Year of the Dog

Mahina Security series, Book 3

A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel

Releasing in 2026

They both have baggage. Only one has a leash.

Mari Mutou, a professional dog trainer, is having a bad year.

While renovating her new kenneling and training facility, she’s forced to move back in with her critical family, who treat her career like an embarrassment. To avoid more conflict, she convinces her ex-boyfriend to watch her dog for a few months … only to discover that the dog’s temporary caretaker is his older brother, Ashwin Keitou—the grumpy security expert whose car she accidentally rear-ended weeks ago.

Ashwin’s life is already overloaded. His beloved but demanding aunt has unexpectedly moved in, his freeloading brother brought along a dog, and now Mari—quirky, kind-hearted, and far too cheerful—keeps showing up in his life. When a private investigator friend asks Ashwin to keep an eye on her after a suspicious break-in at her facility links to a cold missing person case, he reluctantly agrees.

But as they navigate complicated pasts, strained family expectations, and an unexpected attraction, they challenge each other in ways neither anticipated. Mari finds herself deeply touched by Ashwin’s loyalty and faith, seeing a man whose trust in God has carried him through betrayal and loss. And Ashwin sees how Mari’s joyful spirit masks the wounds on her heart and might help him finally face his own scars.

Mari and Ashwin must quickly learn to trust each other when danger begins creeping too close. Some secrets don’t want to be found—and someone will do anything to keep the past buried.