This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the fourth book in the Protectors at K-9 Ranch series. I have read the first three books in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed the audiobook. I have really loved reading this series, and this book was no different. I loved all the characters in this book, but the dog and the kids brought so much to this book. I really loved this book. This book is fast paced, and it has a ton of action and suspense with just a little bit of cute romance. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

Protecting the Pack by Julie Miller, narrated by Mallory Taylor. This is book #4 in her Protectors @K-9 Ranch series. Stella is a wealthy 48yr old single Foster mom who is set up on a blind date with Officer Joe Carpenter. They have instant chemistry. Stella has an ex who she can’t seem to shake. The new foster boys come with baggage also which sends Joe into officer protector mode. Very different read with the dog normally a partner to an agent or cop, instead Jasper is the family dog. Stella is the epitome of what a foster mom should be. Released Feb 25, 2025. Thank you to # NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review.

Protecting the Pack was an unexpected delight. Stella is a foster mom whose heart is full to bursting with love for the many children she cares for but bereft of romantic love since her life is so darn complicated. Luckily, Stella’s friends step in and attempt match making. But before Stella and police officer Joe Carter can even go on their first date, Stella’s household increases, as do menacing overtures from both a former fling and a criminal trying to menace the two new additions to Stella’s family. Jasper the dog plays a loveable dual role as protector and huggable friend to the children and adults, and of course, there’s a lovely happily-ever-after. I’ve missed the earlier books in this series, Protectors at K-9 ranch, so I’m off to track them down now!

So this one was a little different…
Each time I’ve read a K-9 novel, it usually revolves around a police officer and his canine companion/partner.
This one did in fact have a police officer, but the dog was just a family dog.🐕

Stella is a 48 year old single female. She was in a serious relationship, and on her way to her wedding, when her whole life changed… and she’s really never gotten over it! Currently, she is fostering FIVE children, and crating a safe, happy, healthy home for all of them.

So, when a hunky 50-ish guy (Joe) walks into her barn and tells her that their mutual friends want to set them up, she’s shocked!! And also, mesmerized. He’s adorable. And, did I mention…hunky??

She’s not about to get her hopes up. He’s great, and she sees herself as older…overweight…with a bunch of kids…and, not much to offer…
But, she IS a trust fund baby, and she has a bunch of money… but, she doesn’t even want him to know anything about that…

And anyway, in the past, the guys have always been literally ‘running away’ when they find out about all her foster kids.

But…they set up a first date…and right in the middle of it, Stella gets a call 📞 to come to the police 👮‍♂️ department, as there are 2 boys, who have had it pretty rough, and are in need of a foster home.

It really gets interesting after this, as the boys mother, who has legally given them up, is still trying to see them…so that her violent, ex-convict, boyfriend can try to get some money from them, or by using them. 😮😮

Thank God Joe has entered the picture!

Sweet. Personal. Hopeful. Heartbreaking at times…
Really makes you think… and be grateful for what you have!

And, nice that it’s based on a middle aged couple, instead of a 20 or 30 something one!

4 big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#PreotectingThePack by #JulieMiller and narrated nicely by #MalloryTaylor.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperAudio for an ARC of the audiobook!
It was released in February, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!! ***

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🎧5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Harlequin Audio.

I couldn't put this book down. Foster mom Stella Smith and Officer Joe meet for a blind date, and their chemistry is undeniable.

Stella gets a call from the police station that two brothers, Gio & Tyrell, are in need of a foster home and Stella won’t have it if they are separated, so she brings them home. These boys have seen a lot and been dealt a bad hand. But if Stella has anything to say about it, they will never have to worry about anything but being a kid. But it seems their mother and her pimp have other things planned for the boys.

Officer Joe is dedicated to ensuring Stella's well-being and making her life easier. This story shows the pursuit of justice and righteousness, along with finding love and happiness.

Mallory's narration stood out because she gave each character a distinct voice.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review and listen to this book. Did not finish. The promo made me think that this would be a simple whodunit but it was slow getting there. The author spant a good deal of time developing the relationship between the heroine and the cop but it was seemingly delving into a romance novel. Not my cup of tea.

Absolutely loved this stand alone suspense romance.
Stella Smith came from a wealthy family but she never acted as such. After a betrayal from her ex, she’s dedicated her life to fostering kids. Her kids are her life .
Fifty year old, former military and nowadays cop Joe Carpenter, never expected that the date his friends set up would be with a woman who would turn his life upside down in a very good way.
When two kids are in need of shelter, Stella takes them without hesitation. But their past will come to put everyone in danger.
Protecting and loving Stella and the kids that are starting to feel like his, will be Joe’s new goal in life. Even if it means putting his life on the line.
The plot was engaging from the start to the end. The main characters as well as the kids were likable and well developed.
Having Stella and Joe be a mature couple was wonderful. Especially with these two big hearted characters.
The story was also a reminder of the heartbreaking stories some of the foster kids have experienced in their short lives.
Lastly , the narrator, Mallory Taylor, did a great job with the various voices.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.