Cover Image: In His Protection

In His Protection

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

In His Protection
Sandra Owens
August 23, 2022

In the small town of Marsville, the Church brothers and their family run a tight ship. Kade has been a member of the Army Delta Force. He is out of town for the most part but when he comes home he loves his family and has many friends. Parker is the youngest. He is also Chief of the Fire Department. He and his little girl, Everly live in the family home their parents left them with Tristan. Parker is artistic and earns a hefty wage selling his paintings. Tristan is the Chief of Police. Skylar Morgan has recently moved to town accepting the job of County Sheriff. They had met a year earlier when she had come to town applying for the job. Clearly taken with each other she left the next morning although her thoughts were all about him, she knew should she be offered the position, she would never be able to continue any sort of relationship with him.
Owens' story begins as a romantic comedy. At first I wasn’t certain where it was headed. Truly enjoyable but not the suspense I had gathered from the synopsis. As the plot explored more facts about her prior detective position in Florida things became clearer.
In HIs Protection will be published on August 23, 2022 by Carina Press of HarperCollins. It was a terrific read and I am most appreciative of their allowing me to read and review Sandra Owens last novel via NetGalley. It is a terrific K-9 Romantic Suspense with feature character Fuzz as our canine hero. Do pick this one up from the library or your local bookstore. This is the first in a new series for Owens, K-9 Defenders. Looking forward to the next due out in the fall. Enjoy!

Was this review helpful?

Tristan is the chief of police in Marsville where he lives with his brothers and niece - and his dog Fuzz an official police dog. He and county sheriff Skylar had one special night together when she was in town for her job interview - neither realizing who the other was. Since Skylar's move to town and into her new job - she's pretended like the night never happened. Tristan would love there to be more between them - but has been respectful of Skylar's boundaries. When work brings them together - their relationship does start to move forward - even against Skylar comfort level and boundaries.

I loved Tristan in this story - and of course Fuzz (Sandra Owens legitimately writes the BEST dogs). Tristan is definitely a cinnamon roll hero if there ever was one. Despite his alpha male job - he is sweet and caring to everyone around him. Skylar was definitely prickly and while her reasons were understandable - she wasn't entirely likable.

Overall - this was a good read and I'm really looking forward to reading more about this town and Tristan's brothers.

I received this via NetGalley as an ARC but these opinions are all my own.

Was this review helpful?

this book was very cute and I loved the characters. Fuzz was definitely my favorite. I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series!!

Important to note, that the description makes it seem like the UFO museum will be crucial to the plot, but it's not
.

5 out of 5

Was this review helpful?

In this first book of the new series, this author once again grabs the readers from the first page and gives them characters that are perfect in their imperfections.
Chief of Police Tristan Church met a woman in a bar and after a night of passion, is sorry he left her and would never see her again. Imagine his surprise when a month later he’s introduced to the new sheriff in town, Skylar Morgan. The woman he can’t forget. She both surprises him and disappoints him when she makes believe she’s never met him before.
Even after a year, neither has forgotten the other. But Skylar has a history of dating a cop and refuses to do it again.
All that changes when danger seems to be following Skylar. Will Tristan be able to keep her safe? Will she let him into her heart and let him help or will she not give them a chance?
The plot is engaging and the main characters complex and wonderful. Fuzz, the dog, and the secondary characters all had personalities of their own.
Can’t wait to see what else is in store in the next book.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Was this review helpful?

In His Protection by Sandra Owens was a fun romantic story with a slight mystery to it. I adored Tristan and his desire to win Skye over. He was the Chief of Police and she is the county Sheriff.

The scenes between the two of them were so fun. The author created situations with fun banter, sweet romantic moments and great chemistry. Skye also had to deal with a male subordinate that felt very realistic.

The author shared enough about Tristan’s two brothers that I am anxiously awaiting their stories. Parker’s daughter was adorable. It was cute how she and her dad had an artistic talent and how the brothers all helped take care of her. Andrew was also a special addition to the story that gave me all the feels.

This is a story that I can read again and again. It is such a feel good romance.

Sexual content - there was sex but it was mostly behind closed doors.
Violence - there are a few minor violent things that happen


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.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great story about fighting for the one you love! Tristian loves being the chief of police in his town. He knows all of the people and they care about everyone. When he saw a knockout at the town bar one night he knew he had to go up to her. Her name was Skye. They had an amazing one night and afterwards they both couldn’t help but think of the other. When Tristian was excited to meet the new sheriff he was completely floored when he was introduced to Skye. The night they met she was there for her interview for the job. Skye absolutely loves this little town and has been a good year feeling comfortable and enjoying her role in the community. Tristian has spent the last year pestering Skye in hopes that she would look at him and maybe want to start something. Things start to develop in their relationship as well as crime in the town. Someone is after Skye and Tristian is willing to do anything to keep her safe. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Book: In His Protection
Author: Sandra Owens
Rating. 5 stars
Series: K-9 Defenders #1

Positive thoughts:
There's nothing like a chief police protecting his girl, who is the sheriff, just by the way. I loved her name, Skylar, but only he called her Skye and it as to remind her of the first time they met. The dog played an awesome part in the story, you fall instantly in love with Fuzz, I absolutely loved his character.
The book is a fast and easy read, no dark subjects to haunt you and lovable, real characters. The little girl was the cutest little thing ever, cant wait to read about her dad's story.
Small town romance that will capture your heart with the way the people care for their own.

Negative thoughts:
I found some of the dialogue was a tad bit immature, nothing too obvious, but it was there. I managed to put it aside and it didn't bother me much.

Overall thoughts:
I could not put this one down, It kept me alive till the wee hours of the morning. The chemistry was amazing between Skye and Tristan, loved it.
The book was full of romance and action too, never a dull moment. I am thrilled to know the next book in the series is about Kade, I can't wait!

- Romance: 4/5
- Spice: 3/5
- Chemistry: 4/5
- Suspense: 2/5
- Humour: 3/5
- Foul language: 2/5

Tropes:
- small town romance
- swoony
- heroine with a past
- forced proximity
- k9
- protector
- small town police

Was this review helpful?

When Tristan met Skye on what was supposed to be a one night stand he had no idea he had just had the most amazing night of his life with the women who'd steal his heart.

When Skye met Tristan she lost her heart but wouldn't tell him her last name. Now she is legal counterpart and sheriff of their fine county.

Read as they navigate their history and hopefully their future.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Another excellent, can't put it down book by Sandra Owens. In His Protection is a suspenseful, intriguing, and humorous book that will keep you reading late into the night.

The characters are funny, loving, caring, and protective of their loved ones.

Set in a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Police Chief Tristin and Skylar (Skye) had a one-night stand a year ago and didn't see each other again until Skye took the job as Sheriff.. Tristin was thrilled, Skye wasn't.

One of my favorite characters is Tristin's dog, Fuzz. He's a police dog with a heart of gold, but don't cross him!

Tristin's two handsome brothers share a large house with him, along with his niece, Everly. You'll love this pickle-loving five-year-old!

In His Protection has quirky characters, lots of action, and suspense.

You won't be able to put down this book! I was given this book by Carina Press for an honest review on NetGalley. I LOVED IT and can't wait for the next book in the series,

Was this review helpful?

Real-life romance - mystery - investigation - do they finally get together? I won't tell. Added fun that Fuzz is a main character with is friend Billy - love the touch of humor and small town support and extended "family". A fun start to a fun series - definitely recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I was craving pickles while reading, IN His Protection. Tristan's niece was always begging for them. Skylar is quite the push over when it comes to Tristan. Being a Sheriff, it's nice to have someone that you can trust to show your soft side to. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Was this review helpful?

“And when I say “Mine”, it doesn’t mean that I own you. It means that you are mine to love and cherish.” (Quote from ARC)

The first installment in Sandra Owens’ new series (K-9 Defenders), “In His Protection (Carina Press) features two brave, intelligent characters, both with strong personalities and in public order and law enforcement jobs.
The story is entertaining and, as usual with Sandra Owens’ heroes, Tristan is an awesome male character, with the right combination of alphaness, playfulness and affection.
The hero’s certainty about his feelings and the way he demonstrates them in so many different ways is compelling. He’s tuned to care and protect and yet he’s so respectful and tender.
Tristan and Skye’s relationship has a steamy beginning, full of heat, mystery and the promise of romance. I really liked that month between the first and second encounters and the year they spent basically doing nothing about the attraction, just trying to contain it.
In a way, it shows more about the characters depth of character and steadiness and the power of their desire for each other than anything the author could write about it directly.
I also loved seeing them confess that during that year they dreamed about each other; desire is such a human emotion.
The dating process was interesting, too. Again, Tristan’s ability for respecting Skye’s boundaries and still be tenacious (and playful about it all) is admirable (and fun).
Their chemistry is a mix of sexual attraction, respect and mutual admiration, affection, laughter, and a very positive energy.
Skye´s reluctance about making the romance official is understandable, her fears rooted in previous very negative experiences. The story shows how small-town environments can have a meaningful impact in romance and romantic relationships.
There was a certain impasse in the story when the characters’ fears and their conflicting feelings become a bit muddled.
The writing is excellent and the secondary characters very interesting, anticipating exciting new stories in the series.

Was this review helpful?

This book is a must read. I love the characters and the humor. Sandra Owens is always a must read for me.. This is my favorite book I have ever read. It's a must read.

Was this review helpful?

Sandra Owens crafted a nifty beginning to a trilogy sure to be fantastic. In this first book of the series, Skye and Tristan are thrown together after Skye becomes a target. This is the second time they’ve been together- the first time was of a more sensual and temporary nature. desiring to prove herself at her new position, Skye is afraid to let their budding relationship develop.

The mystery has some good red herrings, which every mystery needs, of course. It ends with an HEA, thank heavens…and no cliffhanger!

At the end of the story, please find the blurb for the second book in the story. It looks AMAZING.

Was this review helpful?

Start with a super hot Chief of Police, add in an attractive and smart Sheriff and the chemistry is off the charts. Who knew a one night stand would stay with Tristan for so many months until Skylar came back into his life. Add in some pretty cool pranks, can you say tin foil UFO/Car as well as romance and some pretty smoky bedroom scenes and you have the makings of another typical good to the very end Sandra Owens book. Then add in suspense, some very shady characters and twists that I really tried and almost figured out, making this a tough book to put down.

Its the first in her new series and Ms Owens again gives us well developed characters; some animals, who doesn't love dogs and cats, and the plots we've all grown to love. There are two more brothers so we know there are two more books to come. As always, difficult to wait for the next chapter in the series.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this funny romantic suspense, the first in Sandra Owens' new K-9 Defenders series. It follows Skye and Tristan, the county sheriff and city police chief respectively.

A big part of the plot is Skye being unwilling to go public with her relationship with Tristan, an avoidance that directly stems from a bad experience with her ex-fiance, also a cop. Additional conflict leading into the climax relates to a mysterious someone targeting Skye. But what makes the story are the well-rounded, lovely characters, people you just wish lived in your own town. High on the list are Everly, Tristan's niece, and Fuzz, his accidental police dog. The two add chuckles just when you need them, especially when Tristan starts to dispair of ever getting to go public with Skye. Tristan's brothers are also intriguing, and I'm hopeful they'll be future protagonists.

Though this novel was definitely a five star for me, it wasn't without a few clanks. Mostly, I wish the suspense had been given as much time as Skye and Tristan's relationship woes. Fortunately, the content that is there is well written and a pleasure to read. I look forward to reading more in this series!

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

Was this review helpful?

In His Protection is #1 in another AWESOME, AMAZING Sandra Owens series. K-9 Defenders. I received an advanced copy from Netgalley. It releases August 24 and is a DEFINITE can't miss! Add to your MUST read end of Summer reading. Or anytime. Just read it. I was cracking up at the very first page.
I LOVED Tristan Church. He's my new book boyfriend. Oldest of the Church brother's. I absolutely LOVED the Church brother's relationship. I already can't wait for Kade and Parker's stories. I loved how Tristan and Kade. Especially Tristan, helps single Dad, Parker, raise his daughter, Pickle loving Everly. I also loved Skye's relationship with Everly. Everly was a doll. I loved Skylar 'Skye.' I thought she and Tristan were perfect for each other and kept rooting for them. And telling her to give him a chance. He's a sweetheart. Nothing like your prick of an ex. I love how much her fellow Cops respected her so much.
I loved that Parker and Tristan had a Down Syndrome, Manny, Andrew for Everly, who also an amazing cook.
Tristan's, German Shepherd, Fuzz and Everly's cat, Jellybean were adorable and had me in stitches with their antics.
Like I said, this is a must read. Another AMAZING book by Sandra Owens.

Was this review helpful?

I was provided this book through net galley for honest reivew What a fun read this First book in Sandra Owens new series. LOL defenders
I was very intreseted in this book from page one you get to know the characters and see Thier personalities in the first half of the story. What a fun read the antics they come up with the suspense this will definitely be on my reread list. Preorder yours today it's a great fun romantic suspense.

Was this review helpful?

I truly enjoyed reading this book!
It's a great start to the new
K-9 Defenders series.
This is romance suspense story
that is a feel-good, sexy, funny
& intriguing story.
Keeps you wanting to know
what happens next.
You will lose your heart to
Tristan, Skye, Fuzz & Everly.
And of course Tristan's brothers,
Parker & Kade.
Great characters, storyline
& small town charm.
Can not wait for Book 2!
I loved it from the first page
to the last!!

Was this review helpful?

Tristan is the local police chief and Skylar is the sheriff. They had a fling a year ago but Skyler wants to just pretend it never happened. When they do finally get frisky Skyler wants to keep it temporary and secret. Then trouble from her past appears and all hell breaks loose. Can the chief and his dog Fuzz help protect Skyler without scaring her off or taking over? And can he convince her to make things permanent?
The thing I liked best in this book was the emphasis on sex going along with laughter. Yes, the romantic scenes can be traditionally sexy (not at all explicit, though) but they are often characterized by fun. A show-stealer is Tristan’s little 5 year old niece and her obsession with all kinds of pickles.
Tristan is in love with Skylar and wants to be protective but not smothering and sexist. He does screw up a time or two - that just makes him human. But he’s not the only one strong and competent. Skyler is able to save her man and save the day. They are both engaging and lovable characters.

This is the first in a new series for Sandra Owens, K9 Defenders, so it definitely has her signature K9! And it is also set in NC in the Blue Ridge mountains. As with other of Owens’ series I would recommend this to my patrons.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?