Bea Reviews Only Her by Sandra Owens

Series: K2 Team #5 
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: July19, 2016
Challenges: NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes | Barnes & Noble
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Blurb from goodreads:

Former SEAL sniper Cody Roberts has returned from Afghanistan with too many demons and a simple wish: to be left alone. Working for K2 Special Services, caring for the war dogs he rescued, playing his guitar—that’s all he wants to do. But Cody is as protective as his nickname, “Dog,” suggests. A man like that can’t sit back when he realizes the beautiful veterinarian next door is being targeted by an unknown enemy.
Riley Austin is desperate to find out who’s poisoning her animal patients, and she’s stunned by her mysterious neighbor’s suggestion that it’s personal. But Cody makes her feel something else, too: a powerful attraction. He insists he’s no good for her, but those haunted eyes and that chiseled body tell Riley that surrendering to their mutual lust is worth the risk. And despite his conditions—no falling for each other, no regrets once it’s over—she’ll fight to love him just as fiercely as he’ll fight to save her.

Bea's Thoughts:

Don't be put off by the fact that this is the last book in the series, it works well as a stand alone. I had read the first book but not the intervening ones and it was fine.

Cody and Riley were sweet together and I liked that there was no big drama or misunderstanding, just the ordinary difficulties of two people getting together romantically and sexually. Yes, Cody has PTSD and it affects his life, and yes someone is after Riley, and yes, Cody did put conditions on their relationship, but those are complications that add texture to the story and bumps, and a few gulleys, to their relationship. Cody and Riley take care of each other, respect each other, and have fun together. They accept each other while also encouraging each other. I liked the portrayal of Cody and his PTSD; it seemed realistic. Cody had PTSD but could function, albeit with difficulty. And Cody's relationship with his dogs was sweet. He could work magic with them.

Cody realizes before Riley does that she's being stalked and attacked. He tries to keep her safe and that means calling in the K2 team as he realizes he can't do it alone. I missed the clues as to the identity of the person but when it was revealed, it seemed obvious and I couldn't believe I missed it. To be honest, there were times I was more worried about the safety of Riley's cats than of Riley. What can I say, I'm a cat person. The interaction between Cody and his teammates was fun but also strong. They are there for each other whether it's a kick in the butt or a unquestioned help in a crisis.

"Only Her" was a sweet, mildly steamy, romance that kept me smiling, and I sniffled a little too.