Beowulf

Beowulf:
Explosives Detection Dog
(A Breed Apart, Book 3)
Ronie Kendig
(Barbour)
ISBN: 978-1616266394
Jan 2014/320 pages/$12.99
Beowulf—a hulky, brindle-coated bullmastiff—is the only “boy” for Timbrel Hogan. And she has a history to remind her why. But when Timbrel, a handler at A Breed Apart, embarks on a mission to detect WMDs in Afghanistan, she reunites with Tony “Candyman” VanAllen and her no-other-man philosophy is challenged. While tension mounts between Timbrel and Tony, the team comes under fire after Beowulf gets a “hit.” When tragedy threatens Tony’s career and Timbrel’s courage, they must maneuver through an intricate plot and a mission like no other. . . .




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband have a full life with four children and a Maltese Menace in northern Virginia. Author and speaker, Ronie loves engaging readers through her Rapid-Fire Fiction. Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction), Twitter (@roniekendig), and Goodreads (www.goodreads.com/RonieK).


MY THOUGHTS

"Hooah!" The muzzle comes off of Beowulf on January 1 and this canine hero is all business as he sniffs out explosives with his A Breed Apart handler, Timbrel Hogan. Ronie Kendig once again singes the pages of a novel with the heat of conflict, both politically, militarily, and relationally as the Special Forces team races to stop terrorists in their tracks. Kendig raises her own bar with rapid-fire action and dialogue, gutsy and dynamic characters who give no quarter when challenged, and tension that sizzles. Tenacity wars with obstinance when Timbrel and Tony "Candyman" VanAllen go head to head, and Beowulf is right in the middle, prepared to have the last growl! (I could totally relate with Candyman's reactions to the gargantuan bullmastiff's slobbers, snaps, and snarls, but if I'm ever in danger, please send Timbrel and Beo my way!) Kendig tackles a variety of tough issues in this novel (including faith, post-war trauma, family dysfunction, and death & injury) with gut-wrenching candor. A parallel story thread provides a glimpse into the life and thoughts of the terrorist(s) in Afghanistan, ratcheting up the suspense and making the book impossible to put down until the final climactic scene. Beowulf is a must-read; don't miss it!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Loved Talon - and I Don't Even Like Dogs!

Talon
Combat Tracking Team
(A Breed Apart #2)
Ronie Kendig
(Barbour Publishing)
ISBN: 978-1616266011
May 2013/352 pages/$12.99
This Time, Even the War Dog Is Scared

Her brother is missing. And her only chance of finding him lies with a combat dog that has lost his edge.

All Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland wants is her brother back. The US Marine Corps says he’s dead, but Aspen won’t believe it till she sees his body. Her only hope is her brother’s tracking dog, Talon, but a brutal attack has left the dog afraid of his own shadow.

The truth is something Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has never faced. But now it’s the only thing that can save him—along with Talon’s help. But working with Talon means teaming up with Aspen as well, and Dane swore he’d never work with a woman.

Eventually they join forces to battle the elements and extremists. But if Talon can’t rise up to his former glory for one last mission, the only outcome for all three will be game over.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronie Kendig has a BS in Psychology and is a wife, mother of four, and avid writer. Her novels include espionage thriller Dead Reckoning and a military series: The Discarded Heroes series (Nightshade, Digitalis, Wolfsbane, and Firethorn).

In addition to speaking engagements, Ronie is a monthly columnist at the award-winning blog, Novel Rocket, and is active with the American Christian Fiction Writers. Ronie can be found online at roniekendig.com, on Facebook (facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) and on Twitter (@roniekendig).

Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have been gained critical acclaim and national attention, including: 2012 Christy Award Winner – Wolfsbane (Contemporary Romance); 2013 HOLT Medallion Winner - Trinity: Military War Dog (Best Book by a Virginia Author), 2013 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award Finalist – Trinity: Military War Dog (Romantic Suspense), 2012 Lime Award Winner – Firethorn (Suspense) 2012 Carol Award Finalist – Wolfsbane (Romantic Suspense); Finalist in Christian Retailing’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards (Nightshade); RWA’s Faith, Hope, & Love’s 2011 Inspirational Readers’ Choice Awards in Romantic Suspense (Nightshade); Named one of the Top 25 Christian Fiction Suspense, Mystery, and Thriller Writers by FamilyFiction (Sept 2011); and more.

Ronie lives in Virginia with her husband and four children.

MY THOUGHTS

Whew! Since Ronie Kendig burst onto the scene a few years ago with her first Rapid-Fire Fiction military suspense novel, Christian fiction hasn't been the same. And that's a very good thing! The second book of her A Breed Apart series (I reviewed the first book, Trinity here), Talon, is a boots-to-the-pavement, no-holds-barred adventure that will fully engage your senses and leave you breathless. While plenty of adrenaline-laced, heart-stopping action with grenades and bullets flying will satisfy the most ardent fans of military fiction, lovers of intricate plots and masterful character portrayals will be equally captivated by the many layers of intrigue, suspense, and even romance. An expert wordsmith, Kendig's keen abilities to depict the many elements of a scene (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) while maintaining the rapid-fire pace made this book impossible to put down. Dane and Aspen are both stars in their own right in this novel, but the real hero is Talon, as Kendig's quest to honor the often unknown and unsung heroes of our miltary forces shines the spotlight on this incredible military working dog. I don't even like dogs but Ronie Kendig has made me a fan of Talon! This is her best novel yet, which is quite an accomplishment considering the awards she's received for her previous books. I predict this will be another award-winner; don't miss it!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Ronie Kendig and Barbour Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Trinity: Military War Dog

Trinity: Military War Dog
(A Breed Apart)
Ronie Kendig
(Barbour Publishing)
ISBN: 978-1616265946
September 2012/352 pages/$12.99
A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—-and Trinity—-to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronie Kendig has a BS in Psychology and is a wife, mother of four, and avid writer. Her novels include espionage thriller Dead Reckoning and a military series: The Discarded Heroes series (Nightshade, Digitalis, Wolfsbane, and Firethorn).

In addition to speaking engagements, Ronie is a monthly columnist at the award-winning blog, Novel Rocket, and is active with the American Christian Fiction Writers. Ronie can be found online at roniekendig.com, on Facebook (facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) and on Twitter (@roniekendig).

Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have been gained critical acclaim and national attention, including: 2012 Christy Award Winner – Wolfsbane (Contemporary Romance); 2012 Carol Award Finalist – Wolfsbane (Romantic Suspense); Finalist in Christian Retailing’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards (Nightshade); RWA’s Faith, Hope, & Love’s 2011 Inspirational Readers’ Choice Awards in Romantic Suspense (Nightshade); Named one of the Top 25 Christian Fiction Suspense, Mystery, and Thriller Writers by FamilyFiction (Sept 2011); and more.

Ronie lives in Virginia with her husband and four children.

MY THOUGHTS

I love Ronie Kendig's books. To be honest, I was a little hesitant about this one when I first heard about it because I am not an animal lover and really didn't think I would be particularly drawn into a book that "starred" a dog. But knowing Kendig's gift for penning compelling stories, I had to give it a try and I was immediately captivated. I predict this will be another award-winning series for Kendig. Her passion for honoring our military--both human and canine--shines through her writing, not in sappy storylines but in gritty and realistic action that left me breathlessly turning pages as if my efforts might impact the outcome of the novel. While Trinity is certainly a major part of this story, Heath and Darci are integral as well, and Kendig is a master at portraying authentic characters who often face the dangers of their jobs with less trepidation than the struggles within their own hearts and minds. Faith, courage, loyalty and plenty of action--Trinity: Military War Dog is a reader's best friend!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Books as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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