In Keeping Guard by Sandra Owens, Navy SEAL Noah Alba is on leave due to a tragic incident that occurred on a 
mission, one that leaves him an incredible amount of guilt. His commander forces him to spend his leave working with his former teammate, Jack, who now runs a place called Operation K-9 Brothers, where he trains service dogs for veterans. He immediately assigns a dog to Noah, and as much as he doesn’t want anything to do with him, he can’t help but start to care about the dog.
On her wedding day, Peyton Sutton finds out her fiancé is only marrying her to get control of the brewery her father owns. She takes off, finding solace at a waterfall, where she meets Noah. When it becomes clear her fiancé isn’t going to let her easily walk away, she asks Noah to act as her bodyguard. While they’re attracted to one another, both fight the attraction as Peyton’s dealing with her ex-fiancé and Noah’s trying to work through his guilt. When Peyton’s life becomes endangered, will it be enough to help Noah move past his issues, or will it drive him away?
While I found Peyton to be a little naive at times when it came to her ex, I liked how she was able to recognize that Noah was struggling with something and her determination to help him. She clearly has a big heart and just wants to be loved for who she is, quirks and all. Noah comes across as a bit gruff at first, refusing the help of his friends and Peyton, but it was only because he doesn’t feel like he deserves to be happy. His instant bond, which he didn’t want, with Lucky was adorable. The dog won him over despite his attempts to not fall for him. It was a bumpy journey to happiness for both Peyton and Noah, but it was an enjoyable one.
I was expecting more action on the part of the Peyton’s ex, but he mainly comes across as mainly a lurker throughout most of the book. I did think that helped to build the anticipation though, since it was never clear when he was finally going to make his move or why he was so desperate to gain control of the brewery.
This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book in the series but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I enjoyed this one so much that I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book in the series, which is Jack’s story.
With realistic characters, witty banter, a well-written storyline, and a bit of action thrown in, Keeping Guard will draw readers in from the first page until the last. This book would be for those readers who enjoy romantic suspense or military romances.
QOTD: What are some of your favorite things about military romances?
Book Info:
Publication: May 11, 2021 | Carina Press | Operation K-9 Brothers #2
Navy SEAL Noah Alba is on extended leave after a terrible mistake resulted in the loss of his K-9 partner. He arrives in Asheville, North Carolina, hoping to get his head on straight before he returns overseas. When an old friend recruits him to train service dogs for veterans, he doesn’t feel ready. Still, rambunctious rescue dog Lucky is awfully hard to resist — as is the drop-dead stunning bride Noah encounters while hiking.
When she finds out her fiancé is only marrying her to gain control of her family’s brewery, Peyton Sutton’s I do turns into a hard pass real quick. But Peyton’s father and now-jilted ex are determined to force the match at any cost. Running away can only get her so far, until Noah — and his adorably fierce canine companion — step in as an unlikely protector.
Guarding a runaway bride in the close quarters of her downtown loft is no way to avoid a simmering attraction. But Peyton can’t outrun her ex, and Noah can’t outrun his past; they’ll have to find a way to move forward together, or risk making another terrible mistake.
