Very good book. From its (literally) explosive beginning to the final confrontation, the story sucked me in and didn't let go until the end. The suspense and action are intense, and I often felt I was in the middle of it.

Keara moved to Desparre, Alaska, from Houston six years earlier to distance herself from the memories of her husband's unsolved murder. She's happy there and has grown to love the people of the tiny town. After the bomb went off in Luna, she spent the day reassuring her people that they were safe, then drove to Luna to see what she could find out. The devastation she saw brought back memories of Juan's murder.

Jax is a victim specialist with the FBI. He's relatively new to Alaska, transferring there from DC after dealing with too many mass casualty events. Alaska's beauty and more laid-back atmosphere are healing. Jax and his therapy dog, Patches, spent the day talking to survivors and witnesses, offering comfort and support. Patches zeroed in on Keara shortly after her arrival, sensing Keara's turbulent emotions. Jax and Keara had a short conversation before her emotions overwhelmed her, and she left.

Keara and Jax saw each other again a few hours later when he came to her rescue during a bar fight caused by overwrought emotions mixed with alcohol. Both Keara and Jax impressed me with their cool heads, though Jax did end up the worse for wear. While two of the agents questioned Keara about things she may have heard or seen, one of them asked Keara's opinion about a symbol found on a bomb fragment.

This is where the intensity begins to ramp up. The last time Keara saw that symbol was in relation to her husband's murder. But how could there be a connection between a murder in Houston and a bombing in Alaska? The FBI agents are skeptical but permit Jax to check past case files. Jax is determined to find the link, despite his coworkers' frequent reminders that he isn't an agent. Jax and Keara work together to go through the cases and soon find information that may back up their theory, despite some puzzling differences. When a second bomb explodes, in Desparre this time, Jax and Keara realize the bomber is escalating his attacks. As they come closer to identifying the suspect, the attacks become personal, putting them both in danger. An unexpected twist created a nail-biting confrontation at the end.

From the moment they met, sparks flew between Keara and Jax. Keara fights the attraction, not wanting it to interfere with their investigation. She also feels unable to move on while Juan's murder remains unsolved. Jax struggles to ignore his growing attraction to Keara. He mostly succeeds in focusing on the case, with a few forays into protectiveness. I also loved how Patches is equally as smitten with Keara. I loved watching them grow closer and wondered how they would overcome the 400-mile obstacle to being together. I didn't see the solution coming, but I loved how right it was. ( )

K-9 Cold Case by Elizabeth Heiter
3rd in the K-9 Alaska series. Harlequin Intrigue. Can be read as a stand-alone but the stories are connected by characters in common so should be read in order for continuity.
When a bomb goes off in a neighboring town, police chief Keara Hernandez investigates in the interest of keeping her own town safe but catches the interest of the bomber instead. K-9 FBI handler Jax and labrador Patches help calm the wounded and fall for Keara while helping investigate.

Gripping and intense, this story moves fast and includes both enough back story for depth and romance to sweeten.
I liked the heroine’s strength and determination but have to question her “do as I say, not as I do” leadership style. She’s certainly brave and willing to jump into the fray.
And you gotta love those therapy dogs. I just want to hug them all. ( )