Defending the Witness (Love Inspired Suspense)

When her safety in witness protection is compromised, Ayla Dupree runs. US Marshal Chance Tavalla and his K-9 Destiny head out after her. Can they escape to safety before the gang catches up with them? I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed suspense novel. Sharee Stover knows how to spin a great tale. The story is well written with great, realistic characters. You definitely need to add this book to your tbr pile. My thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC of this book. I was only asked to write an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Defending the Witness by Sharee Stover is an exciting, suspense filled book. It's a quick read because you won't want to put it down! I love reading Love Inspired Suspense books that have characters in witness protection. When Ayla's secure location is compromised, she goes on the run and is unable to trust that she'll be kept safe. US Marshal Chance Tavalla (and his K-9) thinks he's only supposed to track and find Ayla. He doesn't expect to be her new handler. These characters, as well as the secondary characters, are well-written, and they really gave the story life which made me more invested in this suspense. Though I was able to figure out who the criminal was, the way the story played out was still exciting. What sets Love Inspired books apart from other suspense books is the way they incorporate faith. Trusting God with the outcome is paramount in the stories. I appreciated how Chase's team prayed before and during the dangerous situations they faced. If you love suspense, romance, and Christianity in your books, check out Defending the Witness! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Ayla DuPree is living in a nightmare from which she wished she could awaken. Ayla witnessed a murder, which is serious in and of itself, but the killer was a notorious gang leader. She has been in witness protection ever since that time. Her handler has been preparing her to defend herself in the event she is ever found. He has taught her many things. I really liked this part of the story. This made her a strong female character who did need protection, but could also be self-sufficient and protect herself if necessary. So, when her handler is killed, she is somewhat prepared to run. There is a particularly humorous scene when she outsmarts a US Marshal who is looking for her. This lady had some skills. US Marshal Chance Tavalla and his K-9 partner, Destiny, are a high flying rescue duo. When his boss appoints him to protect Ayla, he is not a happy man. He tells his boss that he "does not want to do babysitting duty", but his complaints fall on deaf ears. As they work together to stay alive, Ayla earns the respect of Chance. He quickly realizes that she is not a damsel in distress. She is capable of taking care of herself and Ezra has taught her well. This mystery amps up and is tense for the most of the book as they are dodging cars, bullets, explosions and fires. The mystery was interesting and even though you know the identity of the killer, you know there is something else hinky going on, you are just not quite sure about that puzzle piece until the end. I really loved the character of Ayla. She was headstrong and brave with a capital B. Most people in her position would be in a corner whimpering, but she fought hard and strong. The character of Chance had some things in his past that had weakened his self-image, and this made him not only a real person to me, but made his hero status even more important. The threads of faith and prayer are interwoven throughout the story as the characters leaned heavily on their faith and prayed without ceasing. They believed in what they were praying. Finally, my favorite character was the K-9 dog, Destiny. Any book with a K-9 in it, will win my heart. These dogs are warriors and true heroes. If you enjoy a short, sweet, romantic suspense with plenty of action, you will enjoy this one. Thank you to Harlequin and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.