K-9 Patrol - Julie Miller (HI #2034 - Nov 2021)

Series: Kansas City Crime Lab (Book 1)

He promised to keep her safe…
Without crossing any of his self-imposed lines.
 
K-9 officer Aiden Murphy always kept things strictly platonic when it came to KCPD criminalist Lexi Callahan out of respect for her family's having taken him in years ago. Then Lexi is attacked during a crime scene investigation, and Aiden and his dog, Blue, step right in, making their relationship even more complicated. Keeping Lexi safe is his priority. But resisting the woman who's never been far from his thoughts will be his greatest challenge this holiday season.
 
Terrific friends-to-lovers romance with fast-paced suspense. Lexi is a bright, intuitive criminalist with the KCPD crime lab. As the story begins, she's just been promoted to supervisor of her team and is a little nervous about her ability to do the job. On the other hand, her coworkers are thrilled with her promotion after dealing with her predecessor. Among those who believe in her is K-9 officer Aiden Murphy, a good friend, and pseudo-brother. The problem for Lexi is that her feelings for Aiden are anything but sisterly.
 
Aiden grew up near Lexi and her brother Levi. Thanks to an abusive father and other parental issues, his family life was terrible. When their parents took him in and made him part of their family, it significantly impacted his life. It is a testament to their care and example that he turned out to be the good and honorable man that he is. Aiden is in love with Lexi but is convinced he is no good for her. While his best friend Levi is deployed, Aiden promises to keep her safe - even from himself.
 
I loved watching the development of Aiden and Lexi's relationship. When Lexi is attacked during a crime scene investigation, Aiden moves into her house, where he and his K-9 Blue can watch over her. They have been friends for a long time, and it shows in the ease of their interactions. I loved watching Aiden take care of her while trying to keep his distance. He doesn't know that Lexi feels the same way about him and is ready to push for more. I ached for her as she ran up against Aiden's fear of losing the only family he has if something goes wrong. I loved her understanding of his feelings and willingness to give him the time he needed but also felt her frustration as she wanted to step things up. The connection between them when she finally broke through his walls was fantastic. Aiden's only worry was Levi's reaction when he came home for the holidays. That scene was hilarious and was the perfect ending for the book.
 
The story's suspense sucked me in and kept me hooked from start to finish. When Lexi's first case after becoming supervisor goes south because of the attack on her, it creates a bit of self-doubt and the determination to solve the crime as quickly as possible. I loved seeing her mind work and how she motivated her team to give their best. An attack at her home and two more similar murders, with another attack on Lexi, makes the case feel personal. As she unraveled the clues, she made a horrifying discovery. I was glued to the pages during the final confrontation as Lexi walked into a trap and had to fight for her life. I loved the faith that kept Lexi going and how it all worked out. I can't wait for the next book in the series.