I have been in such a niche, specific reading mood for about the last month, and that is old-school (like early 2010's) romantic suspense. And nothing will scratch that itch currently quite like a Harlequin!

It was quick, hit all the beats I wanted, and even though the heroine was a little too incompetent and naive for me, I really had fun listening to this! It was a perfect Saturday afternoon listen, and it confirmed that I need to be on a Harlequin kick for the rest of this winter!

The dog lives, the hero is over-the-top protective, the bad guy gets caught, and there's an HEA, what more could you ask for? 😂

Special Forces K-9 by Julie Miller is a compelling romantic suspense novel that masterfully intertwines themes of bravery, healing, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions. The story follows Ben Hunter, a former Special Forces soldier adjusting to civilian life after a heroic career. When his occupational therapist, Maeve Phillips, becomes the target of a dangerous predator, Ben and his service dog, Rocky, spring into action to protect her. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a web of secrets that threatens not only their lives but also their growing connection.

The audiobook, narrated by Jen Tophoney, brings the characters and their intense journey to life with clarity and emotion. Tophoney's narration effectively conveys the suspense and tenderness of the story, enhancing the listener's experience.

Critics have praised the novel for its engaging plot and well-developed characters. I loved this story especially the K-9 dog and the fact that the hero was an injured soldier, the plot worked wonderfully and I look forward to more books by Julie Miller.

Huge thank you to Julie Miller and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

4.25 Stars ⭐️

After reading the book prior to this one in this series, I have to admit that I wasn't too impressed. I truly wasn't sure if I wanted to continue with the series. But, then I went back to NetGalley and realized that I had been sent the next book in the series - another audio ARC. Boy am I glad I took the chance.

For whatever reason, THIS book held my interest from the very beginning. We are introduced to the MMC Ben Hunter, an ex-soldier who experienced an AWFUL ambush in the military where his entire team, AND his K9 partner were all killed. Needless to say, he is not in a good mental head space. Through a referral from a friend, he applies at a dog training facility and on the day of his interview, he runs into a dog - Rocky - that has just been acquired by the ranch. This dog is 5 seconds from being put down because he was also a soldier K9 in combat and his partner was killed. Without a job to do, and without a proper way to deal with his emotions, he has become a danger to those around him. Without even consciously thinking, Ben gives him a command and Rocky instantly responds. The owner realizes that the two of them just might be perfect for each other.

Then we meet the FMC Maeve Phillips. She is a physical therapist who has been treating Ben for about a year. Ben is not much of a communicator, does a lot of grunting, but at the core of everything, he is a protector.

Things begin to happen to Maeve, beginning with her roommate going missing, and her home being broken into and then she is mugged. All of this occurs in the span of a couple of weeks. Ben happens to be around for the beginning of these events and he and Rocky go into protect mode.

As usual, things are going on that no one knows about and Maeve has found herself in the middle of something she doesn't understand.

I enjoyed everything about this book. The relationship between Ben and Rocky, the relationship between Ben and Maeve, and most of all the plot. It was just convoluted enough to keep you curious.

If you had told me this book was written by the same author as book 2, I might have not believed you. BUT, I do know that many things determine how you respond to any book. Your attitude that day, the emotions in your life and sometimes, your own personal experiences. All of this to say that maybe I read book 2 on a bad day Who knows?

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This audio will be out for publication on Jan 21, 2025.

Special Forces K-9 is a very well written romantic suspense. I throughly enjoyed the plot. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this book. I received an advance copy from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

I love reading about K-9s and their handlers owners. This one was excellent. I liked the characters, especially Maeve Phillips the therapist helping ex-special forces soldier Ben Hunter recuperate from his injuries. I am afraid of dogs and these books help me. The bravery of Maeve with Rocky was so inspiring. I listened to the audio narrated by Jen Tophoney and she did an excellent job keeping pace and making it exciting during the action events. She did well with the different characters.
This was a story about the death of Maeve’s friend and she is determined to prove it. This puts her in danger as the culprits don't want her pursuing them and they are going after her. Ben and Rocky are doing all they can to keep her safe and it's a full-time job.
The dog is amazing and does his part to protect her. What a great animal and Ben seems to be losing his heart to this strong determined woman. Could she also be interested or is it just tolerating his help?
My opinion is yes I do recommend this book! It has the components of action, mystery, romance, and an excellent K-9 too.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Harlequin Audio for this audio version this is my honest opinion.

Ben was a veteran and an amputee looking to negotiate a life without his team and his arm. Maeve was his therapist vulnerable and unable to count on anyone in her life. When her best friend and room mate goes missing, bad things start happening and she realizes she is in the middle of something she can't cope with alone. Asking Ben to walk her to her car after she was mugged in the parking lot, brings out the soldier in Ben who now has someone to assist and protect. Together they find the criminals and each other.

I loved the relationship between Maeve and Ben. Grumpy ptsd Vet and his PT who got caught in an intriguing mystery. Full of sparks, suspense, and a little love making without being explicit, and an intelligent dog who was so much like his owner, this book was hard to put down. The narration was spot on!

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

🎧 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🎧
I tend to get stuck in the contemporary romance genre and forget just how much I like Romantic Suspense. Ben is an ex-Special Forces Soldier struggling to acclimate to civilian life. He finds himself becoming a handler to a service dog Rocky whose handler sadly passed. It doesn’t come without hitches as he has lost his service dog in the line of duty. Rocky is tasked with keeping Ben’s occupational therapist safe after a brutal murder.

I personally loved the thrill-seeking action, the not knowing, the why of it all. I didn’t want to put it down. I wasn’t surprised but I was all at the same time. K-9 Ranch is a series I will need to get accentuated with more because I enjoyed this book.

The narrator was a good match for the characters, and I found she gave everyone a voice. Very enjoyable to listen to.

When ex-soldier Ben Hunter takes a job working with service dogs, he never anticipated finding true healing. His service dog, Rocky, provided immense comfort, but his experiences with Maeve Phillips would alter his life forever.

This third installment in the Protectors at K-9 Ranch series is equally captivating as the first two. However, I believe all three books could be read as standalone novels. Ben has endured significant losses, while Maeve surpasses his own sense of brokenness. A looming danger involving Maeve necessitates their intervention, drawing Ben and Maeve together as she must rely on his protection.

It’s heartwarming to witness love blossom amidst imperfect heroes who deserve the best. I listened to this audiobook, and the narration was exceptional, making it an enjoyable and engaging one-sitting read.

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

If like me , you have not read or listened to the previous stories in the series, rest assured that this a a stand alone story.
After losing not only his teammates but also part of his arm, former Special Forces Ben Hunter has become taciturn, even with his occupational therapist Maeve Phillips. That said, he is attracted to her, but what does he have to offer this incredible woman?
That all changes when Maeve not only becomes a victim of an attack, but it seems someone is after her , especially after her friend disappears.
When her friend is found dead, Maeve is sure she was murdered. But why would that person or his acquaintances want Maeve? What are these men looking for?
More than ever , Ben is determined to keep Maeve safe and in doing so, feelings deepen between them.
Will Ben be able to keep Maeve safe? Will they figure out what and why they want her? Will Ben realize the injury doesn’t define him.
The audiobook was engaging , with likable characters and Rocky, an awesome K-9/service dog,
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Intrigue. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

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

This was a fast paced read that will have you on the edge of your seat. Ben is recovering from a military injury and Maeve is his physical therapist: Ben is the silent type and struggling with new civilian life. When Maeve becomes in danger, Ben will put all his protective instincts into gear and will do anything to keep her safe.

Danger keeps coming at them and Ben and Rocky (K-9) are her protective detail. Rocky will play a significant role in the HEA ending of this one. Good read and great audiobook!

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Protectors at K-9 Ranch series. I have not read the first two books in this series before picking up this book, but I think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I did listen to this book's audiobook, and I did not have any problems listening to the audiobook. I got pulled into the storyline and loved getting to know the characters in this book. I loved the dog in this book, and I loved that the dog showed up several times in this book. Great read and the audiobook was really good. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.