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Protectors at K-9 Ranch #1
Shadow Survivors
With children seeking a safe haven
Her ranch becomes a refuge.
Jessie Bennington’s past motivated her canine-focused business, where she heals those who are emotionally traumatized. When two young children show up at her ranch, predators on their trail, Jessie can only trust her longtime friend Garrett Caldwell. The deputy goes into protector mode without a single hesitation. Garrett has buried his feelings for Jessie long enough. He isn't about to let any danger come between them—or the innocent children—now.
Her ranch becomes a refuge.
Jessie Bennington’s past motivated her canine-focused business, where she heals those who are emotionally traumatized. When two young children show up at her ranch, predators on their trail, Jessie can only trust her longtime friend Garrett Caldwell. The deputy goes into protector mode without a single hesitation. Garrett has buried his feelings for Jessie long enough. He isn't about to let any danger come between them—or the innocent children—now.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2024
138 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Julie Miller
294 books370 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie Miller writes breathtaking romantic suspense. She's won a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier Awards among other prizes. She was also honored to receive a Career Achievement Award from RT BookReviews and has been a finalist for many national and international awards. Her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.
Writing about Kansas City cops, Julie has crafted bestselling, award-winning books for Harlequin Intrigue. In addition, Ms. Miller publishes romantic suspense books with a military twist. Millions of copies of her books have been sold in print and digital formats around the world.
USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie Miller writes breathtaking romantic suspense. She's won a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier Awards among other prizes. She was also honored to receive a Career Achievement Award from RT BookReviews and has been a finalist for many national and international awards. Her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.
Writing about Kansas City cops, Julie has crafted bestselling, award-winning books for Harlequin Intrigue. In addition, Ms. Miller publishes romantic suspense books with a military twist. Millions of copies of her books have been sold in print and digital formats around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 28, 2025
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Protectors at K-9 Ranch series. I loved getting to know the characters in this book, and all the dogs won my heart. This book had me for the beginning. There was parts of this book that had me laughing so hard, and there was also parts that had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
September 24, 2024
Let's be clear - I don't actually read these for the romance. I read them for the adventure/suspense that I know won't get graphic and will give everyone a happy ending. There are times in life when that kind of story really soothes me while it entertains. For that, this book was great.
This is the first book I've read by the author, and I really enjoyed the pacing, the fact that I couldn't be exactly sure what was happening until closer to the end and the strong worry I had for the characters. Add in the fact that the MCs are in their late 40s, and they acted like it, and I was happy. I didn't love all the time the hero spent admiring her hair, that seemed a bit weird, but otherwise their relationship was fine.
So, all in all I'll definitely read more by this author, and hope that her other books are done as well.
This is the first book I've read by the author, and I really enjoyed the pacing, the fact that I couldn't be exactly sure what was happening until closer to the end and the strong worry I had for the characters. Add in the fact that the MCs are in their late 40s, and they acted like it, and I was happy. I didn't love all the time the hero spent admiring her hair, that seemed a bit weird, but otherwise their relationship was fine.
So, all in all I'll definitely read more by this author, and hope that her other books are done as well.
April 11, 2024
K-9 trainer Jessie Bennington teams up with her friend deputy sheriff Garrett Caldwell to protect two scared runaways in Shadow Survivors. This is the first in a series at K-9 Ranch and it's a great start that you really can't miss!
These two are mature characters that Julie does so well. Jessie is a lovely 46 and silver fox Garrett is a fit and sexy 50. Both are burdened with trauma from their respective pasts. Jessie is the survivor of a home invasion a dozen years earlier that killed her husband and baby. Garrett is a former army sniper.
The pair have been friends for ten years and Garrett wants something more. Jessie has her work - her dogs - and her intentions to keep providing K9 for support animals. And she is scared to lose someone again. (Come on, lady! Don't you see what a hunk you have there just waiting for you to give him a sign that you want to give him a chance to be good together? Wake up!)
The first half is a slow burn where we meet Jessie and Garrett. They're two compelling characters. The second half rockets off as the two have to work together to help the runaways and they realize slow burn isn't going to cut it.
There's plenty of Julie Miller signature action and danger and romance with mildly spicy intimate scene. This one is not quite so much a who-done-it as it is a woman-in-peril but there is plenty going on. (& Jessie is no pushover!) There are also two of the cutest brother and sister who are sadly wise beyond their years.
This is definitely worth the read and will appeal to fans of romantic suspense.
Oh -- I like the new format. The covers are sturdier and they're easier to read.
These two are mature characters that Julie does so well. Jessie is a lovely 46 and silver fox Garrett is a fit and sexy 50. Both are burdened with trauma from their respective pasts. Jessie is the survivor of a home invasion a dozen years earlier that killed her husband and baby. Garrett is a former army sniper.
The pair have been friends for ten years and Garrett wants something more. Jessie has her work - her dogs - and her intentions to keep providing K9 for support animals. And she is scared to lose someone again. (Come on, lady! Don't you see what a hunk you have there just waiting for you to give him a sign that you want to give him a chance to be good together? Wake up!)
The first half is a slow burn where we meet Jessie and Garrett. They're two compelling characters. The second half rockets off as the two have to work together to help the runaways and they realize slow burn isn't going to cut it.
There's plenty of Julie Miller signature action and danger and romance with mildly spicy intimate scene. This one is not quite so much a who-done-it as it is a woman-in-peril but there is plenty going on. (& Jessie is no pushover!) There are also two of the cutest brother and sister who are sadly wise beyond their years.
This is definitely worth the read and will appeal to fans of romantic suspense.
Oh -- I like the new format. The covers are sturdier and they're easier to read.
January 12, 2025
Jessie Bennington, a formidable woman, embodies strength that deserves emulation. Ten years ago, she endured unimaginable tragedy and loss. Since then, she has dedicated her life to training service dogs, accompanied by her loyal aging support dog, Shadow.
A series of peculiar events bring Jessie’s friend, Deputy Garrett Caldwell, to her ranch. Their friendship has blossomed, but Jessie has set a boundary that Garrett never anticipated crossing. Not only has Jessie suffered significant loss, but Garrett has also grappled with his own personal tragedies. As this couple is in their 40s, finding love seemed like an insurmountable task.
However, as the story unfolds, an urgent alert emerges: two children, a nine-year-old boy and his five-year-old sister, have gone missing. Amidst the presence of the ever-supportive service dogs, the unfolding situation involving the children, and the deepening friendship between Jessie and Garrett, a glimmer of hope emerges for a happy ending for all involved.
A series of peculiar events bring Jessie’s friend, Deputy Garrett Caldwell, to her ranch. Their friendship has blossomed, but Jessie has set a boundary that Garrett never anticipated crossing. Not only has Jessie suffered significant loss, but Garrett has also grappled with his own personal tragedies. As this couple is in their 40s, finding love seemed like an insurmountable task.
However, as the story unfolds, an urgent alert emerges: two children, a nine-year-old boy and his five-year-old sister, have gone missing. Amidst the presence of the ever-supportive service dogs, the unfolding situation involving the children, and the deepening friendship between Jessie and Garrett, a glimmer of hope emerges for a happy ending for all involved.
April 11, 2024
Brilliant
I love this book. This book is captivating and addictive. A must for all Julie Miller readers. I highly recommend this book.
I love this book. This book is captivating and addictive. A must for all Julie Miller readers. I highly recommend this book.
October 15, 2025
I really liked the suspense in this book. I also loved the dogs and liked how it ended with none of the good guys or the dogs dying.
February 6, 2025
Friends to lovers theme, though the H was a friend because he had the hots for the h so..
Some nitpicking - the gene for long hair is recessive and GSDs do carry it so that’s hardly a determining factor on the h’s dog being mixed. Also, a lot of people play frisbee with their dogs so that’s not exactly a gotcha. Not sure why the h didn’t say as much, considering the lab was carrying it. Now, why he would carry it while going off to investigate something suspicious is a bit odd.
As for the story itself…seems a bit odd for a self-styled mobster/drug lord to be getting his hands dirty. Anyway…
Some nitpicking - the gene for long hair is recessive and GSDs do carry it so that’s hardly a determining factor on the h’s dog being mixed. Also, a lot of people play frisbee with their dogs so that’s not exactly a gotcha. Not sure why the h didn’t say as much, considering the lab was carrying it. Now, why he would carry it while going off to investigate something suspicious is a bit odd.
As for the story itself…seems a bit odd for a self-styled mobster/drug lord to be getting his hands dirty. Anyway…
April 26, 2024
Wonderful book! This one is worth reading again and again.
March 13, 2024
I loved that the police officer and his love interest were a little bit older and more mature than the usual characters in my romance novels! I can’t wait to read more in this new Julie Miller series!
July 6, 2024
"She hated that growl....
.....it was the sound of danger. A threat. Sometimes even death." And nightmares, so many nightmares.
Jessie lived through unimaginable horrors, where seconds turn a day from perfect, to the day where you lose everything. Your world is ripped apart and nothing is ever the same. She lived it, barely survived it and has gradually rebuilt her life, but not only does she have to fight the trauma every day, but she is also fighting her fears...the biggest one... love. Garrett has his own traumas, PTSD and losing his wife to cancer, but he doesn't fear love, he craves it every time he looks at Jessie. He sees just how strong she is, but he still wants to hold her, protect her, love her, however with that strength he also sees her fears. Their pasts will shred your heart, but seeing Garrett lay his heart out for Jessie is beautiful. He's not only a hero, but a gent too!
Just as they are embracing the change in their relationship and the hope of a future together, we are heartbroken again when Abby and Nate come crashing into Jessie's world. Their experiences are unfathomable and crushing, thankfully Jessie and Garrett don't hesitate to step up and be everything they need. Together the four of them are a beautiful blended family that bonds to form something more. My only grumble is that we don't get to know exactly what the future holds for Abby and Nate...please tell me they get to stay with Jessie and Garrett?
I look forward to book two and Mollie's story.
.....it was the sound of danger. A threat. Sometimes even death." And nightmares, so many nightmares.
Jessie lived through unimaginable horrors, where seconds turn a day from perfect, to the day where you lose everything. Your world is ripped apart and nothing is ever the same. She lived it, barely survived it and has gradually rebuilt her life, but not only does she have to fight the trauma every day, but she is also fighting her fears...the biggest one... love. Garrett has his own traumas, PTSD and losing his wife to cancer, but he doesn't fear love, he craves it every time he looks at Jessie. He sees just how strong she is, but he still wants to hold her, protect her, love her, however with that strength he also sees her fears. Their pasts will shred your heart, but seeing Garrett lay his heart out for Jessie is beautiful. He's not only a hero, but a gent too!
Just as they are embracing the change in their relationship and the hope of a future together, we are heartbroken again when Abby and Nate come crashing into Jessie's world. Their experiences are unfathomable and crushing, thankfully Jessie and Garrett don't hesitate to step up and be everything they need. Together the four of them are a beautiful blended family that bonds to form something more. My only grumble is that we don't get to know exactly what the future holds for Abby and Nate...please tell me they get to stay with Jessie and Garrett?
I look forward to book two and Mollie's story.
April 7, 2024
Shadow Survivors is the first book in the new Protectors at K-9 Ranch series by Julie Miller. If this first book is any indication, readers can look forward to a great series.
The main characters are Jessie Bennington and Deputy Garrett Caldwell. These two have been friends for years, but Garrett would like their relationship to be more, but Jessie isn’t sure due to a tragedy in her past. Jessie runs the K-9 Ranch where she trains dogs to be support animals for a myriad of clients. The story heats up when two runaway children are found hiding out in Jessie’s barn, and Garrett and Jessie are tasked with keeping the kids safe and eliminating the threat against them, all while navigating the deepening of their relationship.
The first half of this book is a slow burn while we are introduced to Garrett and Jessie and their tragic but separate backstories. They are a mature couple— well over thirty, but not over the hill by any means, which is a plot line that Ms. Miller has done well in the past. There are many dogs in this book (and who doesn’t love that!), but Shadow, Jessie’s emotional support dog, plays the leading K-9 role in this book. The speed picks up exponentially in the second half of the book, so much so, that I found myself turning page after page to see what happens next! As is expected in every romance book, the H/h do get their happy ending!
Lovers of romantic suspense will enjoy this book, and in my opinion, the balance between the mystery and romance is just right. All the characters including the dogs are well developed. This book is from the Harlequin Intrigue line. If you have never read a category romance book, I encourage you to give them a try and start with this one. You will not be disappointed!
The main characters are Jessie Bennington and Deputy Garrett Caldwell. These two have been friends for years, but Garrett would like their relationship to be more, but Jessie isn’t sure due to a tragedy in her past. Jessie runs the K-9 Ranch where she trains dogs to be support animals for a myriad of clients. The story heats up when two runaway children are found hiding out in Jessie’s barn, and Garrett and Jessie are tasked with keeping the kids safe and eliminating the threat against them, all while navigating the deepening of their relationship.
The first half of this book is a slow burn while we are introduced to Garrett and Jessie and their tragic but separate backstories. They are a mature couple— well over thirty, but not over the hill by any means, which is a plot line that Ms. Miller has done well in the past. There are many dogs in this book (and who doesn’t love that!), but Shadow, Jessie’s emotional support dog, plays the leading K-9 role in this book. The speed picks up exponentially in the second half of the book, so much so, that I found myself turning page after page to see what happens next! As is expected in every romance book, the H/h do get their happy ending!
Lovers of romantic suspense will enjoy this book, and in my opinion, the balance between the mystery and romance is just right. All the characters including the dogs are well developed. This book is from the Harlequin Intrigue line. If you have never read a category romance book, I encourage you to give them a try and start with this one. You will not be disappointed!
January 15, 2025
Terrific blend of suspense and romance with the added bonus of a "mature" couple. This is the first book in a new series centered around K-9 Ranch. Owner and dog trainer Jessie pairs up with her old friend Garrett to protect two children with trouble on their trail.
Jessie and Garrett have traumatic pasts that still influence their lives. Jessie lost her husband and baby in a home invasion twelve years earlier, leading her to start her business training support dogs. Garrett is a former sniper who has flashbacks to some of his missions. They have been friends for many years, but Garrett wants more. At forty-six, Jessie is wary of risking her heart again, especially on someone with a dangerous job. Garrett is fifty and has been in love with Jessie for years. I loved his patience and understanding of her fears while emphasizing that his feelings are forever.
When odd things happen around her ranch, Garrett's protective instincts kick in. Matters become complicated when two runaway children show up in Jessie's barn. Nine-year-old Nate and his five-year-old sister, Abby, escaped from their drug dealer father and his predator boss. The intensity ramps up as the bad guys close in. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, both terrifying and exhilarating, as danger was faced and overcome. I loved the ending and seeing Jessie find happiness at long last.
Jessie and Garrett have traumatic pasts that still influence their lives. Jessie lost her husband and baby in a home invasion twelve years earlier, leading her to start her business training support dogs. Garrett is a former sniper who has flashbacks to some of his missions. They have been friends for many years, but Garrett wants more. At forty-six, Jessie is wary of risking her heart again, especially on someone with a dangerous job. Garrett is fifty and has been in love with Jessie for years. I loved his patience and understanding of her fears while emphasizing that his feelings are forever.
When odd things happen around her ranch, Garrett's protective instincts kick in. Matters become complicated when two runaway children show up in Jessie's barn. Nine-year-old Nate and his five-year-old sister, Abby, escaped from their drug dealer father and his predator boss. The intensity ramps up as the bad guys close in. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, both terrifying and exhilarating, as danger was faced and overcome. I loved the ending and seeing Jessie find happiness at long last.
November 4, 2025
Jessie Bennington and Deputy Garrett Caldwell have been close friends for years, but Garrett hopes for something more. Jessie, however, is hesitant due to a past tragedy. She runs the K-9 Ranch, where she trains dogs to be support animals for her clients. Just as Jessie and Garrett begin to explore the possibility of a deeper relationship, runaways Abby and Nate enter their lives with heartbreaking stories. Jessie and Garrett immediately step in to provide the love and care they need, and together, the four form a beautiful, blended family.
The first half of the book is a slow build, focusing on Garrett and Jessie's individual backstories and struggles. It’s refreshing to see older, more mature characters in a romance novel! The story is full of dogs (which is always a plus), with Shadow, Jessie’s emotional support dog, taking the spotlight. The pace picks up dramatically in the second half, making it impossible to put down.
This is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and heartwarming stories.
The first half of the book is a slow build, focusing on Garrett and Jessie's individual backstories and struggles. It’s refreshing to see older, more mature characters in a romance novel! The story is full of dogs (which is always a plus), with Shadow, Jessie’s emotional support dog, taking the spotlight. The pace picks up dramatically in the second half, making it impossible to put down.
This is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and heartwarming stories.
October 8, 2025
This is the first book in the Protectors At K-9 Ranch series.
This story is about a woman named Jessie Bennington. Her past has motivated her canine-focused business. She heals those who are emotionally traumatized. When two young children show up at her ranch, predators on their trail Jessie can trust her longtime friend Garrett Caldwell. The deputy goes into protector mode without a single thought.
Garrett has buried his feelings for Jessie long enough. He isn’t about to let any danger come between them or the innocent children not now or ever. I liked Garrett and Jessie and the young children. I liked the story but I was hoping for some spicy moments in the story.
This story is about a woman named Jessie Bennington. Her past has motivated her canine-focused business. She heals those who are emotionally traumatized. When two young children show up at her ranch, predators on their trail Jessie can trust her longtime friend Garrett Caldwell. The deputy goes into protector mode without a single thought.
Garrett has buried his feelings for Jessie long enough. He isn’t about to let any danger come between them or the innocent children not now or ever. I liked Garrett and Jessie and the young children. I liked the story but I was hoping for some spicy moments in the story.
March 3, 2025
Harlequin is a name a reader can trust. Harlequin author Julie Miller writes a story of compassion, love, and moving on. Her good guys are a cut above. She creates a strong female protagonist. Add to that a K9 farm, and the readers also have a cast of four-legged friends to drool over. Throw in two young children running for their lives, and the story gets even more engaging. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 12, 2024
While I always enjoy this author’s book, I especially liked this one. Jessie and Garrett are a mature couple with a life time of experiences that result in rich characters. The story fully kept my interest. I liked the inclusion of therapy dogs in a realistic way. Looking forward to the next book.
January 2, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story about a mature couple finding a second chance at love. Drawn together by runaway children seeking help from a dangerous situation, they have to learn how to open their hearts to the possibilities of lost dreams. I enjoy how Miller crafts her stories, taking care to broach sensitive topics with compassion and realism. She is by far one of my favorite authors to read.
May 20, 2024
Warmth, Strength, Future!
Shadow Survivors is a tense, gritty novel. I’ve been a long time fan of Julie Miller books and this one is thrilling. Great introduction to the new series.
Shadow Survivors is a tense, gritty novel. I’ve been a long time fan of Julie Miller books and this one is thrilling. Great introduction to the new series.
August 27, 2024
‘I’m your therapy person?’
A great suspense novel featuring a slightly older and more mature leading couple getting their second chance at love and a family that includes two runaway children and a bunch of lovable K9 protectors. You can’t miss with this one!
A great suspense novel featuring a slightly older and more mature leading couple getting their second chance at love and a family that includes two runaway children and a bunch of lovable K9 protectors. You can’t miss with this one!
March 10, 2025
Love happens again even when you ate not ready!
She lost her husband, dog and unborn son during an attack! She felt she would never know love again! She meant the sheriff! Maybe she can take a chance! Enjoy book#1in this series!
She lost her husband, dog and unborn son during an attack! She felt she would never know love again! She meant the sheriff! Maybe she can take a chance! Enjoy book#1in this series!
August 21, 2025
Great Story lots of suspense
Love the characters slowly falling in love. The way they took care of the kids they found. So sweet. Lots of talking their way through the danger. Really recommend!
Love the characters slowly falling in love. The way they took care of the kids they found. So sweet. Lots of talking their way through the danger. Really recommend!
January 11, 2026
Kids, dogs and love, wins every time
Wow! Was grabbed from the first paragraph and the ending only encourages me to start the next book in the series. Kids, dogs and love .... way to go!
Wow! Was grabbed from the first paragraph and the ending only encourages me to start the next book in the series. Kids, dogs and love .... way to go!
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April 1, 2024Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book #1)
Miniseries
Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book #1)
Read
April 1, 2024Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book #1)
Miniseries
Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book #1)
May 13, 2024
I enjoyed reading Jessie and Garrett' s story.
May 23, 2024
Great book! Fast paced and exciting!
Hope to heard more about the K-9 Ranch.
Hope to heard more about the K-9 Ranch.
January 10, 2025
This was a great book. Well written. I would read it again.
June 27, 2025
Another good one. I'm so glad these books do have happy endings.
July 19, 2025
short n sweet
Reads fast but still has a good bit of character development .nice tension .decent little lite romance .would be a great beach read or plane flight type of thing .
Reads fast but still has a good bit of character development .nice tension .decent little lite romance .would be a great beach read or plane flight type of thing .
August 23, 2025
Great reading
This book was exciting and full of action, it exciting great reading. I love it from beginning to the end.
This book was exciting and full of action, it exciting great reading. I love it from beginning to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews