Trained to Protect by Terri Reid, narration by Katie Drinkard. Tarren and his K-9 Raz need to protect his best friend and boss’s sister Julia. Julia witnessed Ana saved a girl from being kidnapped by the Cartel for human trafficking. Now Julia goes from a witness to being hunted down by the cartel. This book is Action packed, with Faith, romance and survival. Great read. Thank you to #NetGalley, #Harlequin audio and the author for this arc audio. This is my honest review.
Released on Feb 25,2025

I loved the romance line of Julia and big brother's best friend. It did annoy me that she constantly put herself in danger with hee stubbornness. I loved the setting of Texas beach.

Trained to Protect by Terri Reed is a thrilling, action-packed romantic suspense that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. The story follows K-9 officer Tarren McGregor, who never expected his quiet life on Texas’s South Padre Island to be disrupted by a deadly cartel targeting his best friend’s sister, Julia Hamilton. When Julia witnesses and intervenes in a kidnapping, she becomes a target for the traffickers, and Tarren is tasked with keeping her safe.

The chemistry between Tarren and Julia adds an emotional layer to the fast-paced action, and their partnership with Tarren’s K-9 dog brings a unique and exciting element to the story. The stakes are high as they try to protect Julia while staying one step ahead of ruthless criminals. The tension is palpable, and Reed’s storytelling keeps the adrenaline pumping throughout the book.

The audiobook narration enhances the tension and urgency, with a voice performance that effectively captures the suspenseful and heartfelt moments in the story. The pacing is perfect for listeners who enjoy high-stakes thrillers with a touch of romance.

Trained to Protect is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat listen that delivers a perfect blend of suspense, romance, and action. If you’re a fan of K-9 thrillers and strong, relatable characters, this audiobook is an excellent choice.

🎧4⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Harlequin Audio.

This book is hard to put down. Technically, this is a brother's best friend trope, but she was also his friend, so it can also be labelled as friends to lovers.

Julia remains calm and determined, striving to help her beloved turtles even in the face of significant danger. She is pretty much in danger throughout the entire book. Tarren works alongside his police dog to protect Julia from the threat.
Being in constant contact with Julia neither of them can put their chemistry to the side. But they can’t act on it until the threat is neutralized.

We can’t forget Julia’s brother because he sees what is happening between Tarren and Julia and just give a warning to Tarren not to hurt his sister in anyway, it was nice to have that scene.

The audiobook was highly enjoyable. I believe Katie did an excellent job of conveying the emotions of all the characters.

I enjoyed the storyline of this one! Tarren is a K-9 Police Officer with his trained dog, Raz. They are a terrific team, but the only K-9 team for their small Texas town. Tarren's best friend (Jeremy) is the Police Chief, and his little sister (Julia) is the MFC. She works at a turtle rescue on the island, and unfortunately (or fortunately, if you are the girl), she witnesses a young girl/teenager being attacked, and almost abducted...BUT, she intercedes and the girl is saved. However, she SAW the abductors face. And, they later find out that JULIA is now being hunted down...

This one really goes off the rails as we are witness to the horrible things that can and will be done to those who cross the paths of the kidnappers. And, Julia is really not safe...anywhere.

That being said, I love how the Christian aspect is intermittently place into the story...especially as I am one to offer up prayers for things all the time.

BUT, the repeated angst of Julia and Jeremy started to grate on me. I mean, you ARE adults. Can't we just get our feelings out there in the open??? I don't know. Maybe it's just me...

In any case, this was a solid 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, happily rounded up to 4!
I mean, Raz.... You HAVE to just LOVE him... and the brother/sister aspect, and the brother/friend aspect (and no dating your brother's friends...) well, that really resonated with me!

#TrainedToProtect by #TerriReed and narrated by #KatieDrinkard.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
*** Release date was at the end of February, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!! ***

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What happens when a witness becomes the target? When one courageous decision pulls you deep into the shadows of danger, can you still stand tall in faith? Trained to Protect delivers just that … and so much more! It’s a powerful reminder of God's protection, the strength of relationships, and the fierce loyalty of a K-9 team on the hunt.

This story wrapped itself around me like the tide pulling a sea turtle—smooth, yet with an undercurrent of danger I couldn’t shake. Julia Hamilton, working at a sea turtle rescue, leads a life filled with compassion, but it’s her brave choice to stop a kidnapping that thrusts her into something far more terrifying. As the cartel closes in, it’s K-9 officer Tarren McGregor—her brother’s best friend—who steps in, ready to protect her, no matter the cost.

The suspense is relentless, yet it’s the faith woven into this story that truly stands out. When it is said, “We can only do our best and pray that God will lead us to the answers,” it hits a note that resonates with us all. In the midst of the chase, when the stakes are at their highest, it’s trust in God that keeps them moving forward—through the danger, through the uncertainty. You feel it in every page, every prayer, and every breath they take.

The romance builds from years of friendship and undeniable chemistry—but it’s the trust, vulnerability, and devotion they share that makes their relationship so moving. Tarren’s internal struggle—his feeling of unworthiness—adds a layer of tension that kept my heart racing, just as much as the action did.

I couldn’t put this book down. The suspense kept me hooked, but it was the Christian themes of faith, grace, and God’s sovereignty that truly captivated my heart. This story beautifully reminded me of God’s tender care, even when we’re navigating the fiercest of storms.

The audiobook is a fantastic way to experience this story! The narration keeps the tension high and the emotions real, making it easy to get completely caught up in the action. Definitely worth a listen!

Terri Reed does it again, delivering a story as fierce as a K-9 team on the hunt. If you're craving a suspenseful journey where faith and devotion run as deep as the bonds between friends and protectors, Trained to Protect should be your next read!

I received an audiobook ARC of this book from NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing, the story’s content, and the quality of the narration, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Ripped from today’s headlines, Trained to Protect delivers a thrilling, edge of your seat romantic suspense. Terri Reed is quickly becoming a favorite with her thrilling law enforcement K-9 unit stories. Each story is infused with a gripping mystery, sweet romance & a touch of faith.

Marine biologist Julia Hamilton gets entangled in the unimaginable when she prevents a teenage girl from being kidnapped by a deadly cartel. Not only did she save the girl, but she saw the kidnapper’s face. Facing danger at every turn, she must rely on her brother’s best friend, K-9 officer Tarren McGregor to keep her safe.

Tarren McGregor is used to dealing with the cartel, but when his best friend’s little sister becomes their target, the stakes are raised to a whole new level. The close proximity required for keeping her alive brings new feelings to the surface for his friend’s beautiful sister. As he struggles with his own past, he also has to fight to keep his feelings hidden under the surface.

I thoroughly enjoyed this nail-biting suspense! The cartel is absolutely frightening. When Julia witnesses their human trafficking attempt, I knew this story was going to be an intense ride. The intensity ratchets up to a thrilling conclusion as they face both human & terrifying animal threats.

Along with the non-stop action, is a lovely reluctant to fall romance. Julia’s come to South Padre Island to start over & recover from a boyfriend’s betrayal. The last thing she’s looking for is a new relationship. Tarren’s complicated past & his friendship with Julia’s brother made this forbidden relationship all the more explosive. Their chemistry was off the charts. I enjoyed the close proximity setting & seeing them fall in love. I also enjoyed learning more about Julia’s profession & the darling sea turtles she’s trying to rescue. I also loved the faith thread beautifully woven throughout.

I listened to the audiobook version & enjoyed the narrator. She did a great job bringing these characters to life. It was easy to listen to even on 1.75 speed.

Highly recommend! Excited to read more from this author. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

This is a Romantic Suspense. I listened to the audiobook for this book. I loved the characters in this book. I loved the turtles. I grew up in the Outer Banks there was a place that saved the turtles, and I remember going to see all the turtles that were there. There was a good mixture of action/suspense, romance, and turtles. I did not want to put this book down, and I really enjoyed it.

This is a clean suspense romance that will keep the readers engaged from the first page to the last.
Julia Hamilton left her hometown and after college and a break up with her ex, is back home loving her work with the local turtle rescue location.
On her way home she sees a teenager being kidnapped and knows she has to interfere. The girl is saved, but now the potential kidnapper, who is part of a cartel, is out to get Julia.
Tarren McGregor is back home in South Padre Island. The place where, except for Julia’s family, he had a childhood no kid should endure. Nowadays, he’s a K-9 officer and when Julia, his best friend’s and boss’s sister , is in danger, he’ll everything he can to keep her safe. Especially since he has loved her from afar.
Fast paced and with great characters, this audiobook is one not to miss.
Especially when the narrator, Katie Drinkard, brings the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Terri has done it again! I know it might seem like I hand out 5-star reviews all the time, but trust me, it’s hard to earn one, especially with romantic suspense. I need both the romance and the suspense to be spot on, and Terri always nails it. She knows how to pull you in with the romance while keeping you on the edge of your seat, turning pages to find out what happens next.

In this story, Julia steps in to help a teenage girl who’s about to be kidnapped. She saves the girl but ends up injuring the criminal and, unfortunately, sees his face. That’s bad news because he’s part of a cartel, and now Julia’s in serious danger. Thankfully, her brother, the police chief, and his best friend Tarren, a K-9 officer, are there to keep her safe. With Julia’s brother caught up in his duties, Tarren and his K-9 partner, Raz, are ready to do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it puts them in harm’s way.

Julia and Tarren have always been friends, never seeing each other as anything more. But with a dangerous criminal hunting Julia and them stuck in close quarters, their feelings for each other start to surface. Julia’s been hurt before, and she’s scared of a heartbreak from Tarren. Tarren, on the other hand, has his own baggage, feeling like he’s not good enough for someone like Julia. Still, he’s determined to keep her safe, and his heart from falling for her. But the heart wants what it wants, and maybe God can turn this dangerous time in their lives into something more? Now they just have to figure out who’s after Julia, who’s kidnapping all the young women, and why.

Y’all, this story is the perfect mix of action and the sweet, growing romance between Tarren and Julia. While he’s super protective of her, you also see Julia step up and get just as protective over him, and it’s honestly the sweetest thing. You definitely need to read this!

What you'll find:
🐕 K9 officer
🐾 K9 partner (Raz)
🐢 She works at a sea turtle rescue
👧 She's his best friend's sister
💑 Friends to more
🔒 Forced proximity
✝️ Christian romantic suspense

I received a complimentary copy of this book, this review reflects my honest opinion.

Trained to Protect has a great storyline. The main female lead witnesses and stops an abduction from happening and with this - she sees the face of the cartel involved. Now on a run for her life, she is protected by her childhood crush, her brother's best friend - Tarren. The story holds your attention and is a good quick read. If it wasn't too predictable, I would have given it 5 stars - but all in all, still a very good read.