REVIEW: K-9 Security by Nichole Severn

K-9 Security by Nichole Severn is the first book in the New Mexico Guard Dogs series. Military contractor Cash Meyers has a K-9 partner, Bear, who he inherited after a betrayal cost his previous handler his life. Their job is to keep an eye on the local drug cartel, but distracted, he didn’t realize an attack was going to occur.

Elena Navarro’s young brother was kidnapped during the attack, and she’s determined to get him back at any cost. She knows better than most what the cartel is capable of and wants her brother out of their clutches as soon as possible. Cash, Bear, and Elena pair up, but it’s clear that Elena is hiding something from him. Despite this, to save her brother, Elena and Cash, both of whom have trust issues, are going to have to learn how to trust each other or her brother will pay the price.

The story will grab the reader’s attention and keep it to the end. My only issue with the whole thing was with Elena. While I admired her determination to find her brother, she was also reckless. Cash and his group have experience and know what they’re doing, but Elena doesn’t listen to them. She puts not only herself, but Cash and Bear at risk, because she doesn’t listen to him and goes off on her own, leaving him to go after her into situations they weren’t prepared for. I would understand the first time because she was running on emotion, but she didn’t learn from her mistake and kept doing it, which left me shaking my head at times.

If you enjoy romantic suspense that also features a loyal canine partner, K-9 Security is a book for you. The suspense does overshadow the romance though, so if you’re looking for a steamier read, you won’t find it here. What you will find is a fast-paced, action-packed story that will keep you wondering what will happen next.

Book Info:

Publication: January 23, 2024 | Harlequin Intrigue | New Mexico Guard Dogs #1

Military contractor Cash Meyers and his Rottweiler, Bear, show up in time to save Elena Navarro from being abducted by a drug cartel. But they’re too late to protect her little brother. Rescuing the boy means confronting a criminal who will sacrifice anything—and anyone—to claim Elena. Cash’s instincts are battle honed, but will his intense attraction to Elena put them both in danger?