What do you think?
Rate this book
Texas K-9 Unit #3
Guard Duty
"If you tell, you die."As a potential murder witness, rookie K-9 police officer Valerie Salgado is living with a death threat and caring for her young niece. And things get worse when FBI agent Trevor Lewis comes to Sagebrush, Texas. In exchange for her help on his case, Trevor offers Valerie protection, but Trevor has more walls around him than a maximum-security prison. And now Valerie must convince him that she, her niece and her K-9 partner would make the perfect family for him, if they can stay alive….
Texas K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners
Texas K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Sharon Dunn
145 books178 followersAfter 26 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a life filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She now lives with three nearly grown children, a nervous border collie and two cats.
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her Web site.
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her Web site.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 13, 2014
Book three from the Love Inspired Suspense series "Texas K-9 Unit". Lots of action and suspense, and the dog Lexi was wonderful! Loved it!
January 4, 2020
This is another case of a book from the Love Inspired Suspense line being published in Australia by Mills & Boon in the Intrigue line. It came in a duo with The Girl Who Wouldn't Stay Dead, and because I paid for it, I'm reading it!
The thin plot has K-9 officer Valerie Salgado receiving death threats from a vaguely described "syndicate" because she briefly saw a woman named The Serpent in the vicinity of where a murder took place. Her boss brings in FBI agent Trevor Lewis so that he can keep an eye on her in the line of duty while he tracks some armed robber, Derek Murke, who killed an FBI recruit.
The book basically consists of Valerie and Trevor encountering Murke over and over again, and Murke escaping their clutches over and over and over again. Very repetitive. I wouldn't want to be living in Sagebrush, Texas, where this book is set. These police officers and FBI agents can't catch anybody!
The romance is so low key that it's virtually non-existent. A chaste kiss is all that happens here, and the internal thoughts of h and H regarding the other are few and far between. By the end, Trevor is announcing they're family without any real declarations of love from either him or Valerie.
The "inspirational" aspect is very low-key, aside from some praying to God, which is fine by me, but those who read this line for that element might be disappointed. (I don't know. I'm not the target audience for this line, and it annoys me no end when Mills & Boon in Australia pull this stunt.)
Despite my love of big dogs, even the addition of K-9 Lexi, Valerie's Rottweiler, didn't do much to make the story more interesting.
Overall, pretty blah.
The thin plot has K-9 officer Valerie Salgado receiving death threats from a vaguely described "syndicate" because she briefly saw a woman named The Serpent in the vicinity of where a murder took place. Her boss brings in FBI agent Trevor Lewis so that he can keep an eye on her in the line of duty while he tracks some armed robber, Derek Murke, who killed an FBI recruit.
The book basically consists of Valerie and Trevor encountering Murke over and over again, and Murke escaping their clutches over and over and over again. Very repetitive. I wouldn't want to be living in Sagebrush, Texas, where this book is set. These police officers and FBI agents can't catch anybody!
The romance is so low key that it's virtually non-existent. A chaste kiss is all that happens here, and the internal thoughts of h and H regarding the other are few and far between. By the end, Trevor is announcing they're family without any real declarations of love from either him or Valerie.
The "inspirational" aspect is very low-key, aside from some praying to God, which is fine by me, but those who read this line for that element might be disappointed. (I don't know. I'm not the target audience for this line, and it annoys me no end when Mills & Boon in Australia pull this stunt.)
Despite my love of big dogs, even the addition of K-9 Lexi, Valerie's Rottweiler, didn't do much to make the story more interesting.
Overall, pretty blah.
July 19, 2023
I liked this book's storyline. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I liked Valerie's character. I liked Trevor's character. I loved ❤️ Bethany. I loved ❤️ Lexi 🐕. I liked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2015
Title: Guard Duty (Texas K-9 Book 3)
Author: Sharon Dunn
Website: http://sharondunnbooks.net/
Pages: 224
Year: 2013
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My Rating: 5 stars
The Texas K-9 series begins with Tracking Justice, followed by Detection Mission. Each novel has a different author, but the main story line carries through in each book. Soon, I will have the remaining books in the series, which are Explosive Secrets, Scent of Danger and Lone Star Protector. The story line involves a mystery that the local townspeople and law enforcement never knew was occurring. In book one, we are introduced to the characters of a small town called Sagebrush along with a wooded area called Lost Woods.
The rumors from the street are that in the Lost Woods drug deals go down, bodies might be buried there, and people have gone there, but have never come out or been seen again. A crime syndicate has set up shop in the small town and one by one the officers of the K-9 unit or residents of the town are being targeted. No leaking of information is coming from street informers because The Boss has silenced them with intimidation.
In Guard Duty, Rookie K-9 Officer Salgado is constantly being the target of the syndicate as they fear she may be able to identify a member momentarily seen leaving a murder scene. However, Victoria Salgado can’t even picture the woman’s face, but her top priority is keeping Bethany safe. The case gets even more complicated when the rookie must work with an FBI agent who is on the hunt for a man who is wanted, but also seems to be tied to the syndicate.
I am amazed that with six different authors the characters are consistent, the plot thickens and the tension is ramped up with each book I read. Plus, I cannot seem to figure out who The Boss is as with guesses made the action in the novel points to another possibility. Each piece of fiction makes the characters so lifelike to me I almost feel as if I am reading a true story from a paper. These K-9 books are true treasures as they are fun, exciting and captivating to read. Time sure does fly when I am reading! I hope you will consider reading the series or a of couple books as they are just fantastic!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
Author: Sharon Dunn
Website: http://sharondunnbooks.net/
Pages: 224
Year: 2013
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My Rating: 5 stars
The Texas K-9 series begins with Tracking Justice, followed by Detection Mission. Each novel has a different author, but the main story line carries through in each book. Soon, I will have the remaining books in the series, which are Explosive Secrets, Scent of Danger and Lone Star Protector. The story line involves a mystery that the local townspeople and law enforcement never knew was occurring. In book one, we are introduced to the characters of a small town called Sagebrush along with a wooded area called Lost Woods.
The rumors from the street are that in the Lost Woods drug deals go down, bodies might be buried there, and people have gone there, but have never come out or been seen again. A crime syndicate has set up shop in the small town and one by one the officers of the K-9 unit or residents of the town are being targeted. No leaking of information is coming from street informers because The Boss has silenced them with intimidation.
In Guard Duty, Rookie K-9 Officer Salgado is constantly being the target of the syndicate as they fear she may be able to identify a member momentarily seen leaving a murder scene. However, Victoria Salgado can’t even picture the woman’s face, but her top priority is keeping Bethany safe. The case gets even more complicated when the rookie must work with an FBI agent who is on the hunt for a man who is wanted, but also seems to be tied to the syndicate.
I am amazed that with six different authors the characters are consistent, the plot thickens and the tension is ramped up with each book I read. Plus, I cannot seem to figure out who The Boss is as with guesses made the action in the novel points to another possibility. Each piece of fiction makes the characters so lifelike to me I almost feel as if I am reading a true story from a paper. These K-9 books are true treasures as they are fun, exciting and captivating to read. Time sure does fly when I am reading! I hope you will consider reading the series or a of couple books as they are just fantastic!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
August 29, 2022
I get that Valerie is a rookie cop, but some of her "rookie mistakes" were serious. I don't know who trained her, but they didn't do a very good job. She constantly separated from her partner, including her K-9 partner, and had to be rescued by the tough FBI agent.
And I don't mind him saving her sometimes, because she did save him a few times, and her life was in danger because of The Syndicate, but it was too much. Over and over, she made stupid mistakes and had to be rescued. And she constantly did stuff that kept her separated from her K-9 partner, which would have changed scenes throughout the book where she wouldn't have had to be rescued by a man.
Now, I don't actually mind when men rescue women in these situations, especially if the men are law enforcement, and the women are not. And I don't mind law enforcement officers of any gender helping or rescuing each other, because they're on the same side, they're partners. But this one was too much.
I did like the story overall, especially how it fitted in with the overall story of the series. But the author should have written a stronger female lead, especially when the women in the first two stories fought back against The Syndicate assailants, and held their own in some ways until trained help arrived.
And I don't mind him saving her sometimes, because she did save him a few times, and her life was in danger because of The Syndicate, but it was too much. Over and over, she made stupid mistakes and had to be rescued. And she constantly did stuff that kept her separated from her K-9 partner, which would have changed scenes throughout the book where she wouldn't have had to be rescued by a man.
Now, I don't actually mind when men rescue women in these situations, especially if the men are law enforcement, and the women are not. And I don't mind law enforcement officers of any gender helping or rescuing each other, because they're on the same side, they're partners. But this one was too much.
I did like the story overall, especially how it fitted in with the overall story of the series. But the author should have written a stronger female lead, especially when the women in the first two stories fought back against The Syndicate assailants, and held their own in some ways until trained help arrived.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2015
A new to me author! I really enjoyed this Love Inspired Suspense book. I liked the characters, especially how Trevor finally let Valerie, her niece Bethany, and Valerie's Rottweiler Lexi remove his internal walls and melt his heart! The reason I'm giving this four stars instead of five is that the romance just seemed to happen a little too fast for my taste. I really enjoyed reading a book where a dog was one the main characters, Lexi was such an awesome partner! Oh and even though this is book three of the Texas K-9 Unit series (And I have not read the first two) I had no problem following the story, it's also helpful that each story is about different main characters and is written by a different author! I look forward to reading more books in this series as well as more books by Sharon Dunn.
March 27, 2013
This is a good suspense book, but there are things that bother me in the story.
1) The young woman is raising her sister's baby as her own, yet she takes unnecessary risks with her own life.
2) She also leaves the baby with an elderly lady as her only protection when the baby's life has been specifically threatened.
3) There are not enough inspirational messages or references to God's protection in the book. The only time she mentions God or prays is when she's in a pinch and needs his protection.
Even thought there are several elements I had a hard time believing, I enjoyed the book. It was a quick read and had your heart racing at times.
1) The young woman is raising her sister's baby as her own, yet she takes unnecessary risks with her own life.
2) She also leaves the baby with an elderly lady as her only protection when the baby's life has been specifically threatened.
3) There are not enough inspirational messages or references to God's protection in the book. The only time she mentions God or prays is when she's in a pinch and needs his protection.
Even thought there are several elements I had a hard time believing, I enjoyed the book. It was a quick read and had your heart racing at times.
March 29, 2016
These small books are good for a quick and happy read. A charming romance with some suspense and it all ends with a happily ever after! Ms. Dunn has done her research on K-9 police officers and their dogs. I really enjoyed getting to know Valerie and her partner Lexi. Lexi is an amazing animal! What dogs can be trained to do fascinates me and I loved getting a small peek into the lives of the people who handle them. Valerie and Lexi were a team, they worked incredibly well together and I liked reading about how they understood each other. The romance is sweet, but I confess I enjoyed this story more for the partnership of dog and handler.
February 26, 2013
In Dunn’s love inspired suspense novel, rookie K-9 police officer Valerie Salgado is a potential murder witness. While living with a death threat and caring for her niece, FBI agent Trevor Lewis shows up ready to make a deal: in exchange for help on his case, he’ll provide protection to both her and her niece. With a fortress surrounding Trevor’s heart, Valerie is determined to convince him that together they can be a happy family.
Good installment to the Texas K-9 Unit series.
Good installment to the Texas K-9 Unit series.
July 17, 2018
I enjoyed Valerie's storyline (including her adopted niece), especially the conflict between her fear of the syndicate's threat to her and her family and her ability to do her job as a police officer. I liked the conflict FBI Agent Trevor feels about his tragic family compared to Valerie's "perfect" one. That said, his resolution to make Valerie, her niece, and him a family felt like it came about too quickly.
July 9, 2022
Good but disappointing in some ways
I did love the story but was disappointed that in many instances law enforcement looked like bumbling idiots . Even the main characters didn't react or respond to situations as I would expect law enforcement to. Their off duty actions were not the careful ones I would have expected.
I did love the story but was disappointed that in many instances law enforcement looked like bumbling idiots . Even the main characters didn't react or respond to situations as I would expect law enforcement to. Their off duty actions were not the careful ones I would have expected.
December 16, 2018
Obviously a slow read 4 me. I liked the personal note by author at end.
Too many “almost got the bad guy moments” which came across as cheap ways to build suspense to me.
The motive of the bad guys was murky too.
Too many “almost got the bad guy moments” which came across as cheap ways to build suspense to me.
The motive of the bad guys was murky too.
February 7, 2015
a GREAT book from start to finish, loved Valerie and her family.....lots of clean action and an incredible police dog, Lexi, who was just a tremendous part of the book! Highly recommend this one!
August 1, 2023
An enjoyable series, with suspense, mystery and romance all thrown into the mix - and of course the K-9's, I am a sucker for all stories involving these dogs.
September 20, 2022
"Guard Duty" is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the third book in a series and continues the ongoing mystery about the stolen K9, but it also works as a stand alone novel. Valerie briefly saw a killer leaving the site where an officer later found a body, but all she really remembered was that the woman seemed vaguely familiar. That killer thinks Valerie knows her identity and sends assassins after her. Trevor's tracking a man who killed a rookie he trained, and he's determined that no one will kill Valerie (another rookie) while she helps him track down this killer with her knowledge of the locals. Valerie had an alarming tendency to freeze when in danger--when a man pointed a gun at her, when a car tried to hit her, etc. She did think quick and save herself once near the beginning, but after that Trevor had to keep pulling her from danger.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.
April 25, 2022
Again I will say that this Mini Series Texas K-9 Unit will have you on edge all the way through the books. Guard Duty book 3 will have your heart in your chest and a very strong love for Valerie, Bethany, and FBI Agent Trevor Lewis and K-9 Officer Lezie as they battle a very bad group of people intended to play having on the town of Sagebrush, Texas not caring for those they will hurt or kill people to find what their Boss wants.
May 24, 2018
Family Means Love
This book was great. While she's learning to be a K-9 police officer Valerie also has to learn how to become a mother to her 18 month old niece since losing her sister to cancer. With her hands already full she becomes a target of a hit when she sees a criminal. She meets an FBI agent that changes her life when she's asked to help him with his case.
This book was great. While she's learning to be a K-9 police officer Valerie also has to learn how to become a mother to her 18 month old niece since losing her sister to cancer. With her hands already full she becomes a target of a hit when she sees a criminal. She meets an FBI agent that changes her life when she's asked to help him with his case.
June 16, 2018
A glimpse at a woman, but couldn’t place who she was later. Turned into a nightmare for Valerie, and her dog Lexi. This is a fast pace, of life may be taken in the many situation, that came about when trying to apprehend one of the bad guys.They were determined, would it ever end. One won’t want to put this down, till finished.
August 12, 2022
Winning over Lexi
I enjoy how the main theme of nefarious happenings in the lost woods is woven into each story. As each K9 officer faces a new challenge this commonality exists. Fun dynamics between Trevor , the woman he's assigned to protect, her daughter Bethany , and dog Lexi.
Looking forward to resolving the Lost Woods mystery. On to the next book!
I enjoy how the main theme of nefarious happenings in the lost woods is woven into each story. As each K9 officer faces a new challenge this commonality exists. Fun dynamics between Trevor , the woman he's assigned to protect, her daughter Bethany , and dog Lexi.
Looking forward to resolving the Lost Woods mystery. On to the next book!
December 16, 2018
FRI agent plus redhead k9 officer plus baby plus rottweiler k9 equals a good story and a little more of the story unravels. Catching one more fugitive and eliminating another middle manager still hasn't uncovered the Boss.
Lexi, Valerie, Bethany and Trevor have found their forever family,
Lexi, Valerie, Bethany and Trevor have found their forever family,
July 30, 2022
Guard Duty
Love a good story with dogs and children in them and to that the adults with their hang ups and there is a good story. Then you have the good and bad guys pulling you into the story trying to figure out who done it, way to go Sharon Dunn
Love a good story with dogs and children in them and to that the adults with their hang ups and there is a good story. Then you have the good and bad guys pulling you into the story trying to figure out who done it, way to go Sharon Dunn
March 23, 2023
Breath-holding drama
This was a fast moving story about danger, intrigue and romance all rolled into. There is nothing like a threat to an officer and her child without knowing who the enemy is or when they may attack to get the reader holding their breath. Very enjoyable read.
This was a fast moving story about danger, intrigue and romance all rolled into. There is nothing like a threat to an officer and her child without knowing who the enemy is or when they may attack to get the reader holding their breath. Very enjoyable read.
April 9, 2023
The Serpent will never give up!
Constantly changing, this mystery held me captive with gut-wrenching fear for Valerie, her baby niece, and her faithful K-9 partner Lexi, while under the protection of Agent Trevor. I couldn't put this book down!
Constantly changing, this mystery held me captive with gut-wrenching fear for Valerie, her baby niece, and her faithful K-9 partner Lexi, while under the protection of Agent Trevor. I couldn't put this book down!
August 2, 2017
I enjoyed this book. The author's writing was good and the story held my interest.
February 19, 2018
Suspense filled book with romance and a HEA ending. Love that you catch up with characters from previous books in the series. On to book #4!
April 14, 2019
Loved it. The series is great each book better
September 25, 2019
It was a good book. Would have been a smidge more believable had the relationship been over the course of several weeks, not a few days.
March 24, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Altra bella storia con un finale ovviamente lieto, ma strappalacrime.
Altra bella storia con un finale ovviamente lieto, ma strappalacrime.
September 9, 2020
I loved this book and I can't wait to read more of the Texas K-9 unit books
January 8, 2021
God is good
Heart in my throat, but a good read.
Things are ramping up!
can't wait to read what comes next in this series!
Heart in my throat, but a good read.
Things are ramping up!
can't wait to read what comes next in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews