Danger, Faith, and One Excellent Beagle

Act of Valor

Series: True Blue K-9 Unit, Book 2

Written by Dana Mentink

Narrated by Maureen Taylor

Published by Love Inspired Suspense Harlequin Audio

Release Date: 06.02.26

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

5 Stars!

Dana Mentink gives us danger, drug smuggling, airport tension, a protective NYPD officer, a heroine who saw something she was never supposed to see, and one very determined drug-detection beagle who seems to understand the assignment better than half the humans in the room.

I loved that.

There is something so enjoyable about K-9 suspense when the dog is not just decoration. Eddie had personality. He had purpose. He brought moments of charm into a story that still had plenty of danger snapping at Violet and Zach’s heels.

Violet is suddenly in the crosshairs after noticing suspicious passengers, and Zach is determined to protect her. Their friendship-to-more storyline gave the suspense a softer heartbeat, especially with Zach carrying grief and fear after the loss of his brother. He is protective, yes, but there is more going on inside him than duty. He has already known loss, and the thought of losing Violet adds emotional tension to every threat.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Maureen Taylor, and I really enjoyed the way the story moved. The danger, the investigation, the romance, and Eddie’s beagle-bright presence all made this a fun and suspenseful listen.

There is heart tucked in with the action. The faith content fits naturally in the story, reminding me that courage is not pretending fear does not exist. Courage is moving forward while trusting the Lord with what we cannot control.

Act of Valor gave me the kind of romantic suspense I love: danger, emotion, faith, a protective hero, a brave heroine, and a K-9 partner who deserves his own little badge-shaped treat.

This was a fun, fast, faith-friendly listen, and Eddie the beagle made the whole thing even better.

I received a digital ARC of this audiobook book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my honest evaluation of the writing, content, and narration.