Warrior's Instinct

Cerberus Tactical K9 Team Bravo, Book 1

By: Fiona Quinn

Narrated by: Aiden Snow

It'll take every instinct this warrior has to get them out alive . . .

Heath "Ares" Sterling thought he'd never see Hailey again. But now that fate—and Iniquus Logistics—has brought them together again, he'll do whatever it takes to earn a second chance with the one who got away. If only they were meeting under less deadly circumstances . . .

Hailey Stapleton hates the idea of being a damsel in distress. But when her latest humanitarian efforts land her in a warzone, she needs help fast. It shouldn't surprise her that Ares races to her rescue—or that she's as attracted to him as ever. Too bad their timing couldn't be worse . . .

Can Ares—and his K9 partner Judge—get Hailey to safety and convince her to take one more shot at happily ever after? His instincts say yes.

Racing against time, Ares's job is keeping Hailey alive as they struggle together for survival and a chance at forever love.

Contains mature themes.

©2022 Fiona Quinn (P)2023 Tantor

Good story

I liked the interaction with K9's. They were an integral part of story. Great interaction.

Absolutely Outstanding!

Based loosely on today’s world events, Fiona Quinn has given an excellent storyline backed by believable characters and incredible happenings. This will remain my favorite Cerebis book, out of many great ones. I highly recommend this marvelous book. The Audible version is equally incredible, don’t miss it!

Engaging, entertaining, enjoyable!!!

This is Hailey's and Ares' story (along with K9 Judge!). It's a story of togetherness and separation, joy and pain, of planning and chance. I loved all the various parts to the story such as the results of the training of the K9s and their various specialities, the way logistics works, the things about an invasion, the varied personalities of the characters and how they can mesh. The performance is very good. This is a very engaging, entertaining, enjoyable book!

Timely Topic

I love Aiden Snow’s narration. The story itself seems very scarily like something that could happen. Lastly I love the theme of lovers reunited (after tragedy ripped them apart.)

Highly recommend.

Support each other in time of need

Really liked how well people from different countries got along. Even if they don’t speak the same language they can understand each other.

Great Story

This was a wonderful love story, you can feel the heart break and the thrill of reuniting. It really has it all!

K9 hero

A very good story of love and sacrifice.humanitarian efforts and survival. Overall great ending perfect

Cerberus Hearts

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🩷
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌏
Character development: 😋🙂😘🥰🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Solo Narration

🦸🏻‍♂️ Hero Spotlight: Ares

Ares is a Green Beret K-9 handler stationed in Africa, tasked with training and advising local military forces. Stoic, loyal, and quietly intense, he’s bonded not only to his mission but to his dog Judge—a fiercely protective Belgian Malinois. When Ares meets Hailey, a humanitarian worker with a heart as strong as her convictions, it’s instant connection. Their love blooms in a fragile landscape, and even Judge falls for her, shadowing her like a guardian. Ares proposes, and Hailey says yes—but fate has other plans.

🦸🏼‍♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Hailey

Hailey works for World Cares NGO, originally arriving in Africa to help a village recover from an earthquake. What was meant to be a short-term mission turns into a year-long commitment. Alongside her friend Kibbi, she runs a school and spearheads clean water and solar energy initiatives for local women. Though the region simmers with tension, Hailey never witnesses violence—until the day everything changes.

🔥 Plot Pulse

A brutal militia attack on the school compound leaves Hailey the sole survivor. Her survival is owed to Ares and Judge, but the trauma sears her soul—and her connection to Ares becomes tangled in grief. She returns to Kansas to heal, and years pass before their paths cross again.

In the present day, Ares and Judge are part of Cerberus Team Bravo, a K-9 tactical unit with Inniquus Security near Washington, D.C. Hailey remains committed to humanitarian work, now coordinating global aid efforts. When tensions rise in Eastern Europe, she’s tasked with pre-positioning supplies in a vulnerable Russian town. But when the transport falls through, a risky plan emerges: enlist a security team headed to the same town. That team? Ares and Judge.

❤️‍🔥 What Hit Home

• 🌍 Immersive World-Building: The author’s research shines—whether it’s the logistics of humanitarian aid or the precision of K-9 operations, the realism adds weight and urgency.
• 💔 Second-Chance Romance Done Right: I’m not usually drawn to this trope, but the emotional complexity here worked. Hailey’s trauma and her association of Ares with the worst day of her life made their reunion feel earned and raw.
• 🎬 High-Stakes Action: The pacing is relentless. Just when you think the characters are safe, the war erupts, pulling them into danger and suspense.

🤨 Room to Grow

• 🧠 More of Hailey’s Inner World: While Ares’ POV dominates, I craved deeper insight into Hailey’s emotional recovery and her decision to distance herself. Her silence speaks volumes—but I wanted to hear her thoughts.

🎧 Narration Vibes

Narrated in dual POV by Aiden Snow (solo performance), this audiobook surprised me. I typically prefer dual narrators, but Snow’s voice—deep, resonant, and emotionally grounded—carries both perspectives with skill. He brings Ares’ intensity and Hailey’s vulnerability to life in a way that feels intimate and authentic.

📝 Final Thoughts

This audiobook delivers a gripping blend of romance, trauma recovery, and geopolitical tension. The emotional stakes are high, the action unrelenting, and the narration pitch-perfect. If you’re looking for a second-chance romance with teeth—and a dog who steals the show—this one’s worth the listen.

Potential. But Fell Short.

The character development is lacking. I didn’t invest in Ares or Haley. I didn’t get enough to buy into their initial relationship. I didn’t feel the angst in their relationship. I didn’t get the insta-reconnect as I didn’t really get the break in the relationship initially. And if you are hoping for Rescue dog insight...forget it. Many timely current events could have been explored and presented and grabbed the listener more intently.
The plot had so much potential. I was very interested in the NPO prep and implementation, but it didn't materialize.
I am usually a fan of Snow, but his low register and his cadence made speeding this up a challenge.
If it is free in the plus catalog, it would help you fall asleep. Otherwise, it’s tough to stay engaged with the listen..,Andrews and Wilson its not.