Julie Miller always provides a gripping tale, and this was no exception. Not only is the suspense edge-of-the-seat intense, but the hero and heroine are almost too awesome for words. Both Burke and Hazel are in their early 50s, have been through painful divorces, and have jobs that take up a lot of their time.

Burke is the head of KCPD's K-9 unit, involved in training as well as regular patrol duties. He joined the KCPD after leaving the military and likes what he does. His canine partner is a German Shepherd Dog named Gunny. Burke is loved and respected by the other officers he works with. I loved the way that some of the younger guys called him "old man" and yet, would do anything for him. Burke has been on his own for a lot of years, ever since divorcing the wife who cheated on him whenever he deployed.

Hazel is a veterinarian who also takes care of the KCPD's K-9 officers. Her husband went to prison for fraud, and for trying to have her killed when she wouldn't refuse to testify against him. Hazel raised her two daughters on her own while running a successful vet practice. She has avoided dating in the sixteen years since her divorce, reluctant to trust her judgment when it comes to relationships. She has a small, three-legged dog named Cleo, who has a crush on Burke's Gunny.

The action starts early and never really lets up. Hazel has been receiving creepy letters, and when she shows Burke the latest one, his protective instincts are aroused. Those instincts prove to be accurate when she also receives explosive material in the mail, and later that day, her daughter's car blows up. Burke is determined to keep Hazel and her girls safe. The tension ramps up as the attacks escalate, and they race to figure out who is behind them. There were several possibilities, and I waffled among them with each new attack. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and surprised me with who it was.

I loved the development of the relationship between Burke and Hazel. One of the benefits of a "mature" relationship is that the protagonists are past the more angsty dramas found in younger couples. Burke and Hazel had been friends/coworkers for about five years. They are comfortable with each other. Hazel gets a bit of a shock when her daughter starts going on about how hot Burke is, and that he has been flirting with Hazel and checking her out. Hazel has been oblivious to it, but now that it's been pointed out, she can't help checking him out, too. I loved how patient Burke was as Hazel learned to trust herself again. I loved her surprise as she found out that he has cared for her almost since they met. There are some adorable scenes between the two of them, and some fun ones too. I especially enjoyed the family sleepover after the bar scene. I loved the ending as Hazel finally realized that she deserved to be happy. ( )