Irresistible Force: K-9 Rescue #1    by D. D. Ayres Order:  USA  Can St. Martin's, 2014 (2014) Paperback, e-Book     Reviewed by Martina Bexte Officer James Cannon is a K-9 handler who is desperate to find his lost partner. He finally tracks Bogart to Shay Appleton's secluded doorstep where she repeatedly insists that, no, she did not steal his dog, she adopted him from the local animal shelter. Nor is Bogart any help; the dog seems infatuated with his new mistress. James also finds himself quite taken with Shay, despite various warning bells that suggest she's hiding dark secrets. One soon becomes apparent when her abusive ex-boyfriend comes calling, demanding Shay return to the city with him. Shay doesn't want to give in to his demands, but knows that if she doesn't he'll once again make her life hellish. It's here that James and Bogart step in to protect her, but it soon becomes clear that her ex boyfriend's demands are only the beginning of their problems. Ayres starts her new series with a bang, endearing the story to readers even further with the inclusion of the dogs of the K-9 unit; in this first instalment it's Bogart who steals the show. The two leads carry the story well, radiating oodles of sexual chemistry as they work to overcome mounting obstacles that stand in the way of their happily ever after. I did have a problem with the machinations of both leads' exes, whose ongoing shenanigans to discredit Shay and James came close to tipping the plot way, way over the top. Shay finally deals with her demons in a satisfying manner, but James does not. Even so, Irresistible Force is a competent series starter that leaves me awaiting the next K-9 Rescue novel, due out in early 2015. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews