"In His Protection" by Sandra Owens is a heartwarming romance filled with suspense and passion, featuring compelling characters and a captivating storyline that will keep you hooked.

Ill be honest and say i read this book awhile ago and forgot to write my review in my beginning bookstagram era. A re-learning to love with a romantic suspense twist this was a great read. If you love romantic suspense and with law enforcement focus this is the book and series for you.

Amazing romantic suspense! So loved this! Combined with turning of pages - I loved the characters in this book! From the angst to the downright giggles- you can never go wrong with the hot, smoldering passion in this book!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is set in a small town. Skye is there to start anew. After leaving her previous assignment, she wants to go where nobody knows her. She loves her job, but knows that sometimes, being an outsider can bring with it its own issues. She is in charge of the deputies and not everyone is happy that she got the job. While she deals with some insubordination, she also has to contend with the very sexy chief whom she met the first night she was in town and then promptly ignored.

Tristan knows that Skye is running from something, but he just can't seem to care. She made the rules and now that they have to work together, it takes all of his willpower to keep his hands to himself.

When Skye's past comes back to haunt her, she knows that nothing good is going to come of seeing her former fiancé. Also, with a disgruntled employee, that also is a negative in her column. But the people of the town are going to surprise her.

With danger lurking in the shadows and romance on the horizon, it will take all of her courage to step into the light and more forward.

I can't wait to see what the next book in the series will bring. This was a medium-paced story that had more action in the last part of the book. However, the small town feel was refreshing and fun.

Triggers: Stalking, Kidnapping


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series – along with other Owens fans, I was delighted that there is a new group of K-9 heroes to follow. If you have not read any of her previous books, I would most definitely recommend them to you. A great combination of suspense, canine skills, and affection and an engaging romance.

Chief of police at Marsville, Tristan Church spent a night with a beautiful stranger last year... then she turned out to be the new sheriff. Ever since then, Skylar Morgan has kept her distance, as she knows just how delicious Tristan is, and how difficult it is to resist the attraction between them.

This simmering need and desire between the two of them is causing both of them great frustration but they are professionals, and for Skylar – who left her last job due to ending a relationship with a colleague – she does not want to go there again. As things get messy in town, and in her personal life, she will have to decide who she trusts and who makes her feel safe and happy.

Tristan and Sky together make a great couple and I loved their ease with each other and the fun that they manage to have even in a dangerous situation. This is greatly helped by Tristan's unusual family situation – he lives in a huge house with his dog, Fuzz; artist brother, Parker; Parker’s daughter, Everley; and, when on leave from the service, his brother, Kade.

I really enjoyed this book and the promise of romances for the other two brothers is great news!

Tristan is a chief police who work with Sheriff Skylar. Prior to Skylar’s transfer, both of them had one special night together without realising who the other was. Since Skylar move to town, both of them tried their best to pretend the one night never happened. Tristan doesn’t know Skylar’s past and when the person who causing her so much pain appear again in her life, Tristan take over and protect her as much as possible.

This is a romantic suspense and I love Skye and Tristan character. The action and excitement storyline really make me turn the pages at a fast pace and I couldn’t put my kindle down. Overall it is a fast and easy read with lovable real character.


*review post scheduled to be published on my blog on 25/11/22*

In His Protection begins the K-9 Defenders series with a story that has everything I could possibly want in a Romantic Suspense but more importantly… believability.

Tristan and Skylar are not strangers when they meet again, but by Skylar’s determination to keep him at arm’s length you’d think they hadn’t shared one amazing night together. Now both are the protectors of Marsville, Tristan as Police Chief, Skylar as Sheriff – and if Skylar has her way that’s all they’ll ever be protectors of the same town. But situations change, especially when they are both on the same committee to open up the old UFO Museum… or not. But not all is quiet in this small town, for danger is right around the corner and it’s headed straight for Skylar.

I don’t think I’ve ever found a Sandra Owens story that I didn’t love. In His Protection brings us a couple who, for a portion of their story, is an extremely slow burn as Tristan slowly works to gain Skylar’s trust. There is a definite spark between them yet Skylar is holding back in letting him know just how much she is beginning to care for Tristan. She not only has trust issues, but her ex can be trouble, so in her mind, she’s not only protecting herself from being hurt again but also protecting Tristan from the consequences of being in her life. Trouble will still find them both in spite of her best efforts.

I loved the slow movement of their relationship and watching Skylar begin to allow herself to feel once again, to trust little by little. It felt more realistic instead of falling into insta-love. Now, don’t get me wrong insta-love can be powerfully romantic but for this couple slow and steady on Tristan’s part will eventually bring Skylar into his life the way he wants her to be. The secondary characters really made this romance come alive for me from a pickle-loving little girl to a Manny, Andrew who happens to have Downs but is also the greatest cook, nanny, and housekeeper around. A very protective police dog, Fuzz, and solid friendships and brothers with a tight bond will round out this story and bring in that realistic, believable factor that always elevates a story for me. The danger is very real and we feel it as that threat is building. Besides, what’s not to love about a small town with a UFO Museum? I found lots of chuckles, intense moments, and a love worth fighting for in In His Protection. And if you love a solid, good romantic suspense story and love to get in at the beginning of a series then you’ll want to pick this one up soon.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2022/08/28/in-his-protection-by-sandra-owens/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

3.5 hearts

I'm always interested in reading about dogs and a North Carolina setting.  The first in the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/343904-k-9-defenders" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>K-9 Defenders</strong></em></a> series doesn't have a trained K-9, rather a smart dog.  So I'm not sure the series title is very accurate. I peeked at the other two books and it looks like the series is about the three brothers.

<strong>In His Protection</strong> features police chief, Tristan who has a loved dog, Fuzz.   He has two brothers. Kade is a special ops military guy and Parker is the fire chief.  Tristan is the oldest and lives in the family home with Parker and niece, Everly.   Parker is also a successful artist.

Skye is the new sheriff who left Florida to escape a nightmare ex-fiance.  She's determined not to be involved with men again but after a one-night stand when she comes to interview for the job, they are both hooked.  She puts him off for a year until they need to work together on some town projects and she is in serious danger from her ex and a drug lord.

Things get very dangerous very quickly.   I enjoy Tristan and his family.  Skye is a great person and competent in her role as sheriff.  The characters here are well developed and I liked them. We get both Tristan and Skye's point of view which I liked.

The strike by the criminals is fast and unexpected, a real twist on things.  In hindsight, it makes sense.  I liked how everything played out except the final conflict between Tristan and Skye.  I do really look forward to more of this series with Kade next and it looks like an another, not really K-9, dog.

I'm sucker to books featuring K9 and this was right up my alley. Entertaining, gripping, and well plotted.
The romance was sweet and the plot entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was an action-packed great story that I love until the last few pages! It felt like they had 1 too many trials to be happy together which made the end not as delightful for me.

This first book in the K-9 Defenders series was so enjoyable! From the non-stop action, to the romance, to the humor, to the wonderful characters and town, it was just really good!

What happens when the chief of police and his one night stand end up having to have a work relationship??? LOL. I love this storyline! Plus, throw in an awesome dog, some extra wonderful characters, and a town called Marsville…and you have this great, quick read! In His Protection by Sandra Owens is a recommended read from me!

If you're a fan of Sandra Owens books, you're going to love this one. If you're not, this a fun book to start with. It's the start of the K-9 Defenders series, and a great introduction to the Church family. This book is a romantic suspense story, but it's not gory or graphically violent. It's the perfect balance of character development with suspense thrown in.

Tristan and Skye's relationship was, to me, super fun to read about. Even though they had a history, they didn't lock eyes and immediately fall in love. Their banter and antagonism was hilarious, and their relationship developed organically – something that is missing in a lot of romance books with the influx of the same ol' same ol' “instalove/sex = love” stories flooding the market. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other, even if they didn't want to admit it.


I loved Tristan and Skye, of course, but Tristan's interactions with his family – especially his brothers - and his snark when thinking about them made me laugh out loud. I have seen interviews where Ms. Owens says she doesn't think she's funny, but I absolutely disagree. This book had me chuckling at my Kindle more times that I could count. One thing I love about all of Ms. Owens' books is the way she writes male friendship banter because while they grouse about and to each other, there's real love behind the snark, and these brothers are no different. If you like playful banter between brothers, you'll love this story. Add in an adorable little girl (Tristan's niece) and it's a beautiful thing.

Anyone who enjoys a well-written, plot-driven love story with a dash of suspense will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!

Tristan and Skye met as a one night stand so imagine their surprise to discover she's the new County Sheriff. She's attracted to him but as Chief of Police and being burned by a cop in her past, is adamant about pursuing a relationship.

Flash ahead 1 year and circumstances heat up. Her past is catching up to her and evil has entered their little town. His family and the town rally about her to protect her, but as the situation escalates, can she keep those she lives safe and out of danger?

A new author for me and I enjoyed this first book in a new series. Looking forward to Kade's story on book 2.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher. I'm voluntarily submitting this review.

Another K-9 series, YAY! And about a series of brothers. While I am normally not a fan of children in stories because I feel some authors really make them out to be too mischievous or too bratty, Sandra does not do that. Everly is so cute and sweet and really brightens up some of the scenes. Also, the dog was so stinking cute, I just wanted to hug him and squeeze him and take him home with me. This is a suspense story but honestly the suspense was not that suspenseful. If you like light suspense then you will probably love this story. While I did really like it, it just didn’t pack that punch. Let me talk about Tristan, can I get a woot for him. Sandra knows how to make us fall in love with the hero. He was delicious. I had a little harder time with Skye but she was fine. I am not all about the sex in books (there has to be a story), but I wanted a little more in this story. So why the higher rating? I loved Tristan and Fuzz (the dog).

Do you hate coming into a series mid way - than don't wait, this is book 1 of a Trilogy Sandra Owens K-9 Defenders. This is Tristan, our police chief the oldest brother, but they all pop up and have crucial parts. Tristan had a hot one night stand a year ago with a beautiful woman who came through town. A year later Skylar shows up as the Sheriff and pretends they never met. Trust me its deeper than that. This is a great family premise, a lesson about checking the lay of the land to work your magic on building a relationship. A quirky older woman who runs the town and everyone runs from, even Fuzz the dog hides. A pickle addicted niece (Everly) with a cat called Jellybean. Tristans youngest brother Adam is a world renowned painter, his middle brother (Kade) is in the service and they all come into play when the suspense starts building. I absolutely am thrilled that instead of the usual female doing itty it things, Skye uses her head. I bow down to the heart breaking at the end, the twist there was spectacular. Bringing in *Manny* their housekeeper and cook who has downs is another beautiful part. Book 1 lays the ground work, introduces you to the characters, provides the twisted path to romance with laughter along the way, suspense and HEA. Leaves you wanting to know more about this family. Thank you Sandra Owens, Carina Press and NetGalley for the arc. #sandraowens #carinapress #k9defenders #netgalley

This is book one of a new series, K-9 DEFENDERS, written by Sandra Owens. I loved the storyline and characters of this world she has created. It's a enemies-to-lovers (?), small-town, fun but serious, romance. Although this is an excellent standalone, I absolutely can't wait for the brother's stories!! Especially Parker's. I really want to know more about him and Everly, his adorably sweet daughter.

I changed my mind several times regarding who was after Skye. Great suspense. Tristan made my heart thump. He's so wise and patient. He's the oldest brother who cared for this two younger brothers. It completely pulled at my heart. My heart actually physically ached for him throughout, until it didn't. I liked Skye. She just had major trust issues. Loved their dialog. It felt so real. Their HEA made me melt.

I can't not mention the quirky character's Miss Mabel and Earl. The way Tristan handled those two made me laugh as well as warmed my heart. This was a suspenseful but warm romance.

Sandra Owens remains a favorite author of mine. I not only read her books, I listen to them. I can't wait to pick this up as an audiobook as well! So worth your time and money.

Thank you NetGally and Carina Press for the ARC of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review.

I love the combination of a RomCom beginning while the author starts to unveil who the characters are and their backgrounds, and then around 40% suspense is woven in too.

Sheriff Skye and Chief Tristan have a shared secret, they had a no last names one night stand when she was in town interviewing for the Sheriff’s position. She is shocked when she learns the sexy man is the Chief of Police due to a frustrating past relationship with a police officer.

After a year of keeping her walls up, the two of them are tasked with a project that Tristan uses to spend time with her to slowly woo her to give him a chance. A sexy man who gives her tingles who has a loyal and brave K-9 partner, Fuzz, and Skye’s resistance is futile.

The suspenseful portion of the storyline is both entertaining and interesting. It serves to bring Skye out of her self imposed shell. She hasn’t made much effort getting to know many people in her new town fearing she wouldn’t be accepted and she wouldn’t be staying long. Tristan shows how longing and supportive he is, and his protective streak is fully engaged.

I enjoyed Tristan’s brothers, Parker and Kade, and look forward to their books.

I received a free ARC from the author and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

I’m torn. I felt a bit like two people with very different goals wrote this book. I enjoyed both sides, but together, it didn’t work that well. Like steak and strawberries.

The sweet part was the romance and the small town vibe. Skye and Tristan were adorable together–most of the time. Their backstories shone some light on who they are and what they want, and they were overall very likeable characters. The one year pining might have been a bit unrealistic though, but I enjoyed the fact that there had been a strong attraction at first, but due to their circumstances, they learned more about each other for a whole year, the lust becoming love along the way.

The sexy element was lacking a bit though. There were lots of intense moments, and lusty thoughts in great details, but once they ended up in bed, it was over in a couple of sentences. Not exactly closed door but not really explicit either. I wouldn’t mind a mostly clean romance if there wasn’t so much build up right from the beginning. It left me frustrated, to be honest.

The small town part was cute, with many unique characters and situations. Sometimes, it even felt too ridiculous or too hilarious for a mostly serious romance.

But it was a necessary element for the ‘steak’ part of the story, the romantic suspense. Skye unintentionally brought troubles with her when she became the sheriff. It appears late in the book, but it was a good surprise as the story was becoming a bit boring and repetitive at that point. But the atmosphere changes completely. It isn’t exactly dark, but it brings some angst, and some action too. My favorite thing was the bit of role reversal in the end between Skye and Tristan. So welcomed.

So yeah, I’m a bit torn. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t a smooth read.

Quickie

- Series: K-9 Defenders #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #small town romance #one night stand #enemies to lovers #slow burn
- Triggers: mention of cheating, drug trafficking, some violence
- Main couple: Skylar Morgan & Tristan Church
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + some role reversal between the main characters
- – so much build up for so little heat

In His Protection is the first book in Sandra Owens’ new series called K-9 Defenders. It is a romantic suspense story with great, well developed characters, an amazing K-9, and a fantastic storyline.

Chief of police Tristan Church shared one unforgettable night with Skylar Morgan, before she became the Sheriff. Now, a year later, will his feelings stronger then ever, Tristan, will do what ever he can to prove their professional and personal lives can co-exist. But when the threats against Skylar increases, will Tristan be able protect her and still get his happily ever after? Read it and find out.

I love Tristan and Skylar, both individually and together. They had great chemistry and an instant and deep connection. Too bad she’s too stubborn to see and accept what’s in front of her.

I am a huge fan of romantic suspense involving K9’s and the military/ law enforcement and Owens is a phenomenal writer, who uses these elements to create stories that keep the readers hanging as they go page by page. I loved the Church brothers and I can’t wait for the next book in the great new series.

In His Protection is the first book in Sandra Owen’s new K-9 Defenders series. I really enjoyed this book. I will say straight up that this book is an open door romance and was more explicit than I usually like to read, but it didn’t not ruin the book for me.

This book is marketed as a romantic suspense novel, but I would say that the suspense doesn’t really kick in until halfway-three quarters of the way through the book. Up until then, I would classify the books as a romcom. I really enjoyed the way that there was so much going on.

If you love romance, suspsense, dogs, personal growth and a group of brothers who have each other’s backs 100%, then I am sure you will love this book.

In His Protection by Sandra Owens is the first book in her K-9 Defenders series. What a super beginning to the series! I thought the beginning could have been faster paced but before I knew it...wham! The action and excitement whirled off the pages at such a fast pace I couldn't put the book down. I really enjoyed the characters and the Marsville town folk. The two main characters, Skye and Tristan, are great together as a couple. Two bright spots in this storyline were Tristan's niece Everly (with her pickle habit) and Tristan's dog Fuzz. I look forward to the next book in the series.