It was an enjoyable read but the faith parts came off as unnatural to me.

The way she said “you’re not a believer?” immediately after praying felt more like what someone thinks a Christian should talk like in an inspirational romance than what a Christian would talk like in real life. And honestly a little bit unappealing. Why would anyone ever assume someone is or isn’t a believer and jump straight to that as lunchtime conversation in that way?

Overall it was an engaging and not too predicable read. The faith stuff just seemed a little too contrived and could have been worked in better.

This first story in the series, a clean, Christian, suspense romance, introduces the readers to the Pacific NW K-9 unit and Officer Danika Hayes.
When shots are heard near the Mt. Rainier National Park, where Danika, her K-9 partner Hutch, and another officer were at the time, they rush to the site of the crime. A co-worker is seem running away and the officers find two dead bodies.
Luke Stark and his young son Caden are visiting his sister and is shocked and heartbroken when Danika advises him of his sister’s death. Grief embraces Luke, and he wants the killer found. When both Luke and Caden seem to be targeted by someone, Danika and Hutch are assigned to protect them.
Who is after Luke and Caden and why? Where is the co-worker that has gone AWOL? As the bound between Danika and Luke increases, so do the feelings.
Will the culprit be found?
Though we are left with one of the two mysteries unsolved, the plot was engaging and the main characters likable.
This start of the series reminds this reader of the much enjoyed Rocky Mountain K-9 unit series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Shielding the Baby is a fantastic romantic suspense. Edge of your seat plot. I love books that feature K-9 characters. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC. This is my unbiased review.

Shielding the Baby (Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit #1) by Laura Scott
I really enjoyed this book and read it fast - Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner, and Luke Stark and his nine-month-old son were perfect together. They both have baggage to work through. There is a double murder, angst, more danger, some laughs, tears, friends, co-workers, evil people, suspense, and romance - all getting to Danica and Luke's HEA. There are still unsolved murders to solve so I am looking forward to the next book, Scent of Truth by Valerie Hansen.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Tear-jerker Tragic Easy-to-read Page-turner Wonderful Characters Witty Action-packed Scary Happily Ever After Entertaining Romantic.

This one kept me up late at night trying to finish because I just had to find out what was going to happen to the baby. This one also kept my attention because I'm a sucker for books that involve K-9 officers and their handlers.

I had high hopes for this book as I love harlequin novels however it was not meant to be.

This story revolves around Danika a K9 officer investigating a double murder, who meets Luke a new dad, and the brother of the murdered women. After stoping multiple attempts at kidnapping Luke’s baby and investigating the double murder, all the while hoping the culprit is not her coworker, and slowly falling in love with the single dad, this is a good clean Christian read just not my cup of tea.


Full discloser: I did stop reading halfway though as I could not connect with this book.


3/5, if you like clean romance novels and can get passed all the stupid inner questions the MFC asks herself, this could be amazing read for you.

I loved this fast paced, clean romance. K9 Officer Danica and her Dog find themselves in the middle of a double murder. Seeing one of their own fleeing the scene they scramble to find the truth. The same day she prevents a kidnapping and begins unraveling the mystery of how they are intertwined. Through all the twists and turns, newly single Dad, Luke Stark and his precious son steal her heart along the way.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin -Romance, Love Inspired Suspense in exchange for honest review.

I really have to preface this review to let you know that I didn't realize it was a Christian book. I usually don't like to read them, but I really enjoyed this one. The story was exciting and action packed. I even liked all of the characters in it. Danica was a strong woman who had everything in control. I love stories with women who are strong and leaders. Luke was a believable frazzled new dad. I just didn't understand why they kept taking that baby into potentially dangerous situations. All in all, I would recommend this book if you like strong women, cute babies, police dogs, and a clean storyline.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I truly enjoyed this book. The story has great suspense and a beautiful budding romance between Luke and Danica.

Danica and her dog Hutch are investigating a murder that involves Luke’s sister. Luke, who is learning to be a single dad, is also being targeted. Danica and her K9 are tasked with protecting Luke and his son. Little do they know there is more than one crime associated to Luke.

If you are up for a Love Inspired Romance this is one for you. 3.5 stars

Shielding the baby will draw you into the lives of a single dad and the ranger that decides to protect them at all costs. You'll be drawn into their life. Heartwarming story.

"Shielding the Baby" is a Christian suspense. This is the first in a series, and the double murder is the ongoing investigation throughout the series while the kidnapping attempts were solved by the end of this story. I enjoyed how there was more actual investigation and using the K9 to track the criminal than is usual for Love Inspired Suspense. There was still plenty of suspense from repeated kidnapping attempts on the baby, the weather conditions, and physical attacks against Luke and Danica.

Luke used his ex-army-medic skills to protect his son while Danica and her team members investigated the crimes and followed up on clues. He respected Danica's abilities and was attracted to her. Despite his first, rushed marriage turning out so badly, he ended up moving pretty fast into a relationship with Danica. She wasn't sure she'd make a good mom or wife because her parents weren't good role models. Still, they worked well together and both did well with the baby, so they seem likely to have a good relationship. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'm recommend this enjoyable mystery/suspense.