REVIEW: When I Found You by Kate James

In When I Found You (The K-9 Trilogy #3) by Kate James (HQN), Ariana Atkins strives to be the best airport chief of security, but it seems someone is out to undermine her authority. When a bomb is found inside the airport threatening the lives of passengers, Ariana knows she needs to rely on help from K-9 unit captain Logan O’Connor and his dog, Boomer to find the person responsible before she too becomes a target?

”I was wrong,” Logan said after Carly left.
“Wrong about what?”
“I would’ve bet a month’s salary that you’d be a wine drinker. A white – smooth and well-chilled.”
Ariana laughed. “You’re not wrong. I’ve been known to have a glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc now and again. Working in the field that I do, beer has become an acquired taste. Hanging around so many men, I’ve learned to enjoy a frosty glass of Corona as much as a glass of wine. So, tell me, how’d you get the nickname Jagger?”

Romantic suspense – I believe – is one of the best genres, and this stand-alone story in Ms. James K-9 Trilogy was captivating, fast-paced and — for me – a book where the pages flew by due to the suspense. Will Ariana and Logan discover who is responsible? Is there something more sinister going on in the airport besides the bomb threats? The way this story started was a little amusing, although if I was a passenger on the plane I would have a few choice words for the two women that caused trouble.

The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories, and the trouble being caused at the airport. Can Ariana keep it together when things start to get worse not only at the airport but for her personally? Can she convince her boss that she’s a good chief of security, and worthy of keeping the position? However, although this book is quite intense, there were some light-hearted moments that had me smiling. Can Ariana overcome her fear of Logan’s K-9 partner? What made Logan become a cop? What made Ariana become a security officer at the airport? Why is Logan’s nickname Jagger? Certainly, I found their back stories very interesting.

I really enjoyed the main characters as well as the secondary ones. The friendship Ariana shares with her colleague, Max, is good because he supports her, even though evidence comes to light that makes her look guilty. Then there’s Logan’s relationship with his sister. She needs his support, and he’s there to give it to her, even though it seems he’s over her ‘men are horrid‘ tirade.

As for Ariana, she’s strong, brave and determined to prove she knows what she’s doing when it comes to her job. No way is she going to allow the person causing all the trouble for her to win. Indeed, I liked her fighting spirit because it illustrated what she’s had to overcome throughout her life; the fact that she wasn’t able to gain her dream career due to her medical condition. While Logan, he’s kind, caring, but doesn’t trust easily due to misconceptions in his past. Yet, Ariana manages to convince him she’s worth trusting. That she has what it takes to make passengers safe, especially with all the precautions she’s implementing. He also has a wonderful partnership with his dog, and I liked how much they trusted each other, especially when it came to Ariana and her fear of dogs.

Overall, this was a really good book that combined heartwarming romance, edge-of-your-seat suspense and well-written dialogue that kept me entertained from start to finish. The way this story ended was perfect, as Ariana received praise for her efforts in protecting the public. I also liked what happened between her and Boomer, Logan’s K-9 partner. Despite her fear, it was good that she would do anything to protect those that need help. I would recommend When I Found You by Kate James, if you enjoy romantic suspense.

Book Info:

Publication: July 1st, 2016 | Harlequin Heartwarming | The K-9 Trilogy #3

Is she part of the solution…or the problem?

It could be a terrorist threat. Or is it some other sinister plot? An unprecedented rash of security breaches at San Diego’s international airport is putting passengers at risk and bringing the competence of the airport’s chief of security, Ariana Atkins, into question. With explosives the weapon of choice, police K-9 unit captain Logan O’Connor and his bomb detection dog, Boomer, might be Ariana’s best, if not only, line of defense. Logan is certain his belief in Ariana, and his growing love for her, aren’t misplaced…but it wouldn’t be the first time he’s misjudged someone’s intentions.