Everyone thinks Harper Jansen is dead.
She is not, and she wants her life back.

When Harper—very much alive but terrified—calls Kade Church, he does what is programmed in his DNA: he protects. Delta Force operator Kade and Duke, his military K-9 school flunker, have the skills to keep Harper safe.

Kade has never allowed himself to think of Harper as more than his best friend, but as they join forces to bring the men who tried to kill her to justice, long-buried feelings surface. And Duke may be a goofball and see everything as a game, but when it counts, he proves he’s more than a boot camp dropout.

Whatever it takes, they’ll save the woman Kade is falling in love with.

Titles in the K-9 Defenders series include — In His Protection —♦— Her Delta Force Protector —♦— To Hold and Protect —♦—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Her Delta Force Protector
Series:  K-9 Defenders #2
Author:  Sandra Owens
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Published:  December 27, 2022
Publisher:  Carina Press (Harlequin)
My Rating:  4.5

Before diving into the third story in this series, I realized that I’d never put up a review for the second one… *eye roll at self*.  So, first off let’s talk about Her Delta Force Protector, and what an amazingly intense story this one is – along with a humorous one as well with one particular goofball named Duke involved.  He might be a pup that loves to play more than anything else, but when he’s needed to be brave and heroic, this K-9 boot camp dropout shows he learned those lessons well (just that playing with his people is more fun).  I did a quick reread over the weekend to be sure I was remembering this story correctly, and I’m so glad I did since To Hold and Protect is up next with that release in a few days now.  I love this world, and it’s always fun to return to it.

A few weeks ago, Kade, had to emotionally bury his friend, Harper.  Today… Harper gets in touch with Kade, and she is very much alive but definitely in danger, as are those she cares about.  Between feeling incredulous, angry, and relieved, Kade brings Harper to his childhood home for protection and to help her stop those that left her for dead after beating her to the point of unconsciousness.  The danger to them all has only just begun with the wrong people discovering that Harper didn’t conveniently die.

I was so easily swept up in Her Delta Force Protector for the danger, the suspense, the growing attraction between friends, and one adorable dog who becomes a hero when needed.  Plus we get to visit with a sweet little “Pickle Princess” and the couple from the first story once again.  It’s all hands on deck as Kade draws family and friends to the fight for Harper’s life… and maybe two friends have a different future ahead of them if they’re willing to risk falling in love for a lifetime.

The villains are truly vile, the danger very real, and the relationships are all strengthened as Kade and Harper work together (along with Kade’s brothers and friends) to bring down a very nasty, evil group.  If you love your Romantic Suspense full of danger, intrigue, puzzle pieces, and a cute pup who just wants to play, then you’re going to love this one.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

Available in print or for your favorite e-reader