Series: K-9 Ranch Rescue (Book 1)
Sizzling days of danger…
Introducing the K-9 Ranch Rescue series
Devastated after her father’s murder, Amber Belott wants to keep his legacy alive by saving his K-9 ranch. Her first move? Hiring Evan Colluro, a former military K-9 trainer, who impresses -- and attracts -- her. If only she weren’t his boss…and his past didn’t trouble him. Evan joins Amber in investigating. But when chaos erupts, it threatens all that’s drawing them together.
Good book. After her father was murdered on their ranch, Amber returned home to help her mother keep their dog training facility going. Her father had had an excellent reputation for training all kinds of dogs, from pets to police K-9s. Because she doesn't have the training to do so, Amber knew that she needed to hire just the right trainer. She started to lose hope until Evan came for his interview. The demonstration of his methods quickly proved that he was exactly what she needed.
Evan really wanted this job. Since leaving the military, he'd been working mostly in the city, which was a strain for him. Thanks to his wartime injuries, he suffered from some PTSD, just enough to make him uncomfortable in crowds. The open spaces and slower lifestyle of the ranch were exactly what he and his dog, Bear, needed.
I enjoyed the first meeting between Amber and Evan. Amber was cautious, as all of her previous interviews had been unimpressive. She was also a little concerned that he avoided making eye contact. But all of her worries faded into the background as soon as he started working with the dogs. Evan was also wary. He knows his capabilities, but he also knows that he isn't very happy being bossed around. But as long as they are clear about expectations, Evan was certain that all would be well. What neither expected was the burst of attraction they felt. Neither was looking for a relationship, but as the days went on, they couldn't deny the attraction.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Amber and Evan. At first, they were determined to keep it professional, as Amber was the boss and Evan was the employee. Those lines began to blur the more time that they spent together. I loved their partnership as they worked with the dogs and how easily they meshed. The attraction between them continued to grow, as did their feelings for each other. I liked Evan's protectiveness, especially the way he tried to temper her confrontations with the police over her father's murder. I liked the fact that there was no drama between them, just the progression from attraction and passion to love.
The suspense of the story was good, though a little slow at the beginning. It was easy to see Amber's frustration at the apparent lack of progress in solving her father's murder. Evan's arrival amped up the tension a bit as he also got involved in the investigation, and stirred up the various suspects. By the middle of the book, the danger started to heat up, as Amber received some threatening texts. I liked Evan's increased protectiveness and Amber's concern over Evan's safety. The final confrontation was intense, with a very satisfying resolution.
My favorite parts of the book involved the dogs. I enjoyed how each one had its own personality, though Bear was my favorite. I liked learning about the history between him and Evan. The connection between them was fantastic and was deeper than just a working relationship. I especially like the way that Bear sensed when Evan was struggling. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing more of these dogs and characters.
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