this book had everything i need for s book. romamce, suspense, some humor, and a great dog. What more can you want out of a book. i am grateful i was able to receive an ARC from Netgalley. I truly loved this book.

I am enjoying the books of Sandra Owens very much and this new installment is true to form. This story follows her easy formula including romance, some danger and great pets. For an easy read with delightful characters this his high of my list.

This is Parker's book in this series. When Willow moves in next door she gets a surprise visitor, Everly, who is supposed to be at home. Parker goes over to get her and meets his new beautiful neighbor. From that moment on he cannot get Willow Landry out of his mind. Unfortunately he doesn't have time for these thoughts or the desire for them either. He has decided his life isn't made for a love. He won't hurt his little girl if it doesn't work out. But as time moves on he finds he cannot get his mind off this new neighbor.

For her part she thinks he is a grumpy pants and is on a man hiatus. But will she be able to get that handsome man and his precious little girl out of her mind?

Read what happens as he's tries not to get involved with Willow. And as she gets more involved with his family.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

To Hold and Protect by Sandra Owens is a thrilling and passionate romantic suspense novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a perfect blend of heart-pounding action, intense emotions, and sizzling romance, this book delivers an enthralling reading experience.
The story follows former Navy SEAL Finnegan "Finn" Steele, who now works as a private investigator, specializing in personal security. When he is assigned to protect Olivia Webster, a strong-willed and fiercely independent woman with a dangerous secret, the chemistry between them is undeniable. As danger looms and secrets unravel, Finn and Olivia must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth and protect their hearts.
Sandra Owens showcases her mastery of the romantic suspense genre through her engaging writing style. The narrative is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that readers are captivated from beginning to end. The author expertly builds suspense, weaving together a complex web of mystery, danger, and intrigue that keeps the pages turning.
The characters in To Hold and Protect are well-developed and multi-dimensional, adding depth and relatability to the story. Finn is the epitome of an alpha male, strong and protective, but also vulnerable and haunted by his past. Olivia is a resilient and determined heroine who faces her challenges head-on. Their chemistry is electrifying, and their emotional journey is just as captivating as the thrilling plot.
In terms of sexual content, To Hold and Protect contains moderate levels of intimacy. The romance between Finn and Olivia is passionate and steamy, with several sensual scenes that contribute to the intensity of their connection. However, these scenes are tastefully written, adding depth to their relationship without being overly explicit. Readers looking for a balance between romance and sensuality will find this aspect of the book satisfying.
In regard to violence, the novel includes scenes of action, danger, and confrontations. As a romantic suspense, there are instances of violence and intense situations that heighten the suspenseful atmosphere. However, the level of violence remains moderate, with a focus on the characters' efforts to protect themselves and others. The descriptions are vivid but not excessively graphic, making it suitable for readers who enjoy a thrilling ride without extreme violence.
To Hold and Protect is a captivating romantic suspense novel that will please fans of the genre. Sandra Owens skillfully combines heart-stopping action, compelling characters, and passionate romance to create a well-rounded and satisfying reading experience. With a moderate level of sensuality and violence, this book strikes a balance that will appeal to readers seeking an exciting and engaging blend of love and suspense. Prepare to be swept away by the chemistry and danger that permeates the pages of this enthralling tale.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Most of the K-9 Defenders series aren't about a trained K-9, rather smart dogs. But the final Church brother does have a trained K9 in scent detection, Ember. The men have law enforcement connections and do use their dogs to help them. The series is about three brothers.

The first book In His Protection features police chief, Tristan who has a loved dog, Fuzz. He has two brothers. Her Delta Force Protector is about Kade, a special ops military guy with a goofy dog, Duke. To Hold and Protect is about Parker, who is the fire chief. Parker is also a successful artist. The three brothers each have a space in the family home. Tristan and Kade each have significant others who live with them and Parker has his daughter, Everly.

At last, we learn about Parker and how he went to France on his own after high school and why he ended up coming home with a weeks old baby girl. Parker falls in love easily but that doesn't mean the love is requited. So he no longer wants to fall in love. Plus he can't have his 5 year old getting attached and then have a break up.

The man next door dies and his niece, Willow, moves in to renovate the house to sell. She just went through a breakup and so it's a good time for her to have a change of scenery. She writes children's books which she can do in any location. Everly sneaks over to meet her and they strike up a friendship. Parker is immediately attracted and annoyed by his attraction.

There is also an arsonist in town, setting fires increasingly more often. When the fires seem to turn more personal with the attention on Parker, the brothers all work to find the fire bug. At the same time, Parker is busy painting for a New York show. Willow finishes the renovation and her plan is to sell and buy a beach house. Parker and Willow have to believe they can find love and make a life together.

I love this family and the found family they are creating. The brothers are wonderful people but there are issues from their childhood abandonment which they have to sort when they are looking at a relationship. The characters are well developed, including the dogs who are very much part of the family with some amazing skills. We get both Parker and Willow's point of view. I love how creative both of them are with painting and writing, and how much they both love Everly. I really enjoyed this whole series and recommend it!

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the K-9 Defenders series. I have read and reviewed the first book in this series. I really loved the little girl in this book, and the two main characters were also great. I enjoyed this story so much. There was so much action and suspense in this book. I found the romance to be cute and sweet. I really enjoyed reading this book so much. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Carina Press) or author (Sandra Owens) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

While this is book three of the K-9 Defenders series, it can be read as a stand alone story. I highly recommend the other books because they're great, but you don't have to read them in order to enjoy this one.

Content stuff: There is cursing including a handful of f-bombs (less than 10), and some on-page sex in this one, but neither is overdone to the point of taking over the plot, which I appreciate. If you don't love an f-bomb in every paragraph like seems so popular these days, that's definitely not an issue here. If you're not a big fan of sex scenes, there are only a couple and they're easily skipped. The sex scenes are an addition to their love story, as opposed to the whole focus of their relationship which, again, is so rare in the romance industry lately. I love that Ms. Owens' books don't need to be wall to wall sex scenes because her writing is so strong that they're always, unfailingly character-driven.

Ever since I met Parker and his adorable daughter Everly in the first book, I have been anxious for Parker's story, and I am so glad to say that their story didn't disappoint. I always love Ms. Owens' way of writing a story because it's always full of a ton of humor, but she also doesn't shy away from all the feelings that run the gamut from happy to heartbreaking. Her books will get you totally invested in the characters you're reading about from the start, and this one is no exception. Although this is definitely a romantic suspense and there's a really great suspense story line, this book is, first and foremost, about relationships. I was all in on Parker and Willow's relationship of course, but the relationship between Parker and his family (and Andrew!) is also so sigh worthy in it's depth of feeling. I love these siblings and their family and I'm sorry to see this series end, but I'm so grateful that Ms. Owens shared them with us.

Fabulous Small Town Romance!!

Parker Church is a Fire Chief and an artist. “Park C” has actually become a famous artist, but only his family and close friends know that is him. He is raising his 5-year-old daughter Everly on his own, and has a accelerant detection dog Ember. New neighbor Willow Landry has just inherited her house from an uncle she didn’t really know. She is a middle-school children’s author, so can work from anywhere. A recent breakup is a great excuse to come down, update the home, then go find a condo on a beach somewhere.

Everly is smitten with Willow, and plays matchmaker. She has an uncanny artistry for such a young age, and works with her dad in his studio. Willow and Everly create a story together with Everly illustrating the story.

An arsonist creates problems in the town, and it becomes apparent it stems from a personal focus on Parker as Fire Chief.

Delightful extended family, interesting backstory, hesitant romance – but can’t help themselves, danger and artist passion and coalesce into a wonderful read!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

This is book three in The K-9 Defender’s series and it is Willow and Parker’s story. Parker is the fire chief in Marsville and he is also a single father to his beautiful daughter Everly who is the most important person in his life and he will protect her regardless of the situation so when he sees her talking to a woman that is not only a stranger but also have moved in to the house next door so he is not happy. Willow is a author of children’s books and has just moved to Marsville where she had inherited a house left to her by her late grandfather which is just what she needed after finding out that her fiancé was cheating on her with her best friend so men are definitely off the cards for the foreseeable future. When Willow and Parker meet for the first time sparks fly but not the good ones as his daughter Everly was with her and not where she should have been which was not Willow’s fault so they butted heads over it. Willow and Parker was attracted to each other but nothing would ever come of it as they had both gone through enough in their lives. Danger has arrived and everyone is in the crossfire which has brought out everyone of Parker’s protective instincts including Willow whether she wants it or not but Parker is determined to eliminate the threat and bring them to justice. Will Parker and Willow be able to communicate with each other and realise that they are perfect together or will there future be taken away because of their differences and stubbornness. I absolutely love this book and it had great characters and a storyline that pulled you in and wouldn’t let you go and you had to keep turning the pages while on the edge of your seat wondering what the future and outcome would be for them all and Everly was so adorable and definitely stole your heart. I definitely recommend that you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more books by Sandra Owens who is a new author to me.

This was a new to me author!

Willow, recently got dumped by her fiancé and willed a home in a rural town when her uncle passed. She decided to move into this home, fix it up and sell it to buy her dream home on the ocean. When she arrives the adorable neighbor, a five year old, comes over then her dad - Parker, the chief of the fire department.

There is a lot packed into this book. A serial arsonist in town, a closeted famous artist and love brewing.

I thought the characters were strong. I loved the back story of Parker. The connect between Parker and his daughter then Willow and his daughter. I didn’t really feel the heat between the two main characters though. I felt the story stalled out in the middle but the ending picked up.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of the book for my honest opinion. All of these thoughts are my own!

Parker and Willow’s first meeting sets the tone for their story, she’s a bit free spirited and sunshiny while he’s more of a cautious and methodical straight-laced man who happens to be a famous painter. They are each attracted to the other, but brush aside the attraction due to a prickly first meeting.

I loved how Everly was so drawn to Willow that Parker was forced to get over his initial decision to avoid Willow. Parker started showing his more charming self and Willow quickly had difficulty resisting him. These two natural became closer and closer before the arsonist became a concern. The suspenseful portion of the story slowly became more prominent and then came to a dramatic resolution. The aftermath brought an obstacle for both Parker and Willow to navigate before eventually propelling their romance to a happily ever after.

This is an entertaining series with great main characters and charming secondary characters who make the small town really appealing.

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

We’ve come to the last brother in this series. We get a lot more of Everly which I totally love along with pickles. I am not normally a kid loving person in a book but Everly is the cutest kid ever in a book. She is so sweet and loving. There is a mystery like in all of Sandra’s book and I kept wondering who was the arsonist and why. Not only does Sandra put suspense in her books, she does with heart and makes us love the characters. Such a great story of Parker and Willow. I had to walk away for a few minutes because damn I was balling my eyes out and couldn’t see the words on the page. Very emotional. I absolutely loved both Parker and Willow and Everly.

I absolutely love the books I've read by Sandra Owen. She is a favorite author of mine. She writes well with excellent storylines and wonderful characters each and every time. This book is a favorite though. I cannot find the words to say why, but it truly touched my heart. Maybe it was partly because it is a single dad trope, which is a favorite trope. Parker is an incredible dad and brother. He was carrying so much pain in his heart. I really want to be Willow. She was beautiful inside and out. Those two and their bantering was so fun and real. And ladybug was the sweetest little girl. From the beginning to the end I smiled, laughed, and held my breath in anticipation of what's to come. I hated having to put it down. One day soon, I hope to pick it back up and reread in one sitting. It's a beautiful romance with a mystery and some suspense. The town characters crack me up. I loved seeing them from book to book. A great standalone, but you'll really want to read from book one if you haven't already.

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

To Hold and Protect is the third book in Sandra Owens’ K-9 Defenders’ series. It is a romantic suspense story with great, well developed characters, an amazing K-9, and a fantastic storyline.

Children’s author, Willow Landry is only in town to finish her latest book and renovate and sell her late uncle’s house in Marsville. She has sworn off men, but when she meets firefighter Parker Church and his adorable five year old daughter Everly, she’s inexplicably drawn to them both.

Parker has sworn off relationships, his life revolves around his daughter, his brothers, his accelerant detection dog, Ember, his art and his job as fire chief. He’s content with the life he has created, until he meets Willow and begins to see the possibility of more.
But when an arsonist begins to focus on Willow, Parker and Ember must work to uncover the culprit before their loved ones suffer a tragic end. Will they get there happily ever after? Read it and find out.

I am a huge fan of romantic suspense involving K9’s and law enforcement. Owens is a phenomenal writer, who I highly recommend because she uses these elements to create stories that keep the readers hanging as they go page by page. I loved the Church brothers and this was an amazing end to a fantastic series.

To Hold and Protect, the third book in the K-9 Defenders series is a perfect example of why this author has become an auto-buy (or request) for me. I have been waiting for one particular “Pickle Princess’s” daddy’s romance and did this story ever deliver a story that fits Parker and Everly just perfectly with children’s books author, Willow. Now it’s up to Everly to prove to these two adults that they’d make the most wonderful daddy and mommy for her… and her matchmaking ways are precious and rather fiercely determined. I’ve adored Everly throughout this series, and she certainly shines and steals scenes constantly in this romance.

Willow has inherited the home beside Parker’s. She’s recently gone through another breakup and has declared her life man free for the foreseeable future. That intention is reinforced when the only welcome to the neighborhood she really gets is from the child next door, certainly, the adults living there are a bit standoffish. But that’s fine; she’s planning on fixing up this old Victorian, selling it, and finding her ideal beach property – she doesn’t need friends; she needs to get to work on her future. Everly, however, has other ideas.

Recently, there have been fires in the area, fires that have been deliberately set and the instances of arson are rapidly intensifying. Parker has deadlines for his other career, the secret one, and this arsonist and his attraction to Willow are getting in the way of those obligations. Parker and his dog Ember have their work cut out for them as the danger increases in this small quirky town.

I enjoyed myself so much back in this world. This time there is more attention paid to the romantic side of this couple while facing dangers that are part of a puzzle to be solved. I loved catching up with the couples from the previous books, getting to see Everly in action once again adorable as ever, and watching two people fall in love even if that was the furthest thing from their minds when they first met. I had fun here, and that’s the entire point. If you love a well-written romantic suspense with touches of laughter and danger, and a couple that is a perfect match then you’ll love this one.

*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.*

Great!

This was my first book by Sandra Owens, but she's now firmly on my "follow" list! I loved Parker and Willow's story, especially Parker's daughter Everly. I hadn't read the previous 2 books in the series, but had absolutely no trouble feeling caught up due to the way the author crafted the storyline.

Parker, Everly, his two brothers Kane and Tristan, and their fiancees make up a family. Not too many people know that Parker, the town's fire chief, is also a world-famous artist. He keeps a low profile, and due to past relationship problems he has sworn off women. He's especially resistant to Willow Landry, who moves in next door to renovate an inherited house.

Willow has had her share of broken relationships and is on a man-vacation pending her move to her dream beach house. That doesn't stop her from being drawn to Parker, though, and Everly. She quickly realizes that her heart is in danger of being lost to both of them. When danger threatens their small town, and Parker's family, Willow is drawn in and her life plans hang in the balance.

Fast-paced, well-written, some heat, some mystery. Enjoyed!

One of the best series ever! The characters, the suspense, the emotion and of course Everly who “steals the show” in each book! Author Willow Landry has moved into her uncle’s home to renovate, then sell it. She and her yellow VW are headed to a life at the beach. Well, until she meets Fire Chief Parker Church and his adorable five-year-old daughter, Everly. Parker is not only a firefighter, but also a gifted artist. There is an arsonist at work in Marsville and the fires seem to be directed at Parker. He has no idea who would set these fires to gain his attention, but he and his two brothers, Tristan and Kade, will not rest until they find the arsonist and Willow and the town are safe. Willow is fascinated by Parker “aka Mr. Grouchy Pants” and his daughter. Parker was never going to fall in love again, but he may no longer have a choice. I really liked the details in the authors descriptions of the characters, i.e., Everly could see it better with pink boots. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

To Hold and Protect is Book 3 in the K-9 Defenders series. With each book, I love this series more. Strong heroes, both men and dogs, wonderful characters and strong storylines make this series a must read if you love romantic suspense novels.

Parker is the Fire Chief of the small town of Marsville. He is a single dad raising a 5 year old daughter alone. Everly is an adorable precocious child who wants a mommy. She makes it her project to get her daddy and Miss Willow together every chance she gets.

When Willow moves next door to Parker and Everly into the house she inherited, her plans are to renovate the house, sell it and move to a home on the beach where she can continue to write children’s books. She hasn’t recovered from a recent breakup and has no interest in a romantic relationship.

Parker’s world revolves around his little girl, his art and his job as Fire Chief. When an arsonist targets his town, Parker and Ember, his accelerant-sniffing dog, are kept busy trying to stop him.

Ms. Owens is one of the few authors who can keep me reading all night until I find out how the story ends. Her characters are well-developed and believable. Her storylines have just the right amount of twists, turns and suspense to keep me interested to the end. I highly recommend this book and the series. You won’t be disappointed.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

To Hold and Protect is the third novel in Sandra Owens' K-9 Defenders series, and for a number of reasons, it's my favorite thus far, it hooked me from the very start, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.

While the previous novels in this series spent a lot more time on the titular K-9s, To Hold and Protect offered more romance, more character development, more angst, more secrets, and the cutest, most adorable, funniest, sweetest, most gifted, child prodigy, and little "pickle princess," in 5-year-old Everly, who completely stole the show and my heart. But don't think the novel is all about her--there's plenty of romance, danger, and mystery to come, and the mystery starts at the get-go with the Fire Chief of Marsville, Everly's single-dad, Parker Church, investigating what's clearly an arson fire in his small town of Marsville. En route home, he notices a bright yellow VW Bug in the driveway of what had been the vacant house next door to his home, and sitting on the porch with the new owner, is his daughter, Everly--a major no-no for this protective dad..

Everly is on that porch with it's new owner, children's book author and free-spirit, Willow Landry, who just inherited the house from her late grandfather, and Parker is not pleased that Everly left their yard to introduce herself to their new neighbor, who is every bit as enchanted with the precocious Everly as I was. Willow, who just found her her fiance cheating on her with her best friend was happy to inherit the old Victorian home, since ending that relationship also left her homeless. This is the second engagement that ended in disaster for her, so to say she's not looking for another serious relationship any time soon is putting it mildly. Parker is none too friendly with her at the outset, although he's attracted to the pretty Willow--his problem is also heartbreak and he's well aware of the fact that he falls in love way too easily--and he has lost at love before, especially with Everly's birth mother.

Parker shares his own Victorian home next door with his two brothers and their soon-to-be brides, and is none too friendly with his new neighbor when they first meet, but that will soon change. Willow has always dreamed of a home on the beach where she can write her children's books, and she plans to renovate the old Victorian and put it up for sale as soon as possible. But Everly is looking for a mommy, and she's already set her sights on Miss Willow.

As if the budding attraction between Willow and Parker isn't enough, there's an arsonist in town, setting things on fire at a very rapid pace, and it's Ember, Parker's accelerant-sniffing K-9 partner, who alerts him to the fact that all these fires were deliberately set. Oh, and yes, Parker is a famous artist using an assumed name, Park C., to sign his works of art, a fact only a few people in town are privy to, and he's on deadline with a NY gallery show coming up soon. These arson fires are keeping him out of his art studio far too often, as is the fact that he soons starts painting scenes with Willow in them.

So, who is starting these rapidly escalating arson fires, and why? The suspense in this novel is palpable, as is the growing attraction between Parker and Willow, one they both realize is temporary, or is it? I'm not telling, so you'll just have to devour this unputdownable, sweet, funny, sexy, myteerious and dangerous novel as quickly as I did, reading straight through until morning, and it's just so worth it! I absolutely loved this novel, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Owens comes up with next to top it.

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

(4.5) My favorite out of the 3 K-9 Defenders. Surprise! Thought this one would be my least and this one moved me, intrigued me and entertained me. Parker our single dad of Everly, his pickle loving daughter ( I can relate Everly) Fire Chief of Marsville and a world renowned artist. Willow is an author of children's books and is in town to renovate and sell her Uncles old house so she can move onto the beach. Hunky caring Fire Chef with accelerant sniffing dog, Ember. Smart, caring Willow childrens author. Everly an artist in her own right all under the umbrella of Marsville with a psycho fire bug. To Protect and Hold provided suspense, humor, steam with a firebug running around as well as family. There is also some past that sheds light on his childhood days and of course the mystery with the fire bug, or as I say with the psycho. Win! Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #toholdandprotect #k-9defenders #sandraowens #carinapress #netgalley