Special Forces K-9

Protectors at K-9 Ranch #3

by Julie Miller

A former soldier and his dog
are about to come to her rescue

After a heroic career, Special Forces ex-soldier Ben Hunter is fighting a new battle: adjusting to civilian life. But when the life of his occupational therapist is threatened, the wounded vet and his service dog, Rocky, spring into action. Maeve Phillips believes her friend was murdered and won’t stop until she tracks down the killer…who is now hunting her. Nobody’s going to harm Maeve on Ben’s watch. Now a predator is about to find out what it feels like to be prey.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Audiobook, Harlequin

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2025

About the author

Librarian 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.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Protectors at K-9 Ranch series. I have not read the first two books in this series before picking up this book, but I think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I did listen to this book's audiobook, and I did not have any problems listening to the audiobook. I got pulled into the storyline and loved getting to know the characters in this book. I loved the dog in this book, and I loved that the dog showed up several times in this book. Great read and the audiobook was really good. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing both his teammates and part of his arm, former Special Forces operative Ben Hunter has become reserved and irritable. His occupational therapist, Maeve Phillips, carries her own emotional baggage, stemming from a challenging home life and an abusive ex-boyfriend. Ben finds himself drawn to her, but he questions what he possibly could offer such an extraordinary woman.

Ben and Maeve’s relationship transitions from professional to romantic, as their time together progresses. When Maeve's roommate, Stephanie, dies, some dangerous people believe Maeve possesses something Stephanie took from her office, putting her directly in harm's. Ben’s journey to redefine life as a disabled individual after years in the military is both heartrending and inspiring. He is paired with Rocky, a former Marine K9 who shares Ben’s difficulty in adapting to civilian life. Maeve, a quiet, reserved woman, prefers to remain unnoticed until Ben’s presence prompts her to reconsider her goals. Both Ben and Rocky grow protective of Maeve, viewing her as "their" person and standing ready to defend her at all costs.

The mystery is compelling, as is the evolving bond between Ben and Maeve. Rocky emerges as a standout character, and although I suspected the identity of the antagonist, the revelation of the motive was genuinely surprising.

I appreciated the portrayal of a veteran regaining his confidence while aiding a military K-9 in finding purpose beyond their service. This book was captivating from start to finish, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.

[TINNGG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm…. You know the most hilarious thing about these books is that the bad guys often seem to take the H at face value. When you have a H hanging around your target, and he looks like well, a homeless person (given that this H had lived in a motel for a year prior to finally getting a job, that’s not entirely inaccurate) with potentially a military background, wouldn’t you make an attempt to at least try to figure out who this guy is? But no…we’re gonna dismiss the ex special forces veteran as a cripple because he lost a hand. Dumbasses. They’re kinda lucky he was law abiding.

The previous book, they dismissed the local deputy because he was middle aged. He was also a retired sniper.

Impatience - the h wondered what they were looking for. It took her weeks to stumble across a second flash drive she’d been carrying all along. Never occurred to her to even check the cross-body bag.

Some of them do realize the H is a threat, but then you have these…

As an aside, the cover is amusing - random scruffy guy and his GSD puppy wearing a service dog vest doesn’t really convey ex military with zz-top-esque beard and ex military K-9. Close enough though. At least they try.

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of Julie Miller’s Protectors at K-9 Ranch series features wounded Special Forces Sargent Ben Hunter and Maeve Philips. We met both in The Evidence Next Door. Ben & his Marine veteran K-9 Rocky comes through in a big way when Maeve’s life is threatened after her roommate disappears. (I am so glad she brought this couple back!)

Ben and Maeve are two slightly broken characters who find completion in each other, characters Ms. Miller excels at. Ben lost his left hand in a fire fight that killed his unit, that combined with his PTSD makes being around others tough. Maeve is an introvert who finds people tiring. She’s his occupational therapist.

A new employee at the K-9 Ranch, Ben takes on the intense black shepherd and finds a kindred spirit. He understands the dog is missing the strict military discipline he is used to, Ben & Rocky step up to protect Maeve.

Ben & Maeve have known each other a while so they are already interested in each other as the story starts. But it’s a tender read seeing how they get over their considerations about being in love. This is a terrific mystery and while I figured out the macguffin about half way through, the real villain surprised me. A few of my favorite Julie Miller characters make an appearance, including Grayson and Allie Malone from The Evidence Next Door.

This is definitely worth the read.

ARC provided by the author.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's a gift he didn't know he needed

I cannot tell you how much I love this series, packed with cracked, damaged and haunted people and animals who may also be missing a limb but are definitely not broken, they are warriors searching for a home and their new normal....they are amazing. Protective, selfless and determined they will all steal your heart as they fight for justice and protect those who complete their soul. Ben and Rocky are no different, they both arrive at K9 Ranch dinted, lost and missing their partner and team, they find a connection that allows them both to begin healing, but it is Maeve that fills in the cracks in their hearts and souls, she completes them and the fact that anyone dares to threaten "their woman" brings out the warrior in both of them....they will defend her to their death.
I love seeing the softer side of Ben, Maeve sees straight through the grumpy, growly front that scares so many, she sees straight through to his frustrations and harnesses his anger. She isn't scared of him, she feels safe with him. He in turn sees her in a way nobody else ever has, he sees her fear, her shyness and her timidity but he also sees her strength and determination.
I loved every page of this book and look forward to more from this series.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Harlequin Audio

🎧 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🎧
I tend to get stuck in the contemporary romance genre and forget just how much I like Romantic Suspense. Ben is an ex-Special Forces Soldier struggling to acclimate to civilian life. He finds himself becoming a handler to a service dog Rocky whose handler sadly passed. It doesn’t come without hitches as he has lost his service dog in the line of duty. Rocky is tasked with keeping Ben’s occupational therapist safe after a brutal murder.

I personally loved the thrill-seeking action, the not knowing, the why of it all. I didn’t want to put it down. I wasn’t surprised but I was all at the same time. K-9 Ranch is a series I will need to get accentuated with more because I enjoyed this book.

The narrator was a good match for the characters, and I found she gave everyone a voice. Very enjoyable to listen to.

[Karen Torrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a retired special forces soldier,a retired K-9 and a shy physical therapist met,sparks definitely fly. He is suffering with PTSD, the loss of his lower arm and hand, the K-9 is suffering the same PTSD and the shy physical therapist sees the good in all. The story takes a twist with the death of her friend and the threats against her. She definitely needs the 2 soldiers to protect and love her.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit out of the park for Julie Miller and her new K-9 Protector’s series. Quick plot development and interesting characters round out this installment. I especially enjoyed chapter twelve. “Listening” to the dialogue between hero and heroine was as fun as it was real. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

An action packed suspense story that grabs you from the beginning.. An excellent treatment of a character with PTSD that with the help of the heroine and his K9 has a chance for a happy ever after.

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is the best of the series, although all of them are very good. The mystery is solid and the main characters are easy to root for. I really like how neither is perfect but they complement each other and bring out the best. Rocky is desperate for a job and they do a great job of giving him one. Not going to be able to pick a favorite dog in this series. Eagerly looking forward to the next book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to this series. The two main characters of this book were secondary characters in The Evidence Next Door, and I am so happy that they got their own story. Ben is a former Special Forces soldier, wounded in an attack that left his men and his K-9 partner dead. He lost his career and left hand and must now adjust to civilian life. He applies for a job as a dog trainer at the K-9 Ranch, where he meets Rocky. Rocky is a military working dog who lost his human partner and hasn't bonded with anyone else. He isn't adapting well and is at risk of being put down. When Ben and Rocky connect, ranch owner Jessie realizes the two might be just what each other needs.

Maeve is Ben's occupational therapist. She has been working with him for almost a year. I loved how she sees past his grumpy, growly attitude to the frustrations that fuel his anger. He intimidates some people, but he doesn't scare her; in truth, she feels safe with him.

The book opens with Maeve and her roommate, Stephanie, at a bar. Maeve is an introvert and very shy, so this isn't her scene, but supporting her friend is important to her. Stephanie wants to reconnect with her ex-boyfriend, whom Maeve believes is abusive. The scene at the bar is creepy, and Maeve rightfully worries about her friend. Within a few days, Stephanie disappears, Maeve is followed and mugged, and her house is ransacked.

Ben notices Maeve's injuries and distraction, and when she tells him about trouble, he and Rocky go into protective mode. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Maeve and Ben develop. They've worked together on his therapy for almost a year, with an interest in more growing between them. Ben wonders what he could offer this woman he admires so much. Maeve is just as drawn to Ben, but her shyness keeps her from doing anything about it. Maeve's protection becomes Ben and Rocky's mission, and their feelings deepen as they spend time together. I loved Maeve's calming effect on Ben, where just her touch settles him.

I loved how Maeve found it so easy to lean on Ben as her troubles continued. His care of and for her means the world to her. He is still gruff and growly, but there is an underlying softness that she didn't expect. I laughed when he called her "freakin' adorable" when comparing his "sort-of-friend" Maeve to the "itch-under-my-skin" Maeve. I also loved the effect Maeve had on Ben. He is more open with her about his challenges because of her gentleness and patience. I loved his vocal pride in her resilience. Their growing comfort with talking about their feelings was terrific, and I loved how each of them saw into the other's heart. The ending was fantastic.

The suspense kept me just as enthralled as the romance between Maeve and Ben. I figured out pretty quickly who was after Maeve, but the motivation was a mystery. The escalating attacks were a good indication of the bad guy's growing desperation. The final confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was over.

I loved Rocky. His backstory is heartbreaking, and the outlook for his future is dismal. I loved seeing the impact that he and Ben had on each other. Maeve was an unexpected light in their lives, and Rocky immediately accepted her as part of his pack. I loved the scene where he and Maeve met. He is as protective of her as Ben is and plays a significant role in the final confrontation.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars ⭐️

After reading the book prior to this one in this series, I have to admit that I wasn't too impressed. I truly wasn't sure if I wanted to continue with the series. But, then I went back to NetGalley and realized that I had been sent the next book in the series - another audio ARC. Boy am I glad I took the chance.

For whatever reason, THIS book held my interest from the very beginning. We are introduced to the MMC Ben Hunter, an ex-soldier who experienced an AWFUL ambush in the military where his entire team, AND his K9 partner were all killed. Needless to say, he is not in a good mental head space. Through a referral from a friend, he applies at a dog training facility and on the day of his interview, he runs into a dog - Rocky - that has just been acquired by the ranch. This dog is 5 seconds from being put down because he was also a soldier K9 in combat and his partner was killed. Without a job to do, and without a proper way to deal with his emotions, he has become a danger to those around him. Without even consciously thinking, Ben gives him a command and Rocky instantly responds. The owner realizes that the two of them just might be perfect for each other.

Then we meet the FMC Maeve Phillips. She is a physical therapist who has been treating Ben for about a year. Ben is not much of a communicator, does a lot of grunting, but at the core of everything, he is a protector.

Things begin to happen to Maeve, beginning with her roommate going missing, and her home being broken into and then she is mugged. All of this occurs in the span of a couple of weeks. Ben happens to be around for the beginning of these events and he and Rocky go into protect mode.

As usual, things are going on that no one knows about and Maeve has found herself in the middle of something she doesn't understand.

I enjoyed everything about this book. The relationship between Ben and Rocky, the relationship between Ben and Maeve, and most of all the plot. It was just convoluted enough to keep you curious.

If you had told me this book was written by the same author as book 2, I might have not believed you. BUT, I do know that many things determine how you respond to any book. Your attitude that day, the emotions in your life and sometimes, your own personal experiences. All of this to say that maybe I read book 2 on a bad day Who knows?

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This audio will be out for publication on Jan 21, 2025.

[Kathy B. (NE) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to the next Julie Miller release and this time, we are back at the K-9 Ranch, where dogs and people can find healing and a new purpose in life. In this book, our hero is Ben Hunter, a Special Forces soldier who lost just about everything in an op gone wrong, the worst of which was his left hand. Our heroine is Maeve Phillips, Ben’s occupational therapist who has baggage of her own, owing to her difficult home life and a recently abusive ex boyfriend.

Ben and Maeve’s relationship goes from the professional to the romantic as their time together progresses, however, Ben suddenly finds himself in protector mode, when Maeve’s roommate, Stephanie, turns up dead and the bad guys think Maeve is in possession of something that Stephanie took from her law office.

I was drawn into this book from the very beginning watching Ben struggle to figure out what his life will be like as a disabled person when all he knows is the military. He is paired with a former military dog, Rocky, who much like Ben, cannot seem to find his place in civilian life after his time as a Marine K-9. Maeve is a shy person who just wants to live her life on the sidelines until Ben comes into her life and makes her rethink what she wants out of life.

The mystery is a good one, as is the relationship between Ben and Maeve and Rocky was a stand out character; and although I had a good idea who the bad guy was, I was surprised when the motive was finally revealed. I rarely stay up late to finish a book, but I did this time and on New Year’s Eve to boot!! I highly recommend Special Forces K-9 as well as the two previous books in the series, Shadow Survivors and K-9 Defender. All in all, a very satisfying read!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

If like me , you have not read or listened to the previous stories in the series, rest assured that this a a stand alone story.
After losing not only his teammates but also part of his arm, former Special Forces Ben Hunter has become taciturn, even with his occupational therapist Maeve Phillips. That said, he is attracted to her, but what does he have to offer this incredible woman?
That all changes when Maeve not only becomes a victim of an attack, but it seems someone is after her , especially after her friend disappears.
When her friend is found dead, Maeve is sure she was murdered. But why would that person or his acquaintances want Maeve? What are these men looking for?
More than ever , Ben is determined to keep Maeve safe and in doing so, feelings deepen between them.
Will Ben be able to keep Maeve safe? Will they figure out what and why they want her? Will Ben realize the injury doesn’t define him.
The audiobook was engaging , with likable characters and Rocky, an awesome K-9/service dog,
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Intrigue. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

When ex-soldier Ben Hunter takes a job working with service dogs, he never anticipated finding true healing. His service dog, Rocky, provided immense comfort, but his experiences with Maeve Phillips would alter his life forever.

This third installment in the Protectors at K-9 Ranch series is equally captivating as the first two. However, I believe all three books could be read as standalone novels. Ben has endured significant losses, while Maeve surpasses his own sense of brokenness. A looming danger involving Maeve necessitates their intervention, drawing Ben and Maeve together as she must rely on his protection.

It’s heartwarming to witness love blossom amidst imperfect heroes who deserve the best. I listened to this audiobook, and the narration was exceptional, making it an enjoyable and engaging one-sitting read.

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three of the Protectors at K-9 Ranch. This book is very emotional, a little bit sad and has a sweet love story.

This story is about a guy named Ben Hunter. He is a Special Forces ex-soldier. He is fighting a new battle of adjusting to his new life as a civilian. The life of his occupational therapist is threatened he and his service dog Rocky 🐕‍🦺 spring into action.

His therapist is named Maeve Phillips. She believes that her friend was murdered. Maeve won’t stop until she tracks down the killer who is now hunting Maeve. Ben declares that nobody will hurt Maeve on his watch. He will make the hunter feel like prey. I felt bad for Ben and how he lost his band in serving in the military and adjusting to his new prosthetic. Maeve is shy and a bit of an introvert. I liked how Maeve and Ben were together in this story. I liked how Ben talked to Maeve and he didn’t make her feel insecure about herself. This was a sweet love story.

[Joanna Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been in such a niche, specific reading mood for about the last month, and that is old-school (like early 2010's) romantic suspense. And nothing will scratch that itch currently quite like a Harlequin!

It was quick, hit all the beats I wanted, and even though the heroine was a little too incompetent and naive for me, I really had fun listening to this! It was a perfect Saturday afternoon listen, and it confirmed that I need to be on a Harlequin kick for the rest of this winter!

The dog lives, the hero is over-the-top protective, the bad guy gets caught, and there's an HEA, what more could you ask for? 😂

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced listener copy (ALC) of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the author and Harlequin Audio for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben is adjusting to a life with a prosthetic, when he must bring his special forces training to protect his physical therapist. While he takes a job training dogs, he reaches the unreachable military dog, and together they become better and more adjusted while saving Maeve from the evil men who killed her roommate and believe Maeve has an important item that could land them in prison.
Third attempt to save this to my good reads without it saying it's a bad link, changing the date by one day to see if that helps.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the couples in this series. They work as a team, have some emotional hurdles to deal with, and of course there’s danger lurking about!

However, I admit that the dogs and their individual personalities are the real reason why I keep coming back 🤗

[Rebecca Delio · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT STORY

I loved this story especially the K-9 dog and the fact that the hero was an injured soldier, the plot worked wonderfully and I look forward to more books by this author.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I have read or listened to. I enjoyed the characters including the K-9 of course, the suspense, the nice slow romance, and the flow of the story. It's a very enjoyable easy-to-read book and it has a happy ending.

[Harlequin Books]

Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book #3)

[Harlequin Books]

Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Protectors at K-9 Ranch (Book #3)

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad .. plot was very predictable .. skip read.

[Kristi Malloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Mavie best friend was killed. Mavie had Been Bens therapist. Ben and his k9 dog Rocky helped to protect and solve the case.

[Penny Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Depth of Our Feelings”

Julie Miller is the Mistress of Suspense! All her novels are excellent and Special Forces K-9 is no exception. Thrilling, Sweet, Entertaining!

[Debra Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Maeve and Ben's story

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of excitement in this book. Some unexpected violence leads to some awful things happening to Mauve. Ben and Rocky come to help her out.

[Pam Koenig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the characters, but the plot was so thin you could see through it. Not my favorite

[Annette Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and this series! Believable hero and heroine!