When Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick checks on a government witness, she unexpectedly walks into an ambush at Cameron Holmes’s ranch. She and her K-9 partner, Bane, fight off the assailant—but to protect Cameron, they must escape into South Dakota’s treacherous Badlands. Tracking dangerous enemies is what Gracie does, and Cameron’s life in witness protection has left targets on his back. With a killer waiting in the shadows, Gracie and Cameron must work fast to uncover the truth about who wants him dead…if they want to stay alive.
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Dakota K-9 Unit
Book 1: Chasing a Kidnapper by Laura Scott Book 2: Deadly Badlands Pursuit by Sharee Stover
Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in the midwest with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at www.shareestover.com.
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Dakota K-9 Unit series. I have not read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The audiobook was easy to listen to. I was pulled into this book from the first page, but I felt the middle was filled with suspense/action and drama. I think the romance was just not needed in this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Review of Deadly Badlands Pursuit by Sharee Stover Narrated by Mac Fowler
Deadly Badlands Pursuit delivers a well-paced suspense story set against the rugged beauty of South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. The isolation of Cameron’s ranch and the harsh landscape ramp up the danger, while Sharee Stover balances action, investigation, and backstory with a steady hand. The plot keeps you guessing with clever red herrings, hiding the real culprit until the final twist.
One element that did not resonate as strongly for me was the pace of the romance. Still, there is no denying the connection between Gracie and Cameron. Her willingness to listen and value his opinions—especially after years of feeling voiceless in WITSEC—helps diffuse his defensiveness and builds trust between them, adding substance to their relationship.
Mac Fowler’s narration enhances the audiobook with crisp diction and a steady, engaging tone. Her performance makes dialogue easy to follow and keeps the listener grounded in the unfolding suspense.
Deadly Badlands Pursuit is a strong entry in the Dakota K-9 series, reflecting themes of courage, trust, and faith over fear.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
A breathless race through the South Dakota badlands to keep witness protection person, the marshal and the K9 safe and alive. This is a very good story with lots of action.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the author, Harlequin and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book and how the characters interacted with each other. Gracie was not a damsel in distress, she was the Deputy Marshal coming to the rescue! Cam was no slouch either and stepped up when it was needed. A well written and riveting story.
Deadly Badlands Pursuit by Sharee Stover (Dakota K-9 Unit Book 2) A K-9 team has a witness to defend… and a murderer to track. When Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick checks on a government witness, she unexpectedly walks into an ambush at Cameron Holmes’s ranch. She and her K-9 partner, Bane, fight off the assailant—but to protect Cameron, they must escape into South Dakota’s treacherous Badlands. Tracking dangerous enemies is what Gracie does, and Cameron’s life in witness protection has left targets on his back. With a killer waiting in the shadows, Gracie and Cameron must work fast to uncover the truth about who wants him dead…if they want to stay alive. This is Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick's story. This is Cameron's story. “Where would you prefer to start, Bane? A missing witness or tracing a gun trafficker’s connections?” Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick stroked her K-9 partner’s velvety head. “Don’t answer that, I already know what you’ll say.” Her Belgian Malinois panted contentedly beside her. “Negative. Our POA is as follows,” Gracie responded, referencing the plan of action. “Since it’s late already, Bane and I will check in at the Pronghorn Hills Guest Ranch and confirm Cameron Holmes’s status.” That was the first part of her mission make contact with a man in WITSEC who hadn’t checked in with his handler lately. Supervisory Deputy US Marshal Dallas Brafford had advised that Holmes had failed to report in. Cameron Holmes had purchased the guest ranch two years prior. It was no big stretch for Gracie’s mind as to why he would do so. South Dakota offered rich landscape and incredible atmosphere. A guest ranch most likely provided a profitable income while permitting Cameron to relax. Gracie inwardly gasped. James Dunwood was Cameron’s old name—the one he had for eighteen years before obtaining his witness-protection identity. I recommend this book. Deadly Badlands Pursuit by Sharee Stover is a 4 star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Sharee Stover. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own. From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
A heart-in-throat page turner from the get go. Stover has an incredible gift of mixing intensity with humour which adds a unique zest to this romantic suspense. And Gracie’s sassy sarcasm and indefatigable spirit brings an upbeat vibe to even the direst situations.
She arrives at Cameron’s ranch for a routine wellness check and winds up with way more than she bargained for. Fighting off an unknown assailant and trying to gain the confidence of a surly and understandable, wary government witness is the ‘perfect’ way to end a long day. And things are only about to get a whole lot worse.
Loved the way the relationship develops in the midst of relentless danger. Both Gracie and Cameron have pasts that make it hard for them to trust easily which brings a bit of suspense into their romance. Will they or won’t they? How can they possibly with a future that only seems to hold uncertainties? Loved the twists and turns and the way the author wrapped things up by the end.
Goodness, I haven’t even mentioned Bane yet. Belgian Malinois and dedicated K-9 officer, there’s nothing Bane can’t track and he’s not bad to have in your corner during a fight either!
This is the second book in the Dakota K-9 Unit multi-authored continuity series but can easily be read as a standalone. There’s some great interaction with her team and now I’m excited to get to know each of them better when they have a chance to star in their own stories.
I listened to the audio edition narrated by Mac Fowler who did a wonderful job bringing distinctive voices (and attitude) to every character. The ease she brings to her performance makes for a comfortable and satisfying listen.
My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.
After reading several K9 audio ARC's recently, I have been very sad to report that the last few have left me very disappointed. Maybe it is just me and I wasn't in the right headspace, but then this book came along.
We have a similar type of same type of storyline, there is our MMC - Cameron - who is in Witness Sec with the US Marshalls Dept, and he hasn't reported in. So, they send in another agent - Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick and her K9 Partner Bane- to do a welfare check to make sure he was okay and not just blowing off his handler. Oh, did I mention that this is set in South Dakota’s treacherous Badlands. In other words, they are truly very far away from civilization.
Without going into too much detail, there really is a bad guy (s) who has discovered who Cameron really is/was and the two MC's (and Bane) are in a fight for their lives.
There is a Christian undertone to this- but it is not preachy. Gracie just has a tremendous faith, and she uses that faith to grow closer to Cameron and help build him up as his world is falling apart.
The only bad, well, not bad per se, but the thing that took the rating down a notch was that there is really an insta-love trope in this one. Was it believable? Well, hmmm, maybe??? But regardless, it did not take away from the enjoyment of the story.
The audio was narrated by Mac Fowler and I felt like he did a fine job.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on April 29 2025.
In Deadly Badlands Pursuit, Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick and her K-9 partner, Bane, are part of the Dakota Gun Task Force. This task force is made up of members of a variety of law enforcement agencies. On their way to some interviews, Gracie is tasked with checking up on Cameron Holmes at his ranch. Cameron has been a part of the Witness Protection Program since he was 18. Why isn't he checking in all of a sudden? As soon as Gracie sets foot in the ranch office, she's grabbed by an assailant. At this point my pages start turning about as fast as the bullets are flying in this book. The action here is truly non-stop. Who is after Cameron, and why? He has some theories, one of which includes having confidence in no one but himself. But there's something about Gracie that makes him think she's trustworthy. How is the would-be killer seemingly one step ahead of them? With every narrow escape, they get virtually no rest before the next attack. Despite this, there's an attraction. But their lives couldn't be more different. Can the Lord work in each of them to bring to opposite life paths together...forever? Hold on to your hats for this one, folks. Author Sharee Stover takes us on one wildly suspenseful ride, plus it has my favorite, an epilogue! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Another awesome Love Inspired Suspense book by this author that I definitely recommend reading! I love the k9 working dog element along with continuing characters from the Dakota k9 unit series. Each book from this series takes place in different National Parks like Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Wind Caves National Park, Black Hills Forest, and others. Each book can be read as a stand alone story.
I loved getting to know Cameron and deputy US Marshall Gracie and her dog Bane. Gracie and Bane are asked to check on witness protection member Cameron after a missing routine check-in. After they arrive at Pronghorn Hills guest ranch, they find themselves on the run dodging an unknown attacker. With the help of the Dakota team members, Gracie and Cam work together and grow closer despite life's circumstances. I liked that they had discussions about their faith and life trials testing their relationship with God through out the book.
This story had lots of drama, great characters and a riveting plot that kept my interest from beginning to end. I didn't find the whirlwind romance between 2 of the characters very realistic, but I still loved the book! I can’t wait to read more monthly LIS books with the Dakota unit.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
This second addition to the series takes us back to the Dakotas where Cameron Holmes has been living in his ranch for a couple a years. This is a man that since his family’s murder, has been in the WITSEC program. Meanwhile, while K-9 US Marshall Gracie Fitzpatrick and her co-worker are in the area checking on gun trafficking , they decide to check up on a Cameron, who has been radio silence for a bit. What no expected was to arrive at the ranch just when Cameron is being attacked. Trying to keep Cameron alive and likely ready to move again, the tension and the attacks intensify. As does the unexpected attraction between Cam and Gracie. But In additioin to the danger, the likelihood of having to once again leave everything behind, means also leaving Gracie. Will the group be able to overcome the enemy? And really, who is really after Cam? What happens with the feelings these two have? This was an engaging, action packed clean Christian romance that will keep the listeners on the edge of their seats. Especially , since the story is brought to life by the narrator, Mac Fowler. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick has one job for now, and that is to check on the status of a witness who is in the witness protection program. He has not been checking in. When Gracie and her K-9, Bane, arrive at the ranch, they walk right into danger. Someone knows Cameron Holmes' real name, which means he has been found and is no longer safe on his gorgeous ranch.
I enjoyed the descriptions of South Dakota Badlands National Park as the author transported you into the story. The suspense was just right, and the characters were fantastic. Both Cameron and Gracie have something in common. They have both lost so much in their lives, and this gives them a common bond. Cameron calls faith in God a waste of time. After all, he feels that God took everything from him. However, Gracie's strong faith is making him rethink his ways.
I was fully invested in this book as soon as I started reading it, and could not put it down. As per usual when there is a K-9 in the book, the dog tends to steal my heart. Bane was one of my favorite parts of the story. He is true hero, but kudos to Gracie as well. She is no wilting flower, and is perfect for the job. The ending was pure perfection.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Author Sharee Stover transport readers back to the South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. This is the second book in this series. The South Dakota landscape is beautiful but rugged. Cameron Holmes has been in the Witness Protection Program (WITSEC) since his family was murdered. He has been living on the ranch for a couple of years. K-9 Deputy US Marshall Gracie Fitzpatrick stopped by to check on Cameron while she was in the area investigating gun trafficking. It has been a while since Cameron checked in. The ranch was under ambush when Gracie arrived. It is up to Gracie and Bane, her K-9 partner, to keep Cameron alive. Together Bane, Gracie and Cam escaped into the Badlands. . Bane is a Belgian Malinois. Cameron and Gracie are attracted to each other. Cameron likes where he lives and doesn’t want to be transferred to another safe house. Someone has discovered Cameron’s identity, and they are there to take him out. It didn’t take Cameron and Gracie long to realize they had a lot in common and they are attracted to each other. The action is gripping and non-stop. This is a Christian romance.
U.S. Marshall Gracie and her K-9 Bane stop in to check on Cameron who is in the Witness Protection Program. He had not responded to his new handler. Cam had been dealing with some problems on his ranch and felt the Marshalls were not protecting him well. When Gracie and Bane help fend off an attack that first day, she knows something serious is going on. She calls for help and gets a teammate there to help protect Cam and continue the work for the Dakota Gun trafficking team. But the attacks keep coming! There are so many possible bad guys to weed out. Can Gracie and Bane keep Cam safe long enough to figure out what is happening? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is a great book 2 for the series, but you really want to read these in order so you understand things fully.
Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick is tasked with checking in on a government witness that's not responding. Unaware she is walking into an ambush at Cameron Holme's ranch, Gracie and her K9 partner, Bane fight the assailant. But to protect Cameron they flee right into the treacherous, dangerous South Dakota Badlands. Gracie is trained to track dangerous enemies and Cameron's life in witness protection has left a deadly target on his back. Gracie and Cameron must work together and fast to uncover the truth about who wants him dead. Could it be the person he witnessed in his past coming back all these several years later to finish the job? Could it be a new enemy he's made? Could it be the case Gracie is working on and danger followed her to his ranch? Don't miss this suspense filled read to figure out who it is and if they can stay alive long enough to figure it out! What a great read by Sharee Stover!
When deputy marshal Gracie stops in to check on a man (Cameron) in the witness protection program she did not expect to walk into an ambush. But her and her K9 Bane are able to protect Cameron and run off the bad guys at least for the moment, but both know they will be back soon and they better be ready. This is such a good book and made even better by the audio’s version voice actor Mac Fowler. This book has lots of action and suspense but it is the twists that will get you and not let go until the end. I think I have truly fallen in love with these k9 series as this one is just as wonderful as the others I have listened too all the authors along with this one have seemed to really brushed up on their working dog training, abilities, and mannerisms of the different breeds. This has left me with so many more narrators and authors to follow. This one will not disappoint.
Sharee Stover’s Deadly Badlands Pursuit, is book two of the Dakota K-9 Unit series. Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick and her Belgian Malinois K9, Bane, are on a special task force to investigate gun trafficking. She also is to stop and check in on a WITSEC who hasn’t checked in.
Cameron Holmes has been in WITSEC since he was 18. Being raised on a ranch he’d hoped to inherit before his parents were murdered, he has purchased a guest ranch. Lately he feels as if someone is watching him, Gracie’s arrival coincides with an attacker calling him by his original name.
Sharee writes an action filled book that keeps you guessing as to who is behind the attacks. You’ll think you’ve got it figured out more than once. I loved the book, aure you will also.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. The opinion is my own
Mrs. Stover has done it once again with this page turner that keeps you guessing to the very end. Gracie is a US Marshal that is skilled and determined to find out who is out to kill Cameron. Everywhere they turn, they seem to be dodging bullets or the next trap. Come along and experience this fast paced, thrill ride as you try to discover who our culprit is. You will be guessing to the very end. One of my favorite parts of this book is how Mrs. Stover has the them of faith in this read. Gracie is not ashamed of her faith and wants to share this with Cameron. I love to see the seeds that are planted and blossom along the way. This author is a must read for me and all lovers of suspense. I can never turn one of her books down. Go pick up your action packed copy today! I received an ARC of this book and these are all my own opinions
Deadly Badlands pursuit by Sharee Stover is book #2 in the Dakota K-9 Unit series - this was a first by this author and for this series. I enjoyed this series and the overall storyline. It starts out as if the story is either picking up from the last book or for this story - "mid sentence". So, not sure if this can be truly a stand alone, although once in - I believe it can stand alone.
Deputy US Marshal Gracie is in the area on another assignment when she is asked to "check in" on a government witness. When checking in on Cameron, she is there when there was an ambush and she barely gets him safe. From that moment on, is it someone from his past, who knows his identity or from his current life?
At every turn, Gracie must keep him alive and can she protect her heart all the while????
When find ourselves following US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick, her K-9, Bane, and her unconventional assignment to check in on Cameron Holmes, a witness under the protection of the Marshal’s. Cameron has not been answering any calls and cannot be located, but Gracie quickly uncovers the fact that his past might be catching up with him and his suspicions land on the US Marshals having a leak.
Fighting an uphill battle to gain one another’s trust, Gracie and Cameron must put aside the pains of the past to figure out who is targeting them.
I enjoyed the witness protection angle, but it felt a little rushed at the end and I didn’t quite believe the relationship between the main characters. All in all, I enjoyed the audio version of this book. Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Gracie and K-9 Bane help witness Cameron stay safe in the Badlands of South Dakota. Cameron witnessed the murder of his father many years ago and entered WITSEC. Until now, he hasn't be pursued. He finally has the ranch of his dreams near the Badlands when a gunman comes with blazing machines. When the smoke clears, who is behind these attacks? A disgruntled employee, a jealous ex-girlfriend, or someone from his past? This book kept me guessing as to who the villain really was! Grab this book if you like books with Midwest settings, gripping suspense, and/or main characters with a strong faith. I really loved it, and think you will too! An advance copy of this book was provided to me by the author. That in no way influenced my review.
Although part of a continuity series, Deadly Badlands Pursuit can be read as a stand-alone.
Deputy Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick stops by to check on protected witness Cameron Holmes just as someone tries to attack him. Gracie, along with her K-9 Bane, must now keep Cameron safe while she tries to figure out who has found him.
This is an action-packed story of danger and narrow escapes. The action is nonstop, keeping you glued to your seat until the end. I recommend this book to all suspense readers. You will not be disappointed. I received an advance digital copy, however all thoughts expressed are mine alone.
This is another excellent book from Sharee Stover! Along with her signature K-9 dog heroes, strong characters, and sweet romance, I was utterly captivated by the plot and couldn’t stop reading until I reached the unexpected conclusion. The story abounded with adventure, danger, and drama, as well as periodic reminders that God is in control and can be trusted. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational suspense. I enjoyed this book very much, and I am looking forward to reading more! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This riveting story, set in South Dakota's Badlands National Park, is filled with non-stop action, never-ending danger, and an unknown assailant who is always one step ahead of his prey. How much more can Gracie and Cameron endure?
Author Sharee Stover shares an emotionally charged thriller laced with sweet romance and an inspiring message of faith. I was especially drawn to the unlikely alliance between Gracie, Cameron, and Gracie's special K9 partner, Bane. I recommend Deadly Badlands Pursuit to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense.
I received a digital copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatric is asked to check on a man in witness protection. When she arrives, she is attacked and realizes the man doing the attacking knows the real name of the man in hiding. Bane is her K-9 companion and when they fight the man off, she realizes there is problems for the man in hiding. Cameron is the witsec man and he knows someone has been watching him. As Gracie and Cameron work together to get things set-up so that he can disappear again. There is a woman he dated that was a stalker is she the one after him or the employee he fired recently. Great narrator and story.
Sharee Stover writes a story full of action and suspense In the second book of the Dakota K-9 continuity series. She has well written story with a good storyline,good characters, and good ending. While working on the gun trafficking case to find K-9 officer Kenyon Graves’s killer, Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick, is sent to check on a WITSEC member that hasn’t checked in lately. Upon locating the government witness, Cameron Holmes, Gracie is pulled into Cameron’s drama as they have to run for their lives into the Badland’s park to escape bullets. Someone has discovered Cameron’s real name and compromised his identity. It is a race to discover who and why!
I started reading this book and before I knew it I was finished. I love the way Stover develops the characters and settings to make the reader feel like they’re right there with the characters! Stover also displays her faith as well as the characters and how faith helps during the rough patches in life. Read Deadly Badlands Pursuit to meet Deputy US Marshal, Gracie Fitzpatrick and her K9 partner, Bane and experience their adventures in protecting Cameron Holmes! P.S. I was excited for Bane in the end
Deadly Badlands Pursuit is another exciting book by Sharee Stover. US Marshall Gracie Fitzpatrick needs to check on Cameron Holmes, who is in Witness Protection and hasn't been heard from for a few days. When Gracie and her K9 Bane arrive, they are attacked by an unknown man who knows Cameron's real name! Is there a leak in the Marshall service and just who is after Cameron and now Gracie? The many turns this book takes, kept me reading to find out who is after them both and for what reason they want Cameron and Gracie dead.