written story that kept my attention from start to finish and a great addition to this intriguing series.

Serve 'N' Protect is an enjoyable story. That although slow to draw me in did soon catch my attention thanks to characters who had plenty about them and were likable too. Not to mention a mystery that was easy to read and one I didn't really have to think hard about and it helped that Markus' K-9 Ghost was completely page grabbing.

As for the romance it was balanced well with the two mysteries and overall this was a very pleasant readable story that fans of the series I'm sure will enjoy.

Secret Service K-9 officer Markus was literally stabbed in the back, while his co worker is killed. Markus is staying at a safe house while he recuperates and they hunt down the killer. Cassidy is a CPA and has just started her business. Months ago she was in a bad car wreck and was told she’d never walk again. Her fiancé at the time leaves her after her prognosis. She is Markus neighbor. When a big dog starts barking, Cassidy checks it out. Markus is laying on the ground unconscious. One night, Cassidy’s house and is broken into and she’s assaulted. Markus comes to the rescue but the prowler gets away. When Markus’s assailant is caught, they think Cassidy’s is over too. When someone breaks into her house again, Markus rushes back to hopefully save her.

Great story with characters that are believable. A cute German shepherd dog. And a man who doesn’t know how to love and a woman who will show him. The only thing was it was easy to figure out the mystery and what caused the accident.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

Another great book by Tee O'Fallon. Always love the characters and the interactions they have.
This book focusses on Cassidy and Markus. Cassidy was severely injured in an accident a year ago, and her fiancé at the time couldn't handle her disability, and left her. Now the house they had planned on fixing up together is falling apart around her. When she stumbles upon a friend of her neighbors, living in his house, hurt and in need of help, she of course jumps in to do what she can. What she hadn't expected was for Markus and his dog, Ghost, to be Secret Service Police with someone out to kill them. Suddenly her life is spun out of control. She is being shot at, burglarized, and even the target of the killer, but through it all, sparks fly between these two. Can they each overcome their pasts and have a future together?
Love this series, and this book did not disappoint.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another brilliant book in this series and while I love the couples that inhabit this world to me it is always the K9 that is the star of the show and yes in this case Ghost actually steals the show

Markus York is a secret service agent that has been hidden away to recuperate after he was stabbed in the line of duty and his partner was killed The only problem is that he and that partner only worked together once what did they see or hear that night that has put a target on his back. Markus isn't one to take things easy and his determination to keep on keeping on ends up with him flat on his back knocked out Ghost comes to the rescue when he jumps though a glass window (no window is safe in this story) to get help. That help comes in the shape of Cassidy Morgan a woman recovering from not only a horrific injury but heart break as well. Markus knows he shouldn't get close at it will put Cassidy in damager but his dog has fallen in love and he is well on his way. Can his friends help him to solve the mystery of who is after him and can he keep Cassidy safe and is her danger something entirely different You will have to read to see

The first time Markus and Cassidy meet, he fell off a ladder and knocked himself unconscious trying to do to much after being ambushed and left for dead. Markus' partner is Ghost, a white German Shepherd, who is one of the best trained dogs I have ever seen. Ghost immediately takes to Cassidy, to whom he actually ran when Markus was hurt. Markus helps Cassidy begin walking without a limp by creating a therapy plan designed for her injuries. Markus and Ghost end up saving Cassidy multiple times, as her life keeps being threatened. There was so much going on in the book, action, romance, friendship, agents catching the bad guy, that you cannot wait to find out what happens next. This was the first book I've read by Tee O'Fallon, and I wish I found this author sooner. I highly recommend this author.

U.S. Secret Service K-9 Officer Markus York is on the mend and laying low in a safe house while his team tracks down his attacker. He is not very good with sitting still and tore open his stitches trying to do repairs around the house.
Cassidy is a freelance accountant, and Markus’s next door neighbor, she is also the one his K-9 went to for help. Since Markus is still recovering, Cass agrees to take over his care and make sure he stays out of the public view till his assailant is caught.
But then Cassidy house is burgled and she is attacked and it becomes important to find out who is behind the attacks and why ?
This is a slow burn romance. But I really enjoyed the built up and the bond formed between them, made the chemistry that much more potent. I enjoyed the banter between them. The suspense was good, kept me guessing. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

Big, fat HUZZAH for this read. It was such a good one, and seeing as I'm having a rather cruddy week, exactly what I needed.

Cassidy and Markus meet under unusual conditions: Markus, staying at a friend's house while recovering from a stabbing, has fallen from a ladder and is unconscious on the floor. His K9 partner Ghost--clearly the smarter of the two--has jumped through a glass window and gone to Cassidy's house for help. Cassidy has no idea what to expect when she follows the beautiful white dog back to her neighbor's house, but she rises to the occasion. Barely able to walk herself after suffering a pretty intense car accident a year ago, she still manages to get the giant man into her car and to the hospital without incident. (Leaving the hospital is another story.)

From there, their relationship--both platonic and romantic--grows exponentially, though Markus' allergy to love and happiness is a definite road block. Add in more than one murder attempt and break in and you have the recipe for a perfect romantic suspense novel that will keep you reading long into the night.

Cassidy is a great heroine, strong and resilient and still sweet and vulnerable. If I had any complaints about her, it's that she's way too forgiving. But that probably says more about me than her. For his part, Markus is a great hero. Like Cassidy, he's strong and resilient, but unlike her, he's emotionally stunted. A difficult childhood with an emotionally absent father has left its mark, and he's not sure he can be the man that Cassidy needs.

Interestingly, intimacy between the two takes quite a while to occur, but you don't miss it. There's so much going on, and I appreciate that the two have a chance to get to know each other before taking that giant step. And when they do, it's both glorious and hot.

I'm sorry that I haven't read the previous books in the series, but I'm definitely going to track them down. And I can't wait for the next book in the series!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

Wow, it was hard to put this book down. One more chapter was never enough. I loved the action and sexual tension. I will definitely be encouraging all my friends to read, Serve 'N' Protect.

This is a well written story with a two-fold plot in it. Markus York, is a US Secret Service K-9 officer who is staying at a safe house with his K-9 partner Ghost until the person who tried to kill him can be found. Next door is Cassidy Morgan, a freelance accountant. The story has some excellent characters and I really enjoyed the interaction between Markus and Ghost. As the characters develop, it does have some steamy romance scenes in it and while they are minimal, I personally did not think that they added anything to the story. All in all I found the story to be a good one. I want to thank Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Once again this talented author delivers a story that engages the reader from the first page to the last. Making it another winner in this already wonderful series of complex, strong, imperfect men and the women that win their hearts.
Markus York is one of these men. A US Secret Service K-9 officer, he was stabbed and left for dead. Sadly, one of his co-workers was not so fortunate to survive.
Markus is nowadays recovering from the stab wounds in his friend’s home . He and his K-9, Ghost, have been ordered to stay out of sight, since the killer/attacker has yet to be found.
Little did Markus know, that a fall from a ladder would bring Cassidy Morgan to his rescue. A woman whose life changed after a horrendous car accident that almost severed her legs.
As a friendship of sorts develops, and someone is still trying to kill him, or are they, feelings develop. But Markus is sure he could never be able to love anyone after the childhood he and his sister barely survived.
The plot was filled with action, bad guys, good hunky ones, whodunit and of course , romance. The k-9 , Ghost, was great and watching dog and handler together, was touching.
I hope that Kade, one of the secondary characters, gets a chance to have his own story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing . The opinions expressed are solely my own.

External Scars may be easier to heal from than inner scars

This is the fifth book in Tee O'Fallon's Federal K-9 series of interconnected standalones. Books don't need to be read in order and are true standalones.

I love that the service dogs are an additional character in these books. Ghost in Serve 'N' Protect is absolutely adorable and courageous. His interactions with Cassidy, and even Markus, not only endears him to the reader but also helps showcase the MCs personality.

While Cassidy has physical scars from an accident a year earlier and is just putting the end of her relationship behind her, Markus is recuperating from an attempt on his life and is not interested in any relationship due to his childhood emotional scars. Cassidy is warm and caring, with a good dose of done-to-earth. Markus is more guarded and it was fun reading about the interactions these characters have.

The book is a slow burn romance. The suspense elements were good, but I did think that some angles should have been explored earlier in the story. As such, elements around Markus was resolved almost too quickly without a better build-up, and those related to Cassidy was too drawn out and became boring.

I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My Opinions are my own